Chevy Chase: The Legendary Comedian And Actor

Chevy Chase's Net Worth: A Look at His Success

Let me tell you about Chevy Chase, the man who revolutionized comedy. Born Cornelius Crane Chase, Chevy is an American writer, comedian, and actor with a net worth of $50 million. Now that’s no small potatoes. He burst onto the scene in the 1970s as a pivotal member of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). His unique style of humor, characterized by impeccable physical comedy and a deadpan delivery, set him apart and made him a household name in American entertainment.

Back in the day, Chevy Chase was one of the first breakout stars on SNL. His role on the "Weekend Update" segment, where he famously said, "I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not," became a cultural touchstone. His time on SNL was brief but left an indelible mark, shaping the tone of the show and helping it achieve national acclaim. For his groundbreaking work, Chase took home three Primetime Emmy Awards, cementing his status as a comedic genius.

After SNL, Chevy's career soared to new heights in the film industry. The '80s were a golden era for him, starring in iconic comedies like "Caddyshack" (1980), "National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983), and its sequels. Playing Clark Griswold, the lovably bumbling father, became one of his most cherished roles. Films like "Fletch" (1985) and its sequel showed his versatility as a leading man, blending sharp wit with physical humor. His talent for making people laugh is unmatched.

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Chevy didn't stop there. He returned to television several times, notably on the hit series "Community," where he played the unforgettable character Pierce Hawthorne. This role introduced him to a younger generation and reminded everyone why he's such a comedic legend. Despite some personal and professional challenges, Chevy Chase remains a towering figure in comedy, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and influencing countless comedians who followed in his footsteps.

Early Life: The Roots of a Comedy Icon

Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase on October 8, 1943, in New York City, had a fascinating upbringing. He was the son of Edward Tinsley "Ned" Chase and Cathalene Parker. His mother was a talented concert pianist and librettist, adopted by her stepfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane. Chevy's family had a rich artistic heritage, with his paternal grandfather Edward Leigh Chase being an artist and illustrator, and his great-uncle Frank Swift Chase a renowned painter and teacher. His maternal grandmother, Cathalene, even performed at Carnegie Hall as an opera singer.

Chevy's parents divorced when he was just four years old, and his mother remarried twice, while his father wed into the Folgers coffee family. After graduating from the Stockbridge School in 1962, Chevy pursued higher education, starting at Haverford College before transferring to Bard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1967. Before becoming a household name, Chevy held various jobs, including cab driver, truck driver, construction worker, waiter, fruit picker, audio engineer, wine salesman, and theater usher. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his comedic sensibility and work ethic.

Career: The Journey of a Comedy Legend

Breaking Into Comedy

In 1967, Chevy co-founded the underground comedy ensemble Channel One, marking the beginning of his comedic journey. During this time, he also contributed to "Mad" magazine, writing a one-page parody of "Mission: Impossible" in 1970. By 1973, he had fully embraced comedy, working as a writer and cast member for the syndicated radio series "The National Lampoon Radio Hour." In October 1975, Chevy joined NBC's "Saturday Night Live" as one of its original cast members. On SNL, he anchored the "Weekend Update" segment, crafting his now-iconic catchphrase, "I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not." Rolling Stone magazine even ranked him tenth among all 141 SNL cast members for his overall importance, calling him possibly "the most underrated SNL player."

Transition to Film and Beyond

Chevy left SNL in late 1976, mid-season, but continued hosting the show eight times through 1997 and returned for various anniversary specials. His film career took off with early projects like "Tunnel Vision" (1976), "Foul Play" (1978), "Oh! Heavenly Dog" (1980), "Caddyshack" (1980), and "Seems Like Old Times" (1980). Other notable films include "Modern Problems" (1980), "National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983), "Fletch" (1985), "Spies Like Us" (1985), "Three Amigos" (1986), "National Lampoon's European Vacation" (1985), and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989). At his peak in the late '80s, Chevy was earning around $7 million per film.

The '90s weren't as kind to Chevy, with three consecutive box office flops: "Nothing but Trouble" (1991), "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" (1992), and "Cops & Robbersons" (1994), which collectively grossed only $34 million. The "National Lampoon" franchise also ended after "Vegas Vacation" in 1997. Since then, he's appeared in films like the 2006 comedy "Zoom." In 1993, he hosted the short-lived Fox talk show "The Chevy Chase Show," which was canceled after just five weeks. However, Chevy kept busy with guest appearances on shows like "Law & Order," "Brothers & Sisters," "Chuck," and "Family Guy." He rejoined NBC in 2009 as a cast member of the beloved sitcom "Community," leaving in 2012 after four seasons. Post-Community, he appeared in "Hot Tub Time Machine" (2010) and the Netflix film "The Last Laugh" (2019). More recent projects include "The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee," voicing King Karoth in "Panda vs. Aliens," and starring in the 2023 film "Zombie Town."

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Chevy's accolades include Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy – Variety or Music Series for SNL in 1976 and "The Paul Simon Special" in 1978. He was nominated for Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Motion Picture Acting Debut – Male for "Foul Play" in 1979. In 1993, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California in 1998. He was also named Hasty Pudding's 1993 Man of the Year and received "The Harvard Lampoon's" Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.

Notable Salaries: The Financial Highlights

At the peak of his career in the late '80s, Chevy earned a staggering $7 million per movie, equivalent to $15 million today. He commanded this salary for films like "Fletch" and "Fletch Lives." For "Christmas Vacation" in 1989, he earned $6 million, which translates to $12.5 million in today's dollars. He also made $6 million for "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" in 1992, $4 million for "Cops and Robbersons," $2 million for "Man of the House," and $4 million for "Vegas Vacation."

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Laughter

Chevy Chase has had a colorful personal life. He was married to Susan Hewitt from 1973 to 1976 and then to Jacqueline Carlin from 1976 to 1980. In 1982, he married his third wife, Jayni Luke, with whom he has three daughters. Chevy also has a son named Bryan Perkins from a relationship with an unidentified woman.

Throughout his life, Chevy has faced personal struggles. In 1986, he sought treatment for a prescription painkiller addiction at the Betty Ford Clinic. More recently, in 2016, he underwent treatment for alcoholism at the Hazelden Clinic. These challenges only add to the depth of his story and his resilience as a public figure.

Real Estate: Where He Calls Home

From 1990 to 2005, Chevy and Jayni resided in a luxurious home in LA's Pacific Palisades neighborhood, spanning five acres within a guarded, gated community. Chevy invested $1.2 million in renovations and improvements to the property. They listed it for sale in 1994 for $3 million but didn't find a buyer until 2005, when it was sold for an undisclosed amount. Today, the couple primarily lives in upstate New York, enjoying a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.