Cornelius Crane Chase, A.K.A. Chevy Chase, born on October 8, 1943, is an American comedian, actor, and writer. Chase is known for several roles in Hollywood. From being a key cast member on the first season of “Saturday Night Live” to having his late-night talk show in 1993, this actor has given people a run for their money. Chase has a career that spans over five decades. He’s been in 101 films and television shows, written 14 productions, and produced a T.V. show and a documentary. He’s a veteran Hollywood actor who is very well-deserving of a celebration on his birthday today.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Cornelius Crane Chase
Nickname:
Chevy
Birth date:
October 8, 1943
Age:
80
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
6' 3"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$50 million
Background
Cornelius Crane Chase, better known as Chevy Chase, was born on October 8, 1943, in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City. He is an American actor and writer who is a staple name in Hollywood. He’s a Libra and grew up in Woodstock. His father went to Princeton as a book editor/magazine writer, while his mother was a concert pianist. They divorced when he was four, and both parents remarried. Chase attended Riverdale Country School and graduated from Stockbridge School in 1962. He graduated from Bard College, New York, with a B.A. in English in 1967.
In 1967, Chase co-founded the comedy ensemble Channel One. In 1975, he became one of the original cast members for the first season of “Saturday Night Live.” He also committed to “S.N.L.” as a writer for a year. He received two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his comedy writing and acting on the show. He left “S.N.L.” in the middle of its second season. Chase’s earliest film roles go back to the late ‘60s. In the ‘70s, he earned recognition as an actor with “Tunnel Vision” (1976) and “Foul Play” (1978). In 1980, he starred in “Caddyshack.” The actor narrowly escaped death by a lightning strike on the set of “Modern Problems” (1981). He then starred in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), which raked in $61 million on a $15 million budget. By the late ‘80s, Chase was an in-demand actor and earned about $7 million per film. In 1993, he began hosting “The Chevy Chase Show,” but it got canceled after five weeks. That year, Chase got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1997, he starred as Clark Griswold in “Vegas Vacation,” which grossed over $60 million. Chase has appeared in several more productions, and in 2019, he played Al Hart in “The Last Laugh.”
Chase is a very successful actor and writer with many movies. As one that has been in the spotlight for decades, Chase’s personal life is public information. He married Susan Hewitt in 1973, and they divorced three years later. He then married Jacqueline Carlin in 1976, and they divorced in 1980. Chase married his current wife, Jayni Luke, in 1982, and they have three daughters.
Career timeline
Chase co-founds the underground comedy ensemble, Channel One.
Chase becomes an original cast member of the first season of “Saturday Night Live.”
Chase stars as Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
Chase begins hosting his show, “The Chevy Chase Show.”
Chase plays Al Hart in “The Last Laugh.”
Why We Love Chevy Chase
He’s talented
Chase is very talented. His acting and comedy writing skills are top-notch.
His transparency
Chase’s transparency about his addiction to painkillers and alcoholism motivated individuals struggling with drug or substance abuse to get clean. His transparency inspired people to turn their lives around.
He’s a philanthropist
Chase is a philanthropist and environmentalist. He has contributed to countless charities and causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
5 Surprising Facts
He was abused
Chase revealed in a biography that his mother and stepfather abused him physically and psychologically.
He was expelled
Chase didn’t graduate from Riverdale because he got expelled.
He had several odd jobs
Before fame, Chase was a busboy, cab driver, truck driver, fruit picker, and salesman.
He was valedictorian
Chase was the valedictorian of Stockbridge School.
His nickname is from his grandmother
Chase’s nickname, “Chevy,” was given to him by his maternal grandmother.
Chevy Chase FAQs
Who did Chevy Chase fight with?
Chase once got into a fist fight with Bill Murray.
Are Chevy Chase and Steve Martin friends?
Yes, Chase and Martin are indeed friends.
What medical condition did Chevy Chase have?
Chase had near-fatal heart failure.
Chevy Chase’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | October 8 | Tuesday |
2025 | October 8 | Wednesday |
2026 | October 8 | Thursday |
2027 | October 8 | Friday |
2028 | October 8 | Sunday |