Chevy Chase Opens Up About 2021 Heart Scare in New Documentary

Chevy Chase is sharing his journey from a serious health scare that nearly claimed his life in 2021, as revealed in the upcoming documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not. Scheduled to premiere on January 1, 2024, the film provides insight into the actor’s five-week hospitalization due to a heart condition.

Chase, now aged 82, experienced a critical heart issue that led to his hospitalization. His daughter, Caley Chase, expressed her concerns during the documentary, stating that her father “has basically come back from the dead.” The severity of his condition was highlighted by his wife, Jayni Chase, who recalled the harrowing moment when doctors informed the family that his heart had stopped.

As described in the documentary, doctors diagnosed Chase with alcohol cardiomyopathy, a disorder resulting from excessive alcohol consumption that weakens the heart muscle. “During those years he was drinking, he got cardiomyopathy; when the heart muscles get weaker, and they can’t pump as much blood out with each beat,” Jayni explained. His longtime friend, Peter Aaron, revealed that Chase was placed in a coma for approximately eight days following the heart failure.

The family was faced with grim news during this time, as medical professionals advised them to “prepare yourselves for the worst,” indicating they might not get him back. Even if he recovered, they were uncertain about his cognitive presence. Chase spent five weeks in the hospital, a period marked by uncertainty but ultimately leading to his recovery. In a statement to Page Six after his return home, he expressed relief, saying, “I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good.”

In previous conversations about his health, Chase discussed his diagnosis of heart failure. He confirmed in the documentary, “Heart failure is what it is,” while reassuring viewers that he is currently “fine now.”

Chase’s career has spanned decades, with his rise to fame stemming from his role as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. He was the first cast member to leave the show after its inaugural season, opting to pursue a music career. Recently, the iconic sketch comedy series celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live special featuring past and present cast members.

Notably, Chase attended the anniversary event but did not participate in the celebrations, which he admitted was upsetting. “This is probably the first time I’m saying it. But I expected that I would’ve been on the stage too with all the other actors,” Chase said in the documentary. He reached out to Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, about his exclusion but later downplayed it as a joke. Still, he expressed feelings of disappointment, stating, “It hurt.”

As Chase reflects on his health and career, his experience underscores the importance of resilience and the support of family and friends. The documentary promises to offer a deeper understanding of his journey, capturing both the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.