Chevy Chase was in eight day coma after heart failure: 'Back from the dead'
- - Chevy Chase was in eight day coma after heart failure: 'Back from the dead'
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY December 28, 2025 at 4:24 AM
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Comedian Chevy Chase revealed he was in a coma for eight days after experiencing heart failure in 2021, a new documentary revealed.
Though the "Saturday Night Live" alum's five-week hospitalization in New York was reported in March 2021, his specific heart issues were not disclosed to the public. The upcoming CNN documentary titled "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not" explained the severity of his health scare and confirmed he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Doctors decided to put Chase, 82, into a medically induced coma, which lasted eight days, his friend Peter Aaron said in the documentary, adding, "That's pretty rough on the body."
"(He) has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure," Chase's daughter, Caley Chase, said in the documentary. "The doctor had warned us we might not get him back: 'We don’t know how present he’ll be. Prepare yourselves for the worst.' He woke up, all he could do was use his voice."
Chevy Chase speaks at the premiere of CNN Films' "I'm Chevy Chase, and You're Not" at Crosby Street Hotel on Dec. 4, 2025, in New York City.
Jayni Chase, his wife since 1982, said the cardiomyopathy diagnosis came "during those years he was drinking," and his weakened heart muscles slowed blood circulation. The health issues had a favorable resolution as the "Community" star said he "is fine now."
The comedian, 82, was part of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and after leaving the show starred in a string of hit comedies throughout the 1980s, including "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation."With the documentary "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" set to premiere on CNN, scroll through for a look back at Chase's career, starting with Chase with his "Saturday Night Live" costars in 1975.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Chevy Chase is looking back on a lifetime of laughs in a new documentary about his distinguished comedy career.The comedian, 82, was part of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and after leaving the show starred in a string of hit comedies throughout the 1980s, including "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation."With the documentary "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" set to premiere on CNN, scroll through for a look back at Chase's career, starting with Chase with his "Saturday Night Live" costars in 1975.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZPdIYJ1Yn_2MX9sNZveCdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ef9b3e85e9e2f9a4c80f3691ace43012 class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase is looking back on a lifetime of laughs in a new documentary about his distinguished comedy career.The comedian, 82, was part of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and after leaving the show starred in a string of hit comedies throughout the 1980s, including "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation."With the documentary "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" set to premiere on CNN, scroll through for a look back at Chase's career, starting with Chase with his "Saturday Night Live" costars in 1975.
">Chevy Chase is looking back on a lifetime of laughs in a new documentary about his distinguished comedy career.The comedian, 82, was part of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and after leaving the show starred in a string of hit comedies throughout the 1980s, including "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation."With the documentary "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" set to premiere on CNN, scroll through for a look back at Chase's career, starting with Chase with his "Saturday Night Live" costars in 1975.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZPdIYJ1Yn_2MX9sNZveCdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ef9b3e85e9e2f9a4c80f3691ace43012 class=caas-img>Chevy Chase was known for his recurring "Weekend Update" anchor role on "Saturday Night Live."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jE0RBgNnRvUlb0KpXHSD4Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b93d261c3682bbd7ca21004795c821db class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase was known for his recurring "Weekend Update" anchor role on "Saturday Night Live."
">Chevy Chase was known for his recurring "Weekend Update" anchor role on "Saturday Night Live."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jE0RBgNnRvUlb0KpXHSD4Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b93d261c3682bbd7ca21004795c821db class=caas-img>One of Chevy Chase's iconic roles was as Clark Griswold in the 1985 film "National Lampoon's Vacation" alongside Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen, Anthony Michael Hall as his son Rusty and Dana Barron as his daughter Audrey.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZZutc.42n6hI_vHNv05YlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4c28dcdc721730878f75f26fff8b9adc class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
One of Chevy Chase's iconic roles was as Clark Griswold in the 1985 film "National Lampoon's Vacation" alongside Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen, Anthony Michael Hall as his son Rusty and Dana Barron as his daughter Audrey.
">One of Chevy Chase's iconic roles was as Clark Griswold in the 1985 film "National Lampoon's Vacation" alongside Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen, Anthony Michael Hall as his son Rusty and Dana Barron as his daughter Audrey.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZZutc.42n6hI_vHNv05YlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4c28dcdc721730878f75f26fff8b9adc class=caas-img>Chevy Chase in the 1989 film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xhoHraAD_6vOIib3mrchQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1f2f8a0990f2fad91bc37b77a79c77d class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase in the 1989 film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
">Chevy Chase in the 1989 film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xhoHraAD_6vOIib3mrchQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1f2f8a0990f2fad91bc37b77a79c77d class=caas-img>Chevy Chase starred in the 1997 film "Vegas Vacation."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RM_d3WZCsjHSBDIg5jtwfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/289edd828795829698f38c7c14920cdb class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase starred in the 1997 film "Vegas Vacation."
">Chevy Chase starred in the 1997 film "Vegas Vacation."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RM_d3WZCsjHSBDIg5jtwfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/289edd828795829698f38c7c14920cdb class=caas-img>Chevy Chase appeared in the 2000 film "Snow Day."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BMjZyOBj51tC4kNnY3d1jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4491891bb3f5daa4e8e644ec71bf05c4 class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase appeared in the 2000 film "Snow Day."
">Chevy Chase appeared in the 2000 film "Snow Day."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BMjZyOBj51tC4kNnY3d1jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4491891bb3f5daa4e8e644ec71bf05c4 class=caas-img>Chevy Chase, seen here with Gillian Jacobs, starred on the NBC sitcom "Community."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3PwgLr9mruFCgM2rHgZxfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/47e5e6c145530b53ab95cc8ddf0b9816 class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase, seen here with Gillian Jacobs, starred on the NBC sitcom "Community."
">Chevy Chase, seen here with Gillian Jacobs, starred on the NBC sitcom "Community."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3PwgLr9mruFCgM2rHgZxfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/47e5e6c145530b53ab95cc8ddf0b9816 class=caas-img>Chevy Chase appeared in the 2010 comedy film "Hot Tub Time Machine."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3PVSgJWBqUjomwTVmniLeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4edd3d4c725308c802cc24f6085b81af class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase appeared in the 2010 comedy film "Hot Tub Time Machine."
">Chevy Chase appeared in the 2010 comedy film "Hot Tub Time Machine."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3PVSgJWBqUjomwTVmniLeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4edd3d4c725308c802cc24f6085b81af class=caas-img>Chevy Chase returned as Clark Griswold in the 2015 film "Vacation" with Beverly D'angelo. Ed Helms starred as Rusty Griswold with Christina Applegate as Rusty's wife Debbie Griswold, along with Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins as their kids.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HMUN.LxFecXn2ZYww_JJ3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/935ffe3241c4a3d9a204d3137342a848 class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase returned as Clark Griswold in the 2015 film "Vacation" with Beverly D'angelo. Ed Helms starred as Rusty Griswold with Christina Applegate as Rusty's wife Debbie Griswold, along with Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins as their kids.
">Chevy Chase returned as Clark Griswold in the 2015 film "Vacation" with Beverly D'angelo. Ed Helms starred as Rusty Griswold with Christina Applegate as Rusty's wife Debbie Griswold, along with Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins as their kids.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HMUN.LxFecXn2ZYww_JJ3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/935ffe3241c4a3d9a204d3137342a848 class=caas-img>Chevy Chase poses for a portrait during the People's Choice Awards 2010 held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Jan. 6, 2010, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ybaMzLbc40mHKwlnSzr_Dw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5a6172055f03d1fc3d9712e748ee30cc class=caas-img data-headline="From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles" data-caption="
Chevy Chase poses for a portrait during the People's Choice Awards 2010 held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Jan. 6, 2010, in Los Angeles.
">Chevy Chase poses for a portrait during the People's Choice Awards 2010 held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Jan. 6, 2010, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ybaMzLbc40mHKwlnSzr_Dw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5a6172055f03d1fc3d9712e748ee30cc class=caas-img>
1 / 10From 'Caddyshack' to 'National Lampoon,' see Chevy Chase's memorable roles
Chevy Chase is looking back on a lifetime of laughs in a new documentary about his distinguished comedy career.The comedian, 82, was part of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and after leaving the show starred in a string of hit comedies throughout the 1980s, including "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation."With the documentary "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" set to premiere on CNN, scroll through for a look back at Chase's career, starting with Chase with his "Saturday Night Live" costars in 1975.
Chevy Chase says it hurt not being invited to 'SNL' 50th special
In the CNN documentary, the Emmy-winning performer also recounted his stint as an "SNL" veteran in 1975 and 1976. He was the first anchor and a co-creator of the satirical news segment "Weekend Update," dating back to Season 1 and starred alongside Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi and Gilda Radner
He also said it stung that he wasn't asked to appear in skits for the show's 50th anniversary on Feb. 16 like other former stars. He said he texted creator Lorne Michaels to voice his frustration.
"It was kind of upsetting, actually," Chase said. "And this will probably be the first time I’m saying it. But I expected that I would’ve been on the stage too with all of the other actors. When (former castmates) Garrett (Morris) and Laraine (Newman) went on the stage there, I was curious as to why I didn’t. No one asked me to. Why was I left aside?"
He continued: "Why was Bill Murray (on-stage)? Why was I not? I don’t have an answer for that. I did bring it up once in a text to Lorne and then took it back. I said: ‘OK, I take it back. It’s silly.’ But it’s not that silly. Somebody’s made a bad mistake there. I don’t know who it was, but somebody made a mistake. They should’ve had me on that stage. It hurt."
Contributing: Erin Jensen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chevy Chase was in eight day coma after heart failure, cardiomyopathy
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
