Before SNL
Cornelius Crane Chase, or as he’s more commonly known as Chevy, was born on October 8, 1943 in New York City. Despite growing up in a home environment where his mother regularly subjected him to physical abuse, Chevy managed to become his high school’s valedictorian and earn a B.A. in English from Bard College.
After leaving college, Chevy worked at various odd jobs with the goal of one day developing a career in comedy. His first big break in the comedy business came when he started writing for Smothers Brothers and National Lampoon. Chevy’s first job as a performer was with the New York based video comedy group, Channel One. This would ultimately set Chevy up with his first movie, Groove Tube, and subsequently get him noticed by none other than NBC’s Lorne Michaels.
Studio 8H
Initially hired as only a writer, Chevy earned a place for himself as a cast member by creating the most continuously run recurring sketch in SNL history in the form of Weekend Update (for those unfamiliar, it’s a satirical news report on the events of the past week).
With his initial role on the show as the anchor of Weekend Update Chevy quickly made a name for himself and began to be featured in other various sketches. One of Chevy’s other notable sketches was his infamous Landshark sketch.
After winning two Primetime Emmys in 1975 and being nominated for the same two awards in 1976, Chevy decided to leave SNL to pursue a career as a film actor.
Outside Work
Chevy’s abundance of confidence and his deadpan style of humor (what would come to be seen as his trademark) quickly won him a host of adoring fans. His first major film success after leaving SNL was his 1980 film with Rodney Dangerfield entitled Caddyshack.
Following the success of Caddyshack, Chevy teamed up with his former employers at National Lampoon in 1983 to make, what is often referred to as his best film, National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Chevy would go on to film two sequels to Vacation in 1985 and 1989. Some other notable Chevy Chase films were Fletch in 1985, as well as ¡Three Amigos! with Steve Martin and Martin Short in 1986. Chevy’s most recent work was as part of the cast for the NBC sitcom, Community (2009-2014).
Opinion
Chevy Chase might not be considered one of the legends of Saturday night with respects to his sketch comedy prowess. However, he is a legend because he effectively helped solidify the foundation SNL has been building upon for thirty-nine years. (Fun Fact: Chevy holds the record for most host appearances among former cast members with eight) Without Chevy, it’s very possible that SNL would have never reached the format and the level of popularity that we see today.
