Chevy Chase opens up about a serious health crisis that nearly cost him his life in a new documentary titled *I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not*, set to premiere on January 1, 2024, on CNN. The 82-year-old actor reflects on his hospitalization in 2021, during which he faced significant heart issues that resulted in a five-week stay in the hospital.
In the documentary, Chase’s daughter, Caley, describes the severity of the situation, stating that her father “has basically come back from the dead.” His wife, Jayni, recounts a terrifying moment when Chase’s heart stopped, leading them to rush to the emergency room.
“Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops,” Jayni recalls in the film. The medical team diagnosed Chase with cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump blood effectively, often linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
Doctors placed Chase in a medically induced coma for about eight days during the ordeal. His family received grim news, with medical professionals advising them to prepare for the worst. They were told, “We might not get him back,” and even if he survived, there was uncertainty about his recovery.
After spending five weeks in the hospital, Chase expressed relief at being home with his family. He told *Page Six*, “I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good.” Although he did not provide extensive details about his condition at the time, he later confirmed his diagnosis of alcohol-related cardiomyopathy in a 2018 interview with *The Washington Post*, stating, “Heart failure is what it is.”
Chase, known for his role in *National Lampoon’s Vacation*, first gained fame as one of the original cast members of *Saturday Night Live*. After leaving the show at the end of its first season, he aimed to pursue a career in music. His absence from the recent 50th anniversary celebrations of *SNL* was notable. Chase attended the event but was not included in the on-stage segments, which he found disappointing.
“It was kind of upsetting, actually,” Chase admitted in the documentary. “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.” He mentioned that he reached out to *SNL* creator Lorne Michaels about his exclusion but later downplayed it as a joke, feeling that someone made an oversight.
Chase’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of family support during difficult times. His journey from a life-threatening health scare to recovery highlights both the challenges he faced and his resilience. As he prepares for the release of his documentary, fans and viewers alike can look forward to an intimate glimpse into the life of this beloved comedian and actor.
