UPDATE: Original “Saturday Night Live” star Chevy Chase has publicly expressed his disappointment over not being included in the show’s 50th anniversary celebration. Speaking candidly, Chase stated, “Somebody made a mistake. They should’ve had me on that stage. It hurt.”
The remarks come after the milestone event aired on February 2023, where fellow cast members like Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman took the spotlight. Chase, who was a pivotal figure in the show’s early years as the co-creator and first anchor of the iconic “Weekend Update,” voiced his confusion about the omission. “When Garrett and Laraine went on stage, I was curious as to why I didn’t. No one asked me to. Why was I left aside?” he questioned.
In a recent interview, Chase suggested that the decision must have been a significant oversight. “I did bring it up once in a text to Lorne [Michaels] and then took it back,” Chase added, admitting that he felt it was more than just a trivial matter. “Somebody made a bad mistake there. I don’t know who it was, but they should’ve had me on that stage. It hurt.”
Chase’s wife, Jayni Chase, revealed that there were discussions about featuring him in the anniversary show, with conflicting information leading up to the event. “People told Chevy up until that day that there were two bits, they were going back and forth,” she explained.
Chase’s sentiments echo a growing concern among fans and industry insiders about recognition for original cast members who shaped the show’s legacy. “Why was Bill Murray there and why was I not? I don’t have an answer for that,” Chase remarked, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the event’s planning.
The emotional impact of the exclusion is palpable, as Chase has been a significant contributor to the show’s history. With moments like this, the conversation about legacy and recognition in entertainment continues to resonate, raising questions about how iconic figures are honored in major celebrations.
As fans react to Chase’s statements, many are left wondering if this will spark a broader discussion within the entertainment community about inclusivity and recognition of past contributors. What remains to be seen is how SNL will address these concerns moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Chase’s comments have ignited interest and debate among fans and media alike.
