A new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” reveals the serious health challenges faced by comedian Chevy Chase, who was placed in a coma for approximately eight days after experiencing heart failure during the pandemic. The film, which premieres on January 1, 2024, on CNN, highlights the emotional and physical toll the health crisis took on Chase and his family.
In 2021, the now 82-year-old actor spent five weeks hospitalized due to undisclosed heart issues. “He has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure,” stated Chase’s daughter, Caley Chase, during the documentary. The gravity of the situation unfolded when his wife, Jayni Chase, described how they rushed to the emergency room when his heart stopped beating.
According to Jayni, Chase’s alcohol consumption in previous years contributed to his condition, leading to cardiomyopathy, a chronic disease 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,” she explained.
Chase’s longtime friend, Peter Aaron, elaborated on the severity of the situation, revealing, “They decided to put him into a coma for maybe eight days. That’s pretty rough on the body.” As the family faced uncertainty, the doctor warned them: “We might not get him back. We don’t know how present he’ll be. Prepare yourselves for the worst.”
Fortunately, Chase eventually awoke, although he faced challenges in reorienting himself to reality. Caley recalled moments when she recognized her father’s familiar humor when he responded to a nurse’s actions with, “That’s what she said.”
While Chase has expressed gratitude for recovering, he acknowledged the impact of his health crisis on his cognitive abilities. He confirmed, “According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it. That’s what’s happened here.” In the documentary, he candidly addressed his memory gaps while revisiting uncomfortable moments from his career, particularly from his time on “Saturday Night Live” and “Community.”
Chase expressed disappointment over his exclusion from the “SNL” 50th anniversary special, stating, “It was kind of upsetting, actually. 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 revealed he had previously raised the issue with Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, but later dismissed his initial concerns. “I said, ‘Okay, I take it back, 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.”
The documentary not only showcases Chase’s health journey but also provides insight into his reflections on personal and professional challenges. Viewers can expect an engaging portrayal of a beloved comedian navigating the complexities of recovery and remembrance.
As the documentary nears its premiere, fans and followers of Chase can look forward to a candid exploration of his life, resilience, and the humor that has defined his career.
