Chevy Chase Opens Up About Life-Threatening Heart Scare

Chevy Chase, the iconic American actor, is sharing his harrowing experience following a serious heart condition that required extensive hospital treatment. In the forthcoming documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, set to premiere on January 1, 2024, he and his family reveal the details of his health crisis that left him hospitalized for five weeks in 2021.

Chase’s daughter, Caley, describes the moment they rushed him to the emergency room, stating that he “has basically come back from the dead.” His wife, Jayni, elaborates on the situation, recounting that Chase’s heart had stopped. “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong,” she said. “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.”

In the documentary, his longtime friend, Peter Aaron, reveals that doctors placed Chase in a coma for approximately eight days following his heart failure. The family faced a grim prognosis, as doctors advised them to “prepare yourselves for the worst,” indicating they might not bring him back and, even if they did, his cognitive presence was uncertain.

Chase spent five weeks in the hospital, though he did not provide details of his illness at that time. Upon his return home, he expressed gratitude for being with his family again. “I’m feeling good,” he told Page Six shortly after his discharge. “I was in the hospital five weeks. A heart issue. So, for now, I’m around the house. Not going anywhere.”

In previous interviews, Chase has discussed his diagnosis of alcohol cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle due to excessive alcohol consumption. In a 2018 conversation with The Washington Post, he stated, “Heart failure is what it is,” but emphasized that he is “fine now.”

Chase, known for his role in National Lampoon’s Vacation and as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, has had a long and storied career in Hollywood. He left SNL after its first season, aiming to pursue a music career, but remains a beloved figure in comedy.

In February 2025, the popular sketch comedy show celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live special that included both current and former cast members. Although Chase attended the event, he was not included in the on-stage performances, which he described in the documentary as “kind of upsetting.” He expressed disappointment at being overlooked, stating, “It hurt.”

Chase reached out to SNL creator Lorne Michaels regarding his exclusion but later retracted his comments, attempting to frame it as a joke. In reality, he felt that “somebody made a mistake, and that they should’ve had me on that stage.”

As he continues to recover from his health challenges, Chase’s candid reflections in the documentary offer insight into his journey. He conveys a sense of resilience, highlighting the support of his family and the importance of facing life’s challenges head-on.