Chevy Chase Is 83! See the Emmy Winner’s Life in Photos, from “SNL” Pioneer to Becoming a Grandpa

**Chevy Chase Turns 83: A Look Back at the Comedian’s Colourful Career**

Comedian and actor Chevy Chase has entered his 83rd year, marking a remarkable journey that has left an indelible mark on the worlds of television and film. Best known as one of the original cast members of the iconic *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), Chase’s career began in the 1970s and has been characterised by both significant achievements and considerable controversy.

Born Cornelius Crane Chase on 8 October 1943 in New York City, Chevy grew up in the Bronx before moving to Massachusetts, where he graduated valedictorian from a boarding school. Initially embarking on a pre-med path at Bard College, he later shifted his focus to the arts, particularly comedy and music. His talents first emerged as a drummer for bands including Leather Canary and Chameleon Church, before he joined the comedy ensemble Channel One in 1967.

Chase’s major breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the inaugural cast of *Saturday Night Live*. Alongside the likes of John Belushi and Gilda Radner, he helped create the memorable “Weekend Update” segment, co-writing it with individuals such as Herb Sargent and Al Franken. The comedian earned three Emmy Awards during his time on the show, two of which were attributed to his work on *SNL*. Although he departed the show mid-way through its second season, he has made numerous guest appearances over the decades.

Following his exit from *SNL*, Chase transitioned to film, where he achieved significant success with projects like *Caddyshack* in 1980 and *National Lampoon’s Vacation* in 1983. The latter film not only became a cultural phenomenon but also spawned multiple sequels, further entrenching Chase’s status as a Hollywood icon.

In a notable personal development, Chase married Jayni, who was then a production coordinator, in 1982. The pair met while working on the film *Under the Rainbow*, and together they have raised three daughters — Cydney, Caley, and Emily. Jayni has frequently spoken about her initial impressions of Chase, revealing that his charm and good nature soon won her over.

Chase continued to receive acclaim in the 1990s and 2000s with films like *Memoirs of an Invisible Man* and *Hot Tub Time Machine*. However, he also ventured back into television with the NBC comedy *Community*, where he portrayed the character Pierce Hawthorne. Despite becoming a fan favourite, Chase’s time on the show was fraught with tension, particularly in his relationship with showrunner Dan Harmon. Their disagreements culminated in an infamous incident that led to a leak of a profane voicemail Chase left for Harmon, revealing the fraught nature of their professional dynamic.

In 2012, after several reported conflicts, Chase departed *Community*, causing considerable speculation and scrutiny. The comedian later expressed regret about his treatment on the set and described a misunderstanding surrounding an incident involving inappropriate remarks. Chase has denied being racist and reflected on how his humour may have been misinterpreted by younger cast members who were unfamiliar with his previous work.

Chase’s life has not been without difficulties. In 2021, he suffered a serious health crisis resulting from heart failure, necessitating a coma that led to forgetfulness regarding past conflicts and events in his life. This struggle adds a layer of poignancy to his returning to public life, as he continues to navigate his legacy in comedy.

Looking ahead, Chase’s connection to the legendary *Saturday Night Live* remains strong. In February 2025, he attended the SNL 50 celebration, where he expressed disappointment at being sidelined during the festivities. Reflecting on the experience, Chase commented on the unexpected exclusion from a show that had utilized his contributions so significantly in the past.

Today, Chase tends to keep a more private profile compared to his earlier years while still sharing glimpses of his personal life on social media. In recent weeks, he celebrated the birth of his first grandchild, Ivy Jay Baglieri, marking a new chapter in his family life.

As Chevy Chase celebrates his birthday this year, it is a time for reflection on a career that has spanned several decades, filled with comedic brilliance and marked by his unconventional approach. His unique personality has as many admirers as it does critics, but one thing is undeniable: Chase’s influence on comedy remains significant, securing his place in the annals of entertainment history.