UPDATE: Iconic comedian Chevy Chase opens up about a life-threatening heart scare that nearly took his life in 2021, revealing shocking details in an upcoming documentary set to premiere on January 1, 2024, on CNN.
Chase, now 82 years old, spent a harrowing five weeks in the hospital after his heart stopped, leading doctors to place him in a coma for eight days. His daughter, Caley Chase, stated, “He has basically come back from the dead,” highlighting the grave situation the family faced.
In the documentary titled, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” Chase’s wife, Jayni Chase, recalls the moment they rushed to the emergency room when his heart failed, saying, “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong.” The severity of the situation prompted doctors to inform the family to “prepare yourselves for the worst.”
Chase’s health complications stemmed from a diagnosis of alcohol cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle due to excessive drinking. In a poignant reflection, he stated, “Heart failure is what it is,” but reassured fans that he is “fine now.”
The former Saturday Night Live star has a storied career and was one of the show’s original cast members. However, he expressed disappointment at not being included in the recent 50th anniversary special of SNL, which he attended but did not participate in. “It was kind of upsetting, actually,” he said, revealing his feelings of exclusion.
In a candid moment, Chase shared that he reached out to SNL creator Lorne Michaels about his exclusion but later downplayed it as a joke, stating, “I felt as if somebody made a mistake, and that they should’ve had me on that stage. It hurt.”
As fans eagerly await the premiere of the documentary, Chase’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the fragility of life. His experience sheds light on the importance of heart health awareness and underscores the challenges faced by those struggling with similar health issues.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into Chevy Chase’s remarkable journey and the lessons learned during his recovery.