A new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” details the health struggles faced by comedian Chevy Chase, who was placed in a coma for approximately eight days following heart failure during the pandemic. The film, scheduled to premiere on January 1, 2024, on CNN, offers a candid look into the life of the now-82-year-old actor and the impact of his medical emergency on both him and his family.
In 2021, reports indicated that Chase spent five weeks in the hospital due to undisclosed heart issues. His daughter, Caley Chase, shared in the documentary that her father “has basically come back from the dead” after his near-fatal episode. “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops,” his wife, Jayni Chase, recounted.
Chase’s health complications stemmed from a condition known as cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscles and impairs their ability to pump blood effectively. Jayni Chase noted that this deterioration was exacerbated by years of alcohol consumption. “They decided to put him into a coma for maybe eight days,” revealed Peter Aaron, a longtime friend of Chase’s. He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “That’s pretty rough on the body.”
The family faced a grim prognosis during this difficult period. “The doctor had warned us: ‘We might not get him back. We don’t know how present he’ll be. Prepare yourselves for the worst,’” Caley recalled. Fortunately, Chase eventually regained consciousness, though he initially struggled to communicate. She imitated the disoriented noises he made upon waking, highlighting the confusion he experienced.
Chase’s road to recovery was challenging. Aaron noted that it took time for him to “reorient himself” after the coma, as he faced some cognitive difficulties. To help regain his mental clarity, Chase engaged in activities like playing cards and chess. In a statement made in 2021, he expressed relief at being back home with his family. “I’m feeling good. I was in the hospital five weeks. A heart issue. So, for now, I’m around the house. Not going anywhere,” he said.
The documentary also addresses the lingering effects of his health crisis on Chase’s memory. He acknowledged that his condition has resulted in significant memory gaps. “According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it. That’s what’s happened here,” he stated. Throughout the film, when confronted with past incidents, including disputes from his time on Saturday Night Live and Community, Chase admitted he could not recall many details.
In a poignant moment, Chase expressed his feelings about being excluded from the SNL 50th anniversary special, a decision that took him by surprise. He stated, “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 mentioned that he had brought it up to Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, but ultimately downplayed his feelings about the exclusion.
Chase’s reflections in the documentary reveal a complex blend of gratitude for his recovery and disappointment over past events. Despite the challenges posed by heart failure, he maintains a positive outlook, stating, “Heart failure is what it is. I’m fine now. It’s just that it affects your memory, the doctors have told me that. So, I have to be reminded of things.”
As viewers anticipate the documentary’s release, it promises to shed light on both the personal and professional challenges faced by one of America’s beloved comedians. Chase’s journey serves not only as a testament to resilience but also highlights the profound impact of health on memory and relationships.
