Chevy Chase At 82: 5 Surprising Facts About The National Lampoon Icon's Age, Net Worth, And 2025 Comeback

The legendary comedic actor Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase remains one of Hollywood's most enduring and, at times, controversial figures. As of today, December 10, 2025, the star of *National Lampoon's Vacation* and *Fletch* is 82 years old, having celebrated his most recent birthday in October. His longevity in the entertainment industry is a testament to the timeless nature of his characters, from the early days of *Saturday Night Live* to his most recent film appearances, proving that the spark of the original "Weekend Update" anchor still burns bright as he enters his ninth decade. Chevy Chase continues to make headlines, not just for his iconic past, but also for his active presence in the 2020s. Despite a career spanning over five decades, the actor has shown no signs of retiring, with a recent 2025 film appearance keeping his name current and relevant to a new generation of comedy fans who are rediscovering his work through classics like *Caddyshack* and the cult hit TV series *Community*.

Chevy Chase: Complete Biography and Profile

Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase, has a rich and storied background that predates his comedy breakthrough. He was born into a prominent New York family with deep roots in the city's elite society. His grandmother, an opera singer, reportedly gave him the nickname "Chevy" after the wealthy Maryland community of Chevy Chase.

• Full Name: Cornelius Crane Chase
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1943
• Current Age (as of Dec 10, 2025): 82 years old
• Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: Approximately 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
• Spouse: Jayni Chase (m. 1982), Jacqueline Carlin (m. 1976; div. 1980), Suzanne Hewitt (m. 1973; div. 1976)
• Children: 4 (Cydney, Caley, Emily, Bryan)
• Education: Bard College (B.A. in English)
• Known For: *Saturday Night Live* (Original Cast), *National Lampoon's Vacation* series (Clark Griswold), *Fletch* (Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher), *Caddyshack* (Ty Webb), *Community* (Pierce Hawthorne).
• Awards: Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.

Before achieving global fame, Chase worked as a writer for the *Smothers Brothers* and contributed to *National Lampoon* magazine. His early career was a blend of writing and performing, setting the stage for his eventual dominance in sketch comedy.

The SNL Breakthrough: From Writer to Star and the "Weekend Update" Legacy

Chevy Chase’s career trajectory changed forever in 1975 when he joined the inaugural cast of *Saturday Night Live* (SNL). He was initially hired as a writer but quickly became a breakout star. His physical comedy, particularly his famous pratfalls, and his signature opening line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" became instantly iconic.

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Chase was the first anchor of the show’s popular news parody segment, *Weekend Update*. His deadpan delivery and sharp wit set the tone for all future anchors. Despite his immense popularity, he made the bold decision to leave the show after only one season, a move that shocked the industry but paved the way for his successful film career.

His departure from SNL in 1976 is often cited as the first major talent loss for the show, but it launched him into the world of Hollywood blockbusters. This era established key topical authority entities like *Lorne Michaels*, *John Belushi*, and *Dan Aykroyd*, who were part of the original SNL cast alongside Chase.

The Golden Era of Film Comedy: Griswold, Fletch, and Ty Webb

The late 1970s and 1980s solidified Chevy Chase's status as a bankable movie star, centered on his persona as the well-meaning but often clumsy everyman. This period is rich with the LSI keywords that define his career:

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• Clark Griswold: Perhaps his most beloved role is the perpetually optimistic, disaster-prone patriarch in the *National Lampoon's Vacation* film series. Films like *National Lampoon's European Vacation* and the perennial holiday favorite, *National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation* (1989), cemented his status as a comedy legend.
• Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher: In the 1985 hit *Fletch*, Chase played the investigative reporter known for his quick wit and elaborate disguises. The film's success led to a sequel, *Fletch Lives*, and is often considered his best-rounded comedic performance.
• Ty Webb: His role as the zen-like, wealthy golfer in the 1980 classic *Caddyshack* is another cornerstone of his filmography. He starred alongside comedy giants like *Bill Murray* and *Rodney Dangerfield* in the now-cult classic.
• Other Hits: Chase also starred in other major comedy films, including *Three Amigos* (1986) with *Steve Martin* and *Martin Short*, and *Spies Like Us* (1985) with *Dan Aykroyd*.

These roles define the golden age of his career, establishing the comedic rhythm and persona that audiences flocked to see. His box office appeal during this time was immense, making him one of the highest-grossing comedy stars of the decade.

Chevy Chase's Career in the 2020s: Recent Roles and The 2025 Update

While the 1990s saw a dip in his film success, Chevy Chase experienced a notable comeback in the 2000s and 2010s, particularly with his role as the aging millionaire *Pierce Hawthorne* on the critically acclaimed television sitcom *Community* (2009–2014). This role introduced him to a new generation of fans and proved his ability to adapt his comedic style to modern television.

Despite his public feuds and controversial on-set behavior, which led to his eventual departure from *Community*, Chase has continued to take on roles in various projects. His filmography in the 2020s, as he navigated his late 70s and early 80s, highlights his enduring commitment to acting.

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The 2025 Film Update: "The Christmas Letter"

The most recent and notable update on Chevy Chase's career is his confirmed appearance in the 2025 film *The Christmas Letter*. This project, which reportedly features fellow comedy veteran *Randy Quaid*, places him directly back in the public eye. His role as "Norm De Plume" in the film, according to TV Guide, shows that filmmakers continue to leverage his comedic legacy.

Other recent roles include voice work in the animated film *Glisten and the Merry Mission* (2023) as Santa, and a role in the horror-comedy *RL Stine's Zombie* (2022). These diverse projects underscore his status as a working actor, long past the typical retirement age. At 82, Chevy Chase is not just resting on his laurels; he is actively contributing to the entertainment landscape, ensuring that the legacy of *Clark Griswold* and *Fletch* remains part of the current cultural conversation.