Comedy legend Chevy Chase has sparked widespread criticism after a viral clip from his new documentary captured him making a disparaging remark to its director. The 82-year-old star of Saturday Night Live and Community told filmmaker Marina Zenovich she was 'not bright enough' to understand him during an on-camera interview.
A Controversial Documentary Premiere
The incident features in the documentary I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not, which aims to rehabilitate the actor's reputation by exploring the struggles behind his notorious on-set behaviour and clashes with colleagues. In the now-viral exchange, Zenovich told Chase she was trying to 'figure him out'.
Chase responded bluntly: 'No s***, it's not going to be easy for you.' When Zenovich asked why, he retorted, 'You're not bright enough. How's that?' The clip has circulated rapidly on social media, drawing condemnation from viewers.
Public Backlash and Personal Regrets
Social media users were quick to voice their disapproval of Chase's conduct. On X, formerly Twitter, one person labelled him an 'insufferable old goat', while another commented on a 'profound sadness' evident in the man. A third observer advised simply letting such 'misery exist in their own bubble'.
Amid the controversy, the documentary also reveals Chase's personal hurt over being excluded from last year's Saturday Night Live 50th-anniversary special. In a rare emotional moment, he expressed being 'kind of upset' and questioned why he wasn't invited on stage with fellow original cast members like Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman.
'Why was Bill Murray there and why was I not?' Chase scoffed. 'I don't have an answer for that.' He believed someone made a 'big mistake' by not including him.
Defence from Family and Roots of Behaviour
Chase's third wife, Jayni Chase, who married the actor in 1982, offers a defence of his character in the film. She suggests that if someone is offended by his words, 'it's a little more on you than him.' She describes him as a natural risk-taker, a trait essential to his success, and urges people to 'dial it back and get a sense of humour.'
Jayni also provides context for his volatile behaviour, linking it to a traumatic childhood. She recounts that the first time she went to wake him, he shuddered, explaining that his mother would wake him by slapping him. Furthermore, she details his past struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction, noting he is not the same person he was three decades ago.
I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not is scheduled for release on Sky on 2nd January, promising a deeper, if contentious, look at the life of the iconic yet divisive comedian.
