Hollywood comedy icon Chevy Chase made a rare public appearance in Florida on Thursday evening, drawing attention at the 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The 82-year-old star, celebrated for roles in National Lampoon's Vacation films and Caddyshack, attended a screening of his new documentary, I'm Chevy Chase And You're Not, at Savor Cinema.
Festival Appearance and Health Observations
The actor arrived on the red carpet in a wheelchair, assisted by an aide, but was later seen standing up on his own without difficulty inside the venue. Chase wore a gray blazer over a pink untucked button-down shirt, paired with dark blue jeans and beige lace-free sneakers, topped with a cap over his silver hair.
He was accompanied by his wife of 44 years, Jayni Chase, with whom he shared a kiss during the event. In December 2023, Chase's manager assured the Daily Mail that the star is in "amazing" health, noting he only uses a wheelchair for extensive travel. This appearance follows a serious health scare in 2021, when Chase was hospitalized with near-fatal heart failure.
Health Struggles and Recovery
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chase spent five weeks in hospital due to heart issues, a period he has described as coming "back from the dead." In the documentary, his daughter Caley Chase explained, "He has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure." His wife Jayni added that he experienced cardiomyopathy, a condition weakening heart muscles, which led to his heart stopping in the emergency room.
Friend Peter Aaron revealed that loved ones were told to "prepare for the worst" as Chase battled heart failure. He was placed in a coma for about eight days, and upon waking, he initially had limited mobility, only able to use his voice. Caley noted signs of recovery when he began joking with a nurse, using his trademark humor.
However, the recovery was challenging, with Chase experiencing some cognitive disabilities and memory gaps. He stated, "According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it. That's what's happened here. Heart failure is what it is. I'm fine now. It's just that it affects your memory."
Controversial Reputation and Documentary Insights
The documentary also delves into Chase's reputation for being difficult. Director Marina Zenovich called him the rudest celebrity she has ever interviewed, citing an instance where he told her, "It's not going to be easy for you. You're not bright enough." Zenovich used this as a way to explore his complex persona, aiming to uncover the real person behind his "intimidating superstar bravado."
Chase has had notable disputes, including with SNL's Terry Sweeney over a proposed sketch mocking the AIDS epidemic and conflicts with the cast of NBC's Community. Sweeney commented on the documentary, saying it reflects poorly on Chase, highlighting his contentious behavior.
Despite these controversies, the film festival honored Chase with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy in comedy. The event underscored both his professional achievements and personal resilience amid health battles, offering fans a glimpse into his life today.
