Cornelius Crane Chase, widely known as Chevy Chase, arrived in 1943 within Lower Manhattan. Over a multifaceted career, he established himself as a screenwriter, singer, television presenter, and actor. His professional trajectory spans from early underground satire to a primary role in television comedy and a series of high-profile feature film projects throughout the 1980s.
Education and Early Pursuits
Chase attended several institutions including the Dalton School, Riverdale Country School, and the Stockbridge School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1962. His higher education included studies at Haverford College and Bard College, where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. During his formative years, Chase explored interests in music and comedy, playing drums for bands such as The Leather Canary and Chamaeleon Church. By 1967, he co-founded the underground comedy ensemble Channel One and transitioned into writing for outlets like Mad magazine.
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In 1973, Chase joined The National Lampoon Radio Hour as a writer and performer. He participated in the off-Broadway revue Lemmings and appeared in the 1974 film The Groove Tube. His television work became prominent when he earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1976. As a television actor and presenter, he maintained a reputation for physical comedy, including his signature pratfalls.
Cinematic Career and Resurgence
Chase became a leading man during the 1980s, starring in projects such as Foul Play, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and the comedy Caddyshack. He appeared in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series between 1983 and 2015 and played the title character in Fletch and Fletch Lives. His filmography further includes roles in Seems Like Old Times, Spies Like Us, ¡Three Amigos!, and Funny Farm. Later in his career, he found a popularity resurgence through the television sitcom Community, portraying Pierce Hawthorne from 2009 to 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Lower Manhattan
- Education: Bard College, Haverford College
- Occupations: Screenwriter, actor, singer, comedian, television presenter
- Key Award: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing (1976)
- Film roles: Clark Griswold, Ty Webb, Irwin Fletcher
- Memberships: Writers Guild of America, East
- Recognition: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Questions readers ask
What is Chevy Chase's educational background?
He attended several schools including Riverdale Country School and Stockbridge School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bard College in 1967.
What are some of his notable film roles?
He is recognized for playing Clark Griswold in the Vacation series, Ty Webb in Caddyshack, and the title character in the Fletch films.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series — 1976
- Educated at Bard College, Haverford College and PS 6
- Worked as actor, screenwriter and comedian
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