Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase (born October 8, 1943) is an American humorist, actor, author, and producer. He emerged as one of the most prominent comedy figures of the late 20th century. Chase became the standout performer of the inaugural season of Saturday Night Live (1975–1976), where his “Weekend Update” segment turned into a centerpiece of the program. He secured two Primetime Emmy Awards from four nominations as both a participant and writer. Following his departure from SNL early in its second season, Chase featured in some of the most significant comedy films of the 1980s, including his Golden Globe-nominated portrayal in Foul Play (1978).
Chase is widely recognized for portraying Ty Webb in Caddyshack (1980), Clark Griswold in three National Lampoon’s Vacation movies (1983–1989), and Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher in Fletch (1985) and Fletch Lives (1989). He also starred in Seems Like Old Times (1980), Spies Like Us (1985), ¡Three Amigos! (1986), and Funny Farm (1988). He served as the host for the Academy Awards in 1987 and 1988. After a series of box-office setbacks in the 1990s, his career decelerated until he regained popularity as Pierce Hawthorne on the NBC sitcom Community (2009–2014).
As of February 2026, at the age of 82, Chase leads a more subdued life in Bedford, New York. He makes limited public appearances, but his iconic films and documentaries about his journey continue to be well-liked on streaming services.
Biography Update
Chevy Chase was born Cornelius Crane Chase in Lower Manhattan and spent his formative years in Woodstock, New York. His father, Edward Tinsley “Ned” Chase, was a Princeton-educated book editor and periodical writer. Chevy’s mother, Cathalene Parker Browning, was a concert pianist and librettist. His adoptive maternal grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane, was heir to The Crane Company. Chase received his nickname “Chevy” from his grandmother, inspired by the English ballad “The Ballad of Chevy Chase.” He has Scottish Clan Douglas ancestry.
When he was four, his parents divorced, leading to a tumultuous childhood. His mother remarried twice, and Chase has openly discussed the physical and emotional abuse he encountered from his mother and stepfather, Dr. John Cederquist. He faced expulsion from Riverdale Country School and graduated as valedictorian from Stockbridge School in 1962. He attended Haverford College (1962–1963) briefly, where he gained notoriety for slapstick humor and pranks (including the well-known urban legend of harboring a cow in his dorm room), before transferring to Bard College, from where he attained a B.A. in English in 1967. Chevy played drums in bands featuring future Steely Dan members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen.
Chase commenced his comedy career in New York during the early 1970s. He joined Saturday Night Live in 1975, becoming the show’s initial breakout star with his dry “Weekend Update” delivery and physical humor. He departed after one season to chase film opportunities. The 1980s ushered in significant achievements with Caddyshack, the Vacation series, and Fletch. He hosted the Oscars two times but faced criticism for his 1988 performance. The 1990s saw decreased success, with a barrage of box-office disappointments.
In the 2000s, Chase revived his career by portraying Pierce Hawthorne in Community (2009–2014). Since then, he has featured in documentaries, engaged in voice work, and made sporadic appearances. In 2021, he was admitted to the hospital for heart failure, spent five weeks in care, and endured an eight-day medically induced coma, which resulted in some memory loss. As of 2026, he maintains a private life in Bedford, New York, with his wife Jayni and remains away from the public eye. His classic films continue to be enjoyed on streaming platforms.
Wife
Chevy Chase has been wed three times. His first union was with Susan Hewitt (1973–1976), followed by his second marriage to Jacqueline Carlin (1976–1980). He is currently married to Jayni Luke, whom he wed on June 19, 1982, in Pacific Palisades, California. They have been together for over 43 years and share three daughters. Jayni generally keeps a low profile but has supported Chase through the highs and lows of his career, including his health difficulties. The couple resides in Bedford, New York.
Movies
Chevy Chase’s cinematic journey includes numerous comedic classics:
- Foul Play (1978) – Golden Globe-nominated performance.
- Caddyshack (1980) – Ty Webb, iconic golfing comedy.
- Seems Like Old Times (1980) – Romantic comedy.
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989) – Clark Griswold.
- Fletch (1985) and Fletch Lives (1989) – Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher.
- Spies Like Us (1985) – Alongside Dan Aykroyd.
- ¡Three Amigos! (1986) – Featuring Steve Martin and Martin Short.
- Funny Farm (1988) – Family-oriented comedy.
- Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992) – Leading role.
- Cops & Robbersons (1994) – Family-oriented comedy.
- Man of the House (1995) – With Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
- Vegas Vacation (1997) – Final Griswold installment.
- Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) – Cameo appearance.
- Vacation (2015) – Cameo as Clark Griswold.
Children
Chevy Chase and his spouse, Jayni Luke, are parents to three daughters:
- Cydney Cathalene Chase (born 1983)
- Caley Leigh Chase (born 1985)
- Emily Rose Chase (born 1988)
The family leads a largely private existence, though the daughters occasionally accompany their father at events. Chase has expressed that family plays a vital role in keeping him grounded through his career and personal adversities.
Height
Chevy Chase stands at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm). His stature and lanky physique became integral to his physical comedy, particularly in pratfalls and exaggerated gestures during his Saturday Night Live tenure and in films like Caddyshack.
Net Worth
Chevy Chase’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be $50 million. His fortune originates from multiple avenues:
- High earnings during the 1980s from prominent film roles.
- Residuals from SNL, National Lampoon’s Vacation series, Caddyshack, and Community.
- Hosting and cameo appearances.
- Real estate ventures (including his long-time residence in Bedford, New York).
- Syndication and streaming royalties.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1943 |
| Age (Feb 2026) | 82 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Wife | Jayni Luke (married 1982–present) |
| Children | Cydney (1983), Caley (1985), Emily (1988) |
| Key Roles | Ty Webb (Caddyshack), Clark Griswold (Vacation series), Fletch, Pierce Hawthorne (Community) |
| Major Awards | 2 Primetime Emmys (SNL), Golden Globe nomination (Foul Play), Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1993) |
| Recent Activity | Limited appearances; health recovery after 2021 heart issues |
| Net Worth (2026) | $50 million |
