UPDATE: Chevy Chase, the beloved 82-year-old actor, is opening up about a life-threatening heart scare that nearly claimed his life in 2021. In a new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” set to premiere on January 1, 2024, on CNN, Chase’s family reveals shocking details of his hospitalization and recovery.
Chase’s daughter, Caley Chase, candidly states that her father “has basically come back from the dead” following a harrowing experience where his heart stopped. “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops,” Jayni Chase, his wife, recounts in the documentary, which is already garnering significant attention.
In 2021, Chase spent five weeks in the hospital battling a serious heart condition diagnosed as alcohol cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle due to excessive drinking. His longtime friend, Peter Aaron, revealed that doctors had to place Chase into a coma for over eight days to stabilize his condition. The family was advised to “prepare yourselves for the worst,” with doctors warning that they “might not get him back.”
After the ordeal, Chase expressed immense relief at being home with his family, stating, “These are my first few days home. I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good.”
The documentary also highlights the emotional toll of his hospitalization, with Chase revealing that he felt excluded from the recent 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live, the show that launched his career. “It was kind of upsetting, actually,” he said, reflecting on being left out of on-stage moments with fellow cast members.
Chase’s candid discussion on his health has struck a chord with fans, emphasizing not just his recovery but the importance of addressing mental health and the impact of substance abuse. As he now focuses on family and health, viewers are eager to see how his journey unfolds in the upcoming documentary.
This compelling story of resilience and survival is one that many will want to share as Chase continues to inspire through his recovery. Stay tuned for more updates as the premiere date approaches!
