For many fans, Chevy Chase will always be remembered for his physical comedy in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation, Caddyshack, and Fletch. Long before those movie roles made him a household name, however, he helped launch one of television’s most influential comedy institutions.
According to CheatSheet, as one of the original members of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Chase quickly emerged as one of the show’s biggest stars. His popularity with viewers helped turn him into one of the first breakout performers from the legendary sketch series.
Success On SNL Came With Growing Tensions Behind The Scenes
Chase became especially popular for his appearances on the show’s Weekend Update segment, where his delivery and humor made him an audience favorite. His success eventually helped open the door to a thriving Hollywood career, leading him to leave the show after only one season.
Behind the scenes, however, reports suggested that relationships with fellow cast members had become strained. Tensions reportedly existed with several colleagues, including fellow comedian John Belushi, and those issues continued to follow him even after he left the program behind.
Chevy Chase Had A Complicated Relationship With ‘SNL’ For Decades
One of the most famous incidents came in 1978 when Chase returned to host and reportedly became involved in a physical altercation with Bill Murray shortly before the show went on the air. Despite the conflict, he continued making occasional appearances on the series over the years.
The bigger turning point came in 1997 when an incident involving cast member Cheri Oteri reportedly led producer Lorne Michaels to prevent him from hosting the show again. While Chevy Chase SNL history still includes appearances such as the program’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2015, he remains the only former cast member reportedly barred from returning as a host. Today, discussions surrounding Chevy Chase’s SNL often reflect both his enormous influence on comedy and the complicated relationships that followed him throughout much of his career.