Sat Nov 22 01:30:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chevy Chase Admits Leaving “SNL” Was a “Mistake” in New Documentary
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a surprising revelation, comedy icon Chevy Chase has confessed that leaving “Saturday Night Live” at the peak of his early success was a “mistake.” The admission comes in “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” a new CNN Films documentary exploring Chase’s life and career.
Chase, a member of the original “SNL” cast and the show’s first breakout star, departed the series midway through Season 2. The documentary trailer, released Thursday, hints at the allure of Hollywood as a major factor. “The forces pulling him were money, power, and all of that. And when Hollywood wants you, they’re pretty good at it,” says “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels in the trailer.
Chase’s signature Gerald Ford impressions, physical comedy, and role as the inaugural “Weekend Update” anchor catapulted him to mainstream fame. After leaving SNL, he starred in hit movies like “Foul Play,” “Caddyshack,” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” However, by the 1990s, his box office appeal waned as films like “Memoirs of an Invisible Man” and “Dirty Work” underperformed.
While the documentary trailer doesn’t delve into the specific reasons behind Chase’s regret, it’s worth noting that he hosted “SNL” eight times between 1978 and 1997. In a past biography of Lorne Michaels, Chase stated that Michaels could have prevented his exit by simply showing him more appreciation.
About the Documentary: “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” from CNN Films explores the highs and lows of Chevy Chase’s career, featuring insights from those who knew him best, including Lorne Michaels.
Contact:
Eboni Boykin-Patterson
Entertainment Reporter
The Daily Beast
eboni.boykin-patterson@thedailybeast.com
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