At a Glance
- Chevy Chase survived a 2021 heart failure crisis that left him in a coma for eight days.
- The ordeal is the focus of the upcoming News Of Fort Worth documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.
- His wife and daughter reveal how the incident shook their family and impacted his memory.
- Why it matters: It shows how a celebrity’s health crisis can expose the realities of heart disease and recovery.
In a rare glimpse into the private life of a beloved comedian, Chevy Chase has opened up about the heart failure that nearly claimed his life in 2021. The story is set to unfold in a new News Of Fort Worth documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, as family members and friends share their harrowing memories.
Heart Failure and Hospitalization
In March 2021, the 80-something comedian was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a sudden heart failure episode. He spent five weeks in intensive care, during which doctors placed him in a medically induced coma for about eight days to stabilize his heart.
The emergency was triggered when Chase’s heart stopped while he was at home. His wife, Jayni Chase, recounted how she could not explain what was wrong and that they had to rush him to the ER.
Jayni added that Chase had a history of alcohol-related issues that had led to cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump effectively.
The Documentary’s Inside Look
The upcoming News Of Fort Worth film, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, promises to reveal the details of the medical crisis and the emotional toll on the comedian and his family. It will feature interviews with Chase himself, his daughter Caley Chase, and close friend Peter Aaron.
Peter Aaron, a longtime friend, explained that the doctors decided to put Chase into a coma for approximately eight days. He also noted that the memory gaps Chase experiences are a direct result of the incident.
Family’s Perspective
Caley Chase described her father’s condition as if he had come back from the dead. She said,
> “He had heart failure…It’s so hard to talk about.”
Jayni Chase shared her own account of the night when her husband’s heart stopped, stating:
Jayni Chase stated:
> “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops.”
She also reflected on how Chase’s past drinking contributed to the heart problems, noting that the cardiomyopathy had weakened his heart muscle.
Medical Details and Recovery
During the hospital stay, Chase underwent several procedures to address the heart failure. After the coma, doctors informed him that his memory would be severely impacted, a prediction that has largely come true.
Chase has been working on cognitive recovery by playing card games and chess to stimulate his brain. He reported that while he is fine now, he still needs reminders about everyday tasks.
Memory and Cognitive Efforts
The comedian emphasized that the doctors’ warning about memory loss has not been entirely unfounded. He now relies on notes and reminders to keep track of appointments and conversations.
Despite these challenges, Chase expressed gratitude for the support from his family and the medical team. He stated that he feels healthy and is eager to spend time at home.
Public Reaction and Upcoming Release
The film is slated for release on January 1, and fans are already eager to see the behind-the-scenes footage. The story has sparked discussions about heart health awareness among older adults.
Chevy Chase’s openness about his health journey has resonated with audiences who recognize the seriousness of heart disease.
Future Plans and Legacy
Following his recovery, Chase returned to the house with his daughters Cydney and Emily, expressing relief that he could resume everyday life. He stated that he would avoid traveling and focus on family.
He also hinted that he might revisit the stage in the future, but only after ensuring his heart is fully stable.
Film Connection
In a side note, actors Cory Michael Smith and Dylan O’Brien recently discussed their roles as Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd in the new film Saturday Night, showcasing the enduring influence of the original Saturday Night Live cast.
While unrelated to the heart failure story, the film highlights the continued relevance of the iconic comedy duo.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heart failure episode | March 2021 | Chase’s heart stopped; ER visit |
| Hospitalization | March-May 2021 | Five weeks, eight-day coma |
| Recovery at home | May 2021 | Returned to family, began cognitive work |
| Documentary release | Jan 1, 2025 | I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not premieres |
Key Takeaways
- Chevy Chase survived a life-threatening heart failure episode in 2021.
- The incident left him in an eight-day coma and caused lasting memory gaps.
- He is now recovering at home, using games to rebuild cognitive skills.
Chevy Chase’s candid look at his near-death experience serves as a powerful reminder that heart disease can strike anyone, regardless of fame, and that recovery is possible with support and perseverance.
