Chevy Chase Finally Admits Leaving ‘SNL’ Was a “Mistake”

Comedy legend Chevy Chase has finally admitted that leaving Saturday Night Live was a “mistake.” The Caddyshack star appeared on the inaugural season of SNL, which ran from 1975 to 1976. Chase was a standout among the cast, which also featured fellow comedy icons Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner. Still, with the show in its infancy and Chase’s star rising, the actor chose to leave the series after only a few episodes of season 2, not appearing in the remaining episodes. Though it now seems that decision is something the Fletch star regrets.

CNN released the trailer for I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, which is a documentary spanning the comedian’s career. It features interviews with talented people and those who know him best, with clips of Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, and Dan Aykroyd. The stars don’t hold back, with Chase even being referred to in crude terms, offering an unfiltered look at the persona he actually projected. What many fans may find jarring, though, is Chase’s own personal admission in an interview, “It was a mistake to leave SNL.”

Chase’s revelation is massive, as SNL launched him to stardom, seeing him find fame beyond the sketch comedy show. However, it seems that an older, more contemplative Chase looks back on the decision with some regret. The documentary likely digs deeper into the comment, which fans will need to tune in to see when it debuts on New Year’s Day. While I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not looks to leave no stone unturned, delving into the darker side of the SNL alum’s career, it also features heartfelt moments, clearly striving to get at the heart of its subject and allowing for an objective piece.

Chevy Chase’s Post ‘SNL’ Career Thrived

Following his exit from SNL, Chase pursued a film career. One of his first hits was 1980’s Caddyshack, which showcased his talent alongside other legends, like Rodney Dangerfield. He would continue starring in comedy classics such as the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, Fletch, and The Three Amigos. Many audiences consider National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation standard holiday viewing, rewatching it every year, with Chase’s performance as the family patriarcha driving comedic force.

However, Chase also had a complicated career, and many found him hard to work with. One of the most notable recent stories surrounding Chase’s behavior stems from the TV show Community, which he starred in for several seasons before being dismissed. There are several stories about the actors’ on-set antics and clashes with cast and crew that ultimately led to his exit. Still, this was not a single incident, as the antics spanned his career, including reports of difficulties from Christmas Vacation and Fletch, and a fight with Bill Murray that reportedly broke out at SNL. While I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not may not cover everything, it looks to explore the deeper side of the comedy legend.