Chevy Chase Reflects on Heart Failure and Memory Loss in New Documentary
Chevy Chase faced a life-altering health crisis in 2021 when he was hospitalized for heart failure, leading to a temporary coma and significant memory loss. The comedian, now in his 80s, shares his experiences in the upcoming CNN documentary titled I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, set to premiere on January 1, 2024.
Chase’s daughter, Caley Chase, spoke candidly about the ordeal, expressing that it was difficult to discuss the impact of her father’s health challenges. “He had heart failure… It’s so hard to talk about,” she revealed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. His wife, Jayni Chase, who married Chevy in 1982, provided insight into the circumstances leading to his hospitalization.
“He couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops,” she recounted. Jayni explained that during years of drinking, Chevy developed cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscles weaken, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
During his hospitalization, Chase’s friend Peter Aaron noted that doctors opted to place him in a medically induced coma for approximately eight days. “I believe the actor’s memory gaps come from that incident,” Aaron stated, shedding light on the impact of the procedure.
Chase himself discussed the repercussions of his health scare in the documentary. “According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it, and that’s what’s happened here,” he admitted. The actor shared that he has engaged in activities like card games and chess to help restore his cognitive abilities. “I’m fine now. It’s just that it affects your memory, and the doctors have told me that, so, I have to be reminded of things,” he explained.
Upon his discharge from the hospital, Chase addressed his health issues briefly in an interview with Page Six, mentioning he had experienced a “heart issue” without detailing the coma. “I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good,” he said at the time, noting he had been hospitalized for five weeks.
The documentary also revisits significant moments from Chase’s career, including challenges he faced during his time on popular shows such as Community and Saturday Night Live. As he reflects on both his health and professional life, the documentary promises to provide an intimate look at the complexities of his journey.
With the release of I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, audiences will gain deeper insights into the life of a beloved comedian who has faced profound challenges and emerged with resilience.
