Chevy Chase’s Family Shares Their Journey with His Struggles with Addiction
Chevy Chase in the early ’80s.
Credit:
NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
New Documentary Sheds Light on Chevy Chase’s Struggles with Addiction
A forthcoming CNN documentary, I’m Chevy Chase, and You’re Not, set to premiere on January 1, explores the lesser-known aspects of the comedian’s life, particularly his battle with cocaine addiction in the early 1980s. Friends and family recount moments that reveal the severity of his addiction, with some noting there were times when Chase would openly use the drug during professional meetings.
Alan Greisman, a film producer who collaborated with Chase on Modern Problems (1981) and Fletch (1985), recalls their time together: “We spent a lot of time together in the late ’70s and early ’80s. He was uniquely funny and pretty crazy. When we were in Hawaii, he had someone ship him many ounces of coke in a shaving cream can.” Greisman reflects on the casual manner in which cocaine was a part of their lives, saying Chase would joke about receiving deliveries: “’Mail’s here.’”
Chase’s brother, Ned, shares a vivid memory of a trip to Los Angeles, describing a lunch gathering where cocaine was present. “There was kind of a pyramid. That pyramid was cocaine,” he recalls.
As Chase’s addiction intensified, his behavior in professional settings became increasingly erratic, causing difficulties on set. Reports suggest that while preparing for Modern Problems, moments from his personal life began to bleed into his work. Greisman recounts a particular meeting: “We’d start to go over the script page by page, and Chevy pours coke on the table and starts sniffing it.”
Chevy Chase and Jayni Chase attend ‘SNL50: The Anniversary Special’ on February 16, 2025 in New York City.
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Jayni Chase, the actor’s wife of 43 years, recalls a pivotal moment concerning his addiction. After a call from their doctor alerting her to her husband’s substance use, Jayni organized an intervention where Chase admitted his struggles. He sought treatment at the Betty Ford Center but only remained for a week. Though he faced occasional relapses, he largely stayed clean afterward.
The documentary also touches on other challenges Chase encountered, including depression and alcohol dependence, particularly during his time on the NBC sitcom Community (2009–14). Jayni shares concerning observations about his drinking: “I realized he was getting a six-pack of organic red wine, and after about four days, it was gone.”
Despite these struggles, the documentary presents a nuanced portrait of Chase. Colleagues such as Beverly D’Angelo and Goldie Hawn reflect on their experiences working with him. Hawn emphasizes Chase’s caring nature, illustrating his warmth beyond the comedic façade, while D’Angelo remarks on how fame can alter circumstances without changing the person.
I’m Chevy Chase, and You’re Not promises to be an intriguing look into the life of a comic legend, showcasing both the highs and lows of Chase’s career.
The documentary will air on CNN on January 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
