A Different Side of Chevy Chase

A NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE COMEDIAN REVEALS A MAN WHO ENDURED TRAUMA—AND FEELS MISUNDERSTOOD

- GILLIAN TELLING

Throughout his 50 years as a comedic actor, Chevy Chase has had plenty of professional ups and downs. In the new CNN documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not (titled after his Saturday Night Live Weekend Update catchphrase), Chase, who rose to fame in SNL’s first season and went on to star in hit movies like Foul Play, Caddyshack and the Vacation series, reveals a much deeper (and at times darker) personal side. His childhood in New York was marred by physical abuse at the hands of his mom, whom he calls “an out-of-control woman” in the doc, and his stepdad. “Not a lot of people knew about [the abuse],” Chase, 82, tells People. “Some did, and some came close. But it was my true life.” As an adult he’s struggled with depression, cocaine and alcohol addiction and heart failure.