What Happened To Chevy Chase? All About The Actor's Near-Fatal Health Crisis And Memory Loss At 78

Chevy Chase has been the man who made millions of viewers across the world laugh while he quietly faced one of the darkest moments of his life. After 5 years, it has been revealed that the comedy legend had nearly lost his life in 2021 after a sudden heart failure left him in an eight-day coma. His daughter revealed how doctors warned his family to be prepared for the worst, but he managed to "come back from the dead". The news has shocked the SNL's icon fans, and here's everything you might want to know about it.

What happened to Chevy Chase?

CNN released a new documentary, I'm Chevy Chase, and You're Not about the American actor-comedian's life, where they unveiled a significant hidden part of his life. The 82-year-old revealed that he had almost lost his life after a near-fatal health crisis. Adding more context, his daughter revealed that he "basically came back from the dead" after he survived the whole crisis. Chevy, who brought smiles to a lot of faces through his Saturday Night Live performances, suffered severe heart failure in 2021 that doctors, which has now permanently affected his health and memory. The emotional film covers everything right from the moment his heart stopped, and how doctors fought to save him, and how they dealt with uncertain days, sometimes preparing for the worst.

According to Chevy's wife, Jayni Chase, he was rushed to the ER when he began feeling unwell, and things soon took a critical turn. His heart stopped, and doctors diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle commonly linked to prolonged heavy drinking. Subsequently, the actor's longtime friend, Peter Aaron, added that doctors were forced to place Chase into a medically induced coma for eight days, which was "pretty rough on his body." Chevy ultimately spent five weeks in the hospital, fought for his life, and gradually began the journey to heal from it. Recalling the doctor's words, Chevy's daughter said:

"We might not get him back… prepare yourselves for the worst".

Has Chevy Chase recovered from his health crisis? 

After several days of uncertainty and worries, when Chevy cracked a joke with his usual humour to a nurse who went to check his medical equipment, he sighed relief to everyone. Still, some scars remained from the ordeal as Chevy had a significant memory loss and cognitive impairment following the episodes. However, despite the frightening experience, Chevy admitted feeling grateful to be alive and has made meaningful progress since then. After leaving the hospital, he mentioned how he was happy to be back with his family. Doctors told him that the heart failure could permanently affect his memory and cognitive functioning. Therefore, Chevy has focused on strategy games such as chess and cards to improve that situation. Expressing his feelings, he said:

 "Heart failure is what it is. I'm fine now."

More about Chevy Chase's family 

Throughout all the health crises, Chevy always had the support of his family. He tied the knot with Jayni in 1982, and they have three daughters together, Cydney, Caley, and Emily. Also, he reportedly has a son, Bryan Perkins, from his previous relationship. The actor became a grandfather in August 2024 after his daughter, Emily, welcomed a daughter, Ivy, which often brings him immense joy. Despite the long-term impacts on his health, Chevy is grateful for fighting his way back and being surrounded by love. 

What do you think about Chevy Chase's revelations?

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