Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase, born as Cornelius Crane Chase, is an American comedian, actor, and writer who became popular as the breakout cast member in the first season of Saturday Night Live (1975–1976). His recurring Weekend Update segment became a staple of the show and earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards out of four nominations. After leaving Saturday Night Live early in its second season, he established himself as a leading man, starring in some of the most successful comedy films of the 1980s. This includes his Golden Globe–nominated role in the romantic comedy Foul Play (1978), portrayal of Ty Webb in Caddyshack, Clark W. Griswold in five National Lampoon's Vacation films, and Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher in Fletch. He hosted the Academy Awards twice and briefly had his own late-night talk show, The Chevy Chase Show. Chase had a popularity resurgence with his role as Pierce Hawthorne on the NBC sitcom Community (2009–2014).

Chase was born in Lower Manhattan on October 8, 1943, and grew up in Woodstock, New York. He studied at Bard College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1967. His mother, Cathalene Parker, was a concert pianist and librettist, while his father, Edward Tinsley "Ned" Chase, was a Manhattan book editor and magazine writer. He was named by his adoptive grandfather, Cornelius, while his nickname "Chevy" was gifted by his grandmother from the medieval English ballad "The Ballad of Chevy Chase".