Chevy Chase Documentary Unveils Coma Journey After Heart Failure

Chevy Chase’s journey through severe health challenges is the focus of the upcoming CNN documentary, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.” This film explores his near-fatal experience with heart failure and the impact it had on his life and memory.

Health Crisis and Hospitalization

In 2021, Chevy Chase was hospitalized due to heart failure, a condition that forced him into a coma for eight days. His family and friends provided insight into this harrowing period in the documentary. Chase’s daughter, Caley Chase, remarked on her father’s recovery, stating, “He’s 80-something and has basically come back from the dead.”

Family Reflections

• Caley Chase: Shared her father’s struggles and the challenges of discussing his health.
• Jayni Chase: Chevy’s wife since 1982, mentioned the circumstances leading up to his hospitalization. She recalled, “Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops.”
• Peter Aaron: A friend of Chase, noted that doctors believed the coma contributed to his memory lapses.

Jayni highlighted that Chase’s health issues stemmed from cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by weakened heart muscles. This ultimately led to difficulties in pumping sufficient blood.

Impact on Memory

Chase discussed the toll that his health scare took on his cognitive abilities. “According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it, and that’s what’s happened here,” he explained. He has been playing card games and chess to enhance his memory and cognitive function.

After his release from the hospital, Chase expressed gratitude for being home with his family. He commented, “I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good.”

Documentary Insights

“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” also touches on various moments from Chase’s career. It addresses challenges he faced while working on shows like “Community” and “Saturday Night Live.” The documentary provides a comprehensive look at Chase’s life, both personal and professional.

The film is set to premiere on January 1, providing an intimate glimpse into the comedian’s ongoing recovery journey following his heart failure incident.