Despite No Airtime, Chevy Chase Did A Victory Lap Leading Up to ‘SNL50’
Lost in the online conversations about “Where is Bill Hader?” and “Has anyone seen Dana Carvey?” was another curious question about SNL50: Why haven’t we heard from Chevy Chase? Sure, he was in the studio alongside other cast members who didn’t see the stage. But as far as the show’s history goes, Chase isn’t Victoria Jackson, Rob Schneider or Jim Breuer. He was the show’s first breakout star, a comic who was chosen to lead off the show during other anniversary celebrations. One is tempted to say Lorne Michaels sidelined Chase for his bad behavior behind the scenes at SNL and elsewhere, but that didn’t stop Chase from appearing in 2007, 2013 or 2015.
As Chase has been known to stumble from time to time, previously for comedy and now because he’s turned into a real-life Gerald Ford, it’s tempting to think that health might have been behind his conspicuous absence. But that’s an unlikely explanation, if only because in the week leading up to SNL50, Chase appeared to be having the time of his life celebrating his time on the show.
There was Chase on Morning Joe, admitting that his Ford imitation was terrible even though it was funny. Chase was the show’s best political impressionist, according to Chase, and also the funniest guy to ever sit behind a news desk. “I had all the moves,” he said.
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He also told host Willie Geist that he regretted bailing on the show after only one season. “I miss it,” Chase admitted. “I shouldn't have left.”
There was Chase partying with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively at Chris Rock’s 60th birthday party. “Made me miss my dear friend, Richard Pryor,” Chase wrote. “He should’ve been there.”
On Friday night, Jimmy Fallon used SNL’s 50th-anniversary concert to give Chase the shout-out he wouldn’t get on SNL50. “Without you, there would be no Saturday Night Live, buddy,” Fallon gushed in his inimitable Fallon way. “You’re the best. I love you so much”
Chase tore up the red carpet, too, telling Extra the secret behind Saturday Night Live’s five decades of success: “Me!”
Before the SNL50 show, Chase posed for pix with any celebrity who would have him — Peyton Manning! Bill Burr! Paul Rudd! Mr. Chase, would you grab Chris Kattan’s head? You bet!
Hey Chevy, mind posing with James Franco? Sure, why not? We toxic funny guys have to stick together.
Last week featured the most high-profile public attention Chase has received in years. And of course, he used all of it to plug online memorabilia stores in his Instagram Story. A signed Clark Griswold Christmas Vacation hockey jersey for only $349.99 plus shipping? Shed no tears for this Not Ready for Primetime Player. Looks like Chase is getting just what he needs from SNL50.
