Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chevy Chase’s Net Worth?
Chevy Chase, a prominent figure in American comedy, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $50 million. This financial standing is primarily a result of his successful career as a writer, comedian, and actor across film and television.
Early Career and “Saturday Night Live”
Cornelius Crane Chase, born on October 8, 1943, in New York City, began his journey in comedy with the underground ensemble Channel One in 1967. Before his rise to fame, Chase held various jobs, including roles as a cab driver, truck driver, and even a theater usher. These experiences likely shaped his comedic perspective and provided material for his later performances. His career gained significant momentum in 1973 when he became a writer and cast member of “The National Lampoon Radio Hour”. This laid the groundwork for his breakthrough role on “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”).
In October 1975, Chase joined “SNL” as one of its original cast members. His role as the anchor of the “Weekend Update” segment, marked by his catchphrase “I’m Chevy Chase, and you’re not,” quickly became iconic. Chase’s tenure on “SNL,” though brief, was impactful. He left the show in late 1976, during its second season. For his work on “SNL,” Chase won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy – Variety or Music Series in 1976. “Rolling Stone” magazine’s February 2015 review of all 141 “SNL” cast members ranked Chase in tenth place in terms of overall importance, describing him as possibly “the most under-rated ‘SNL’ player.”
After leaving SNL, he continued to be involved in the show, hosting “SNL” eight times through 1997, and returning for various anniversary specials.
Film Career: Box Office Successes and Salaries
Following his departure from “SNL,” Chase transitioned to film, where he starred in a series of successful comedies. These early film projects include “Tunnel Vision” (1976), “Foul Play” (1978), “Oh! Heavenly Dog” (1980), “Caddyshack” (1980), and “Seems Like Old Times” (1980).
His performance in “Caddyshack” (1980) established him as a leading comedic actor. Chase starred in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) and its sequels, where he portrayed Clark Griswold. “Fletch” (1985) and its sequel showcased his wit and physical comedy. His career reached its peak in the late 1980s, during which he earned approximately $7 million per film, equivalent to around $15 million today. Notably, he earned at least $7 million each for “Fletch” and “Fletch Lives,” demonstrating his high market value at the time.
Chase continued to appear in a number of films including “Modern Problems” (1980), “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” (1985), “Spies Like Us” (1985), “Three Amigos” (1986), and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989).
In the 1990s, Chase’s career experienced a downturn with films such as “Nothing but Trouble” (1991), “Memoirs of an Invisible Man” (1992), and “Cops & Robbersons” (1994) underperforming at the box office. These films collectively grossed only $34 million. Even his widely popular “National Lampoon” franchise came to a halt after the release of “Vegas Vacation” in 1997. Chase earned $6 million for 1989’s “Christmas Vacation,” equivalent to $12.5 million today, and another $6 million for 1992’s “Memoirs of an Invisible Man.” He also received $4 million for “Cops and Robbersons,” $2 million for “Man of the House,” and $4 million for “Vegas Vacation.” Despite these setbacks, Chase’s earlier successes had already secured his financial stability and contributed significantly to his net worth.
Since then, he has appeared in a few films, such as the 2006 comedy “Zoom.”
Television Career: “The Chevy Chase Show” and “Community”
In September 1993, Chase attempted to revitalize his career by hosting “The Chevy Chase Show,” a weeknight talk show for Fox. Despite initial high expectations, the show was a failure and was canceled after only five weeks. Following this, he made guest appearances on various television shows, including “Law & Order,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Chuck,” and “Family Guy.”
Chase returned to television in 2009, joining the cast of the sitcom “Community” alongside Joel McHale, Alison Brie, and others. He played Pierce Hawthorne. Chase’s role in “Community” exposed him to a new audience and reaffirmed his comedic talent. He left the show in 2012 after starring in the first four seasons.
Later Projects and Recognition
After his departure from “Community,” Chase participated in projects such as the comedy film “Hot Tub Time Machine” (2010) and the Netflix film “The Last Laugh” (2019). More recently, he starred in “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee,” voiced King Karoth in “Panda vs. Aliens,” and appeared in the 2023 film “Zombie Town.”
In addition to his Emmy Award for “Saturday Night Live,” Chase also won an Emmy for “The Paul Simon Special” in 1978. In 1979, he was nominated for Golden Globe Awards for “Foul Play.” Chase received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993. Other recognition includes being named Hasty Pudding’s 1993 Man of the Year and “The Harvard Lampoon’s” Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. These accolades reflect his lasting impact on the entertainment industry and his contributions to comedy.
Real Estate Holdings
From 1990 to 2005, Chevy and his wife, Jayni Luke, resided in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles in a home situated on five acres. This property, located in a guarded, gated community, underwent significant renovations, with Chase investing $1.2 million in improvements. The couple initially listed the property for sale in 1994 for $3 million but eventually sold it in 2005 for an undisclosed amount. Today, Chase and his wife primarily reside in upstate New York.
Personal Life and Public Image
Chase has been married three times. He was married to Susan Hewitt from February 1973 to February 1976. His second marriage to Jacqueline Carlin lasted from December 1976 to November 1980. In June 1982, he married Jayni Luke, and they have three daughters together. Chase also has a son, Bryan Perkins, from a previous relationship. He was admitted to the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986 for prescription painkiller addiction and received treatment at the Hazelden Clinic for alcoholism in 2016.
Despite facing personal challenges, including controversies and publicized disputes, Chase has maintained his presence in the entertainment industry. His contributions to comedy and his influence on American television and film remain significant, contributing to his established net worth and legacy.
