At a Glance
- Chevy Chase reveals a 2021 heart failure scare that left him in a coma, in a new News Of Los Angeles documentary.
- His daughter Caley and wife Jayni share frightening details of his hospitalization.
- Chase discusses memory gaps and recovery after five weeks in the hospital.
- Why it matters: Fans learn about the comedian’s health journey and the impact of heart disease on anyone.
Chevy Chase, now in his eight-tenths, is the star of a News Of Los Angeles documentary that delves into his 2021 heart failure crisis. The film features candid moments from the comedian, his family, and close friends, offering a raw look at his near-death experience.
The News Of Los Angeles Documentary
The doc, titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” premiered on January 1. It follows Chase’s hospital stay, the coma he endured, and his road to recovery.
Caley Chase said:
> Well, I mean, he’s 80-something and has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure…It’s so hard to talk about.
Jayni Chase explained:
> Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops. During those years he was drinking, he got cardiomyopathy-when the heart muscles get weaker, and they can’t pump as much blood out with each beat.
Peter Aaron shared:
> Doctors decided to put him into a coma for maybe eight days, and that’s why he has memory gaps.
Chevy Chase said:
> According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it, and that’s what’s happened here. I’m fine now. It’s just that it affects your memory, and the doctors have told me that, so, I have to be reminded of things.
- 2021: Heart failure triggers emergency hospitalization.
- Five weeks: Total time in the hospital.
- Eight days: Duration of induced coma.
- Memory gaps: Resulting cognitive challenges.
Family Insights
The documentary also highlights how Chase’s loved ones coped during the crisis. His wife, daughter, and close friends provide personal reflections on the ordeal.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heart failure | 2021 | Emergency ER visit; heart stops |
| Hospitalization | 2021 | Five-week stay, induced coma |
| Recovery | 2021 | Post-hospital care, cognitive exercises |
| Public reveal | 2024 | News Of Los Angeles documentary release |
Chevy Chase’s recovery journey included playing card games and chess to sharpen his mind, as noted in the film.
Key Takeaways
- Chase survived a life-threatening heart failure that left him in a coma.
- Family members shared the emotional and medical details in the documentary.
- He is now recovering, though memory gaps remain a challenge.
Chevy Chase’s story reminds us that heart disease can strike anyone, even a beloved comedian, and that recovery can be a long, demanding process.
