Early Career and Education
Chevy Chase was born in Lower Manhattan and grew up in a wealthy family. He attended Bard College and later studied business at Columbia University. Before entering entertainment, he worked briefly as a stockbroker on Wall Street.
Stand-Up Comedy and Early Television
Chase left finance to pursue stand-up comedy in the 1970s. He performed at clubs in New York and Los Angeles, building a reputation for deadpan humor. His stand-up work led to television appearances and helped him land a spot on Saturday Night Live.
Joining SNL and Lasting Impact
Chase joined the original SNL cast in 1975, becoming one of its breakout stars. His Weekend Update segments and physical comedy made him a household name. His early career in finance and comedy shaped the persona that made him a central figure in late-night television history.
