Chevy Chase and his family recently shared a shocking story about a medical crisis that occurred in 2021.
In a new CNN documentary titled "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not," his wife Jayni Chase explains that she rushed him to the emergency room when his health suddenly declined.
While at the hospital, his heart stopped beating. Doctors then placed the legendary comedian into a medically induced coma for eight days.
The family received a grim warning during this time, as medical professionals told them they might not get him back.
The documentary reveals that Chevy Chase suffered from cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens and struggles to pump blood.
His wife attributes this condition to his past struggles with alcohol and substance abuse.
Chevy Chase sought treatment in rehab several times over the decades, including a stay in 2016 for alcohol issues.
Although he survived the 2021 incident, he now deals with memory problems.
During the film, he admits that he cannot remember many of the controversial moments from his time on "Saturday Night Live" or "Community."
The documentary features interviews with longtime friends and his daughter, Caley Chase, who describe the fear they felt during his hospitalization.
Peter Aaron, a close friend, discusses the difficult decision doctors made to put him in a coma to save his life.
This project gives fans an intimate look at the struggles behind the scenes of his successful career. It also addresses the reputation he developed for being difficult to work with on various sets over the years.
Chevy Chase remains one of the most recognizable faces in comedy history, famous for his deadpan delivery and physical humor.
This new information provides context for his recent health struggles and his absence from the public eye at times.
The documentary premieres on January 1, offering a full look at his journey from a comedy superstar to his current life.
His family hopes that by sharing this story, they can shed light on the realities of heart failure and the long road to recovery.