Chevy Chase Net Worth: The Comedian Who Became a Hollywood Icon

Chevy Chase is one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors, known for his unique style, quick wit, and memorable roles in both television and film. From his time on Saturday Night Live to starring in blockbuster movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. In this blog, we will take a closer look at Chevy Chase net worth, his rise to stardom, and how he built his fortune over decades of hard work in show business.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Chevy Chase was born on October 8, 1943, in New York City, New York. Raised in a privileged family, Chase grew up with access to the arts and culture. He attended the prestigious Riverdale Country School and later graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. While at college, he showed a strong interest in comedy and performing, which eventually led him to New York’s comedy scene.

Chase initially found success as a writer for National Lampoon magazine, where he worked alongside future comedy legends. In the early 1970s, he joined the cast of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL), becoming one of the original cast members. His work on SNL, especially his famous "Weekend Update" segments, made him a household name and helped him land major opportunities in both film and television.

Chevy Chase’s Breakthrough: Saturday Night Live

Chevy Chase’s big break came when he joined Saturday Night Live in 1975. As one of the show’s original cast members, Chase quickly became known for his hilarious impersonations, physical comedy, and, most notably, his role as the first host of Weekend Update. His deadpan delivery and witty commentary made him one of the show’s standout stars and earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards.

His time on SNL was relatively short—just one season—but it played a pivotal role in launching his career. Chase’s rapid rise to fame made him a top choice for big-budget movies, and he left SNL in 1976 to focus on his burgeoning film career. The fame he gained from SNL set the stage for his financial success and contributed significantly to Chevy Chase net worth.

Film Career and Iconic Roles

After leaving Saturday Night Live, Chevy Chase quickly transitioned to film, where he starred in a string of successful comedy films. His first major role was in Caddyshack (1980), where he played the sarcastic and wealthy Ty Webb. The film became a cult classic and helped establish Chase as a leading man in Hollywood.

However, it was National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) that cemented Chase’s place as one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. In the film, he portrayed Clark Griswold, an earnest but bumbling father determined to take his family on a cross-country road trip to the fictional amusement park, Walley World. The film’s success led to several sequels, including European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), and Vegas Vacation (1997), all of which contributed to Chevy Chase’s growing net worth.

Chase’s comedic timing, unique style, and ability to play lovable yet flawed characters made him one of the most bankable stars of the 1980s and 1990s. His roles in films like Three Amigos (1986), Fletch (1985), and Fletch Lives (1989) further solidified his career as a top comedic actor and helped grow Chevy Chase net worth.

Chevy Chase Net Worth Today

As of 2025, Chevy Chase net worth is estimated at $50 million. This impressive figure is the result of his long and successful career in television and film, as well as his ability to diversify his income through various projects. Over the years, Chase has earned millions from his roles in hit movies, television shows, and endorsements.

While he is no longer a major box office draw, his films continue to generate revenue through reruns, streaming platforms, and DVD sales. Additionally, Chevy Chase’s earnings from his television projects, such as his role in the popular NBC sitcom Community, continue to contribute to his net worth.

Television Success and Community

In the late 2000s, Chevy Chase returned to television, joining the cast of the NBC sitcom Community in 2009. In the series, Chase played Pierce Hawthorne, a wealthy but socially awkward member of a community college study group. Although his time on Community was marked by behind-the-scenes drama, the show was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Chase’s role on the show earned him recognition for his ability to transition from his earlier movie career to a successful television role, adding another layer to Chevy Chase net worth.

His work on Community helped introduce him to a new generation of fans and reinforced his legacy as a comedic icon. Despite leaving the show in 2014, Community remains a significant part of his career and continues to be a source of income for Chase through syndication and streaming.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

In addition to his acting career, Chevy Chase has participated in several endorsement deals and business ventures over the years. These deals, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, helped increase his wealth. He endorsed products like beer and automobiles, making money from both his advertising work and his ability to market himself as a comedic personality.

Chase has also made smart investments in real estate, buying and selling several properties over the years. His real estate ventures have allowed him to diversify his wealth beyond acting, which has helped him build and maintain a sizable fortune. Through these ventures, along with his acting income, Chevy Chase has successfully increased his net worth.

Chevy Chase’s Personal Life

Chevy Chase has been married three times. He was first married to Susan Hewitt in 1973, but the couple divorced in 1976. His second marriage was to Jacqueline Carlin in 1976, but they separated in 1980. In 1982, he married his third wife, Jayni Chase, with whom he has three children. Chevy and Jayni’s long-lasting marriage is a testament to his ability to balance a demanding career and a stable personal life.

Chase’s personal life has occasionally been the subject of media attention, but he has generally kept a relatively low profile outside of his professional work. His focus on his family, along with his career, has allowed him to maintain a sense of privacy despite his celebrity status.

How Chevy Chase Built His Wealth

Chevy Chase net worth didn’t come by accident. He built his wealth over the years through a combination of talent, timing, and smart financial decisions. His breakout role on Saturday Night Live set the stage for a successful career in film, and his roles in Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and the Fletch series helped him become one of Hollywood’s top comedic stars.

In addition to his acting career, Chase’s involvement in business ventures, endorsement deals, and smart real estate investments played a crucial role in building his fortune. Over the years, his ability to diversify his income streams helped him build and maintain a substantial net worth.

Chevy Chase’s Legacy in Hollywood

Chevy Chase’s legacy in Hollywood is secure. From his early days on Saturday Night Live to his iconic roles in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Caddyshack, Chase helped shape the landscape of American comedy. His unique brand of humor, characterized by his deadpan delivery and physical comedy, has influenced generations of comedians and actors.

Today, Chevy Chase is recognized as one of the legends of comedy. His contribution to the entertainment industry has left a lasting mark, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.