Consistency is hard to find in Hollywood. That’s why Chevy Chase’s ability to be seemingly hated by everyone is so impressive. Of Saturday Night Live at CommunityChase’s popularity meter score puts him slightly above John Wilke’s Booth in 1865.
As you can imagine, this reputation didn’t materialize overnight. Many legendary stories give us insight into why Chase is among the most hated in Hollywood.
Chevy Chase’s legendary short stint on “Saturday Night Live”
Chase became the standout performer in the first season of SNL in 1975. America fell in love with his unique brand of physical comedy and deadpan comic style. But his colleagues did not share this sentiment. In fact, over the nearly 50-year history of the late-night sketch show, Chase always seems to be at odds with a former or current cast member.
According Live from New York by Tom Shales and James Miller, a consensus exists among current and former actors regarding Chase. There are many tales of Chase upsetting virtually everyone, especially if he saw them as a threat.
The book contains quotes from people who have no lost love for Chase. One word from former cast member Terry Sweeney sums it up when he calls Chase a “monster.”
Insults and fights
The comedian’s abrasive personality and outspoken nature led to many conflicts throughout his career. You don’t have to look too far to find his verbal battles with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Community creator Dan Harmon and directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who spoke about their conflicts with Chase. In each case, Chase viciously attacked each other’s work and insulted their intelligence.
In addition to verbal wars, Chase’s difficult personality has led to at least one physical altercation with SNL co-starring Bill Murray. On The Howard Stern Show, Chase explained his version of the 1978 behind-the-scenes battle with Murray. His recollection lines up with most other accounts of the behind-the-scenes battle between the two.
Chase left the show on bad terms after the first season. But he returned to host an episode for the first time in the show’s third season. He thinks the atmosphere has been turned against him by his former colleagues, especially John Belushi. The powder keg finally exploded when he and Murray got physical. In a humorous twist, Belushi was the only one who got hit during the brawl.
Chevy Chase: grumpy art imitating grumpy life
After a long period of relative inaction, Chase returned to the limelight in 2009 for his portrayal of senior student Pierce Hawthorne in the sitcom Community. The many similarities between Chase and Pierce suggest the character was written specifically for the grumpy comic legend. Pierce is out of touch, reluctant to change and often difficult – all descriptions of Chase’s reputation.
In true form, discord followed success when Chase exited the popular sitcom’s set in 2012. Over the years, there has been much talk about his reasons for leaving. In this 2013 interview with L’Opie and Anthony Spectacle, Community Star Joel McHale said Chase didn’t want to be on the show and wasn’t happy.
Chase is often portrayed as mean, mean, and difficult. The 78-year-old has time to change his reputation, but if the past is any indication, the universal dislike for Chase will endure.
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