Chevy Chase was once recognized for his contributions in the world of comedic entertainment, starring regularly on Saturday Night Live and a series of other shows and movies that fans greatly enjoyed. However, all the time he spent perfecting his ability to make people laugh on screen was quickly overshadowed by his wildly inappropriate, and often times offensive off-screen behavior.
It wasn't long before the stars that surrounded him started to share their experiences with the actor, painting Chase in a less than favorable light. Seemingly unable to control his sarcasm and his unfiltered commentary, Chevy Chase quickly made enemies in the industry, and became known for his crass commentary and arrogant attitude. His behavior tarnished the once-admirable reputation he had in Hollywood.
10 Bill Murray And Chevy Chase Threw Punches
After a tumultuous time on the wet of Saturday Night Live, Chevy Chase left the show on less-than-pleasant terms with the production staff. In 1978, he was invited to appear as a guest host, but the man that was hired to replace him, Bill Murray, wasn't very thrilled about this decision. With obvious tension between them, Chase stormed into Murray's dressing room and challenged him to a physical fight, while making personally offensive comments.
He told Murray that his "face was so filled with pockmarks that it looked like the ideal landing spot for Neil Armstrong." As if that wasn't enough, Chase went on to comment on Murray's intimate relationship with his wife. The two exchanged blows, and this obviously became a relationship that was permanently scarred.
9 Robert Downey Jr. Had To Defend His Late Father's Honor
Chevy Chase said too much to Robert Downey Jr. and when he did, he crossed an unforgivable threshold. This all happened in 1985 when Chase made another return to the SNL stage. During this particular instance, he once again let his mouth run off in a direction that wasn't tolerable for anyone around him. He finished off the day by lashing out at Robert Downey Jr. by making fun of his late father. Chase joked about where his day may be, then stated that he "probably went to hell," which of course infuriated Robert Downey Jr. to the point of no return.
8 Terry Sweeney Was Faced With Chevy Chase's Homophobic Rant
Chevy Chase crossed a big line when he started poking fun at fellow Saturday Night Live cast member, Terry Sweeney. Sweeney was the first actor on the show that had ever come forward as being openly gay, and Chase felt this to be an easy opening for him to walk into and cause some trouble. He offended Sweeney by suggesting the show staff should weigh him weekly to make sure he hadn't contracted HIV. The homophobic comment made its way to the top of the network, and Chase was forced to apologize and admit he was wrong in speaking this way.
7 Howard Stern Doesn't Trust Chevy Chase
When Chase was a guest on the Larry King Show in 1992, he didn't realize the cameras were still rolling during the commercial break. He was caught slamming Howard Stern, and of course, that tape found its way into Stern's hands. He played the rant on air and called Chase to exchange words. Stern was told never to phone Chase again.
The situation died down for a bit before Stern and Richard Belzer started crank calling Chase repeatedly - at 5 am. Interestingly, these two found a way to make peace with one another and Stern even invited Chase to his wedding. That peace didn't last long, though. Chase gave a horribly inappropriate wedding speech and their friendship was off-again!
6 Will Ferrell Hates The Way Chevy Chase Treats Women
Will Ferrell isn't impressed with Chevy Chase's sexist, misogynistic demeanor. In fact, he wants nothing at all to do with it. Ferrell says Chase treated women in a very disrespectful manner and that he seemed to be "snobbish" and prone to hurling under-handed insults. Will was especially put-off by Chevy Chase when he made a crass and explicit request of a female writer, then followed up with more demeaning language.
5 John Belushi Was Sick Of The Negativity
John Belushi tried to give Chevy Chase the benefit of the doubt, but eventually he, too, grew sick of his ongoing poor conduct. Belushi has stated that Chevy Chase was constantly putting other people down and had really let his celebrity status over-inflate his ego. Being surrounded by Chase when he was berating others was no longer tolerable. The situation continued to get progressively worse and the overall work environment was suffering greatly as a result.
4 Pete Davidson Has No Respect For Chevy Chase
Pete Davidson has had an ongoing role on Saturday Night Live since he was just 20 years old and truly feels that being on set is like being at home. He is comfortable and happy with his cast mates and can't imagine anyone like Chevy Chase being part of his work environment. Chase's reputation still smells of foul treatment and uncomfortable, explicit, and at times downright offensive behavior. Pete Davidson may not have had a direct experience with Chevy Chase but has learned enough to know he has absolutely no respect for him, and isn't willing to accept his presence.
3 Donald Glover And Yvette Nicole Brown Were Victims Of His Racism
Donald Glover and Yvette Nicole Brown got way more than they bargained for when they worked alongside Chevy Chase. The African-American actors were co-starring alongside Chase when he went on another one of his tirades. His laser-sharp ability to zing those around him with precise insults, struck again. He repeatedly used 'the N word' while in their direct presence and made a slew of racially-charged comments. Glover and Brown felt uncomfortable and personally attacked when he was near.
2 Johnny Carson Won't Be Giving Up His Spot To Chevy Chase
When New York Magazine showed heavy love and dedication towards Chevy Chase, it was clear that they were ready to take his side entirely. They praised Carson and simultaneously sent messages that took aim at Carson, suggesting that Chase was taking over. The publication wrote, "It is a testament to television's power that after half a dozen appearances on a late-night show, he is the heir apparent to Johnny Carson." Of course, Carson wasn't having any of it and went on to trash Carson during an interview with Tom Shales. Carson was on record as saying, "He couldn't ad lib a fart at a bean-eating contest."
1 Kevin Smith Was Fed Up With The Arrogance
Listening to Chevy Chase big himself up and consistently give himself credit for possessing his 'superior skills' can get old very quickly. His energy is demeaning and draining, and Smith had to draw a line in the sand. He was no longer able to surround himself with this level of toxicity and couldn't handle the cloud of arrogance that surrounded Chase. Smith canceled plans he had made to collaborate with Chevy Chase and swiftly ruled out the possibility of ever working alongside him again.
