- - Chevy Chase Was in a Coma for 8 Days After Heart Failure Hospitalization: ‘Back From the Dead'

Megan JohnsonDecember 27, 2025 at 11:43 PM

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Photo by Tommaso Boddi on Getty Images

Legendary comedian Chevy Chase is doing great these days, but he was close to death just a few years ago.

In a new authorized documentary, I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not, the Saturday Night Livealum, 82, who went on to a successful film and television career in movies like Fletch and National Lampoon's Vacation, revealed that during his previously reported five-week hospitalization in 2021, he was put into a medically induced coma after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, USA Today reported.

"(He) has basically come back from the dead. He had heart failure," Chase's daughter, Caley Chase, said in the documentary, which debuts on New Year's Day. "The doctor had warned us we might not get him back: 'We don’t know how present he’ll be. Prepare yourselves for the worst.' He woke up, all he could do was use his voice."

Chase's wife, Jayni Chase, revealed that the cardiomyopathy diagnosis came "during those years he was drinking." Chase's weakened heart muscles slowed blood circulation. Luckily, Chase revealed that he "is fine now."

Dealing with Memory Loss

One issue Chase has dealt with as a result of his hospitalization is memory loss.

“According to the doctors, my memory would be shot from it, and that’s what’s happened here,” he said in the doc, adding that card games and chess help to improve his “cognitive disability” following the hospitalization, PEOPLE reported.

“Heart failure is what it is,” added Chevy. “I’m fine now. It’s just that it affects your memory, and the doctors have told me that, so, I have to be reminded of things.”

His New Documentary

I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not features interviews with Chase’s family and friends, as well as stars including Ryan Reynolds, Lorne Michaels, Martin Short, Goldie Hawn, and Dan Aykroyd, PEOPLE continued. The CNN documentary is directed by Marina Zenovich.

Check out the trailer for the upcoming documentary below:

Related: ‘Christmas Vacation’ Cast Reunites 36 Years After the Iconic Film and Fans Can’t Get Enough

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”