Chevy Chase Was “Hurt” by ‘SNL50’ Excluding Him: “Somebody Made a Mistake”

When Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special broadcast earlier this year, fans were thrilled to see many of the show’s comedy legends return. While the special included both new guests and returning cast members, Chevy Chase – an original member from the very first episode in 1975 – was noticeably missing. Chase has now spoken out about being left out, suggesting it was probably an oversight and admitting it was hurtful to see everyone else included in the celebration.

According to People magazine, comedian Chevy Chase discusses his time on Saturday Night Live in his new documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not. The film, debuting January 1st on CNN, takes a look back at Chase’s career with interviews from his friends and co-workers.

Honestly, it really hurt to hear I wasn’t invited to the 50th anniversary special. I was the very first anchor of ‘Weekend Update’ and helped write some of the early shows – I really felt like I helped build the foundation of SNL. I left after the second season in ’76 to pursue other things, and thankfully, I had a good career. But let’s be real, I wasn’t always the easiest person to work with, and I’m sure Lorne Michaels remembered that when he was making the guest list. No one’s said it outright, but it’s pretty clear that probably played a part.

It was actually pretty disappointing. I haven’t really talked about this before, but I had expected to be included on stage with the rest of the cast. When Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman went out there, I wondered why I wasn’t. No one ever asked me to join them, and I was left out. I just don’t understand why Bill Murray was there and I wasn’t. I don’t know the reason.

You know, I briefly mentioned to Lorne in a text that I felt I should have been cast in something, but then I quickly took it back, calling myself silly for even bringing it up. But honestly, it wasn’t a silly feeling. Someone really dropped the ball, and I genuinely believe they made a mistake. I should have been up on that stage, and it really bothered me when I wasn’t.

Chevy Chase’s Exclusion From ‘SNL50’ Was Likely Due to His Infamous Antics

Warner Bros.

According to his wife, Jayni Chase, Chevy Chase was initially told he’d be involved in at least two segments of the show, but that changed abruptly. Lorne Michaels confirms they considered different versions of the show featuring Chase, but someone – who Michaels won’t identify – expressed concern that Chase wasn’t fully focused at the time.

Anyone who’s worked with Chevy Chase likely knows he could be challenging to be around, especially on a show like Studio 8H. Though he’s a comedy legend, he’s gained a reputation for being difficult to work with. There have been numerous reports of problematic behavior, and his recent firing from the show Community is a clear example of this.

Subscribe for deeper SNL stories and cast insights

Explore the full story behind moments like Chevy Chase’s SNL50 exclusion by subscribing to the newsletter. Get focused coverage of SNL history, cast dynamics and comedy legacies with clear, context-rich reporting and analysis.

Subscribe for deeper SNL stories and cast insights

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s

and

. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Had Chase been included in the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live, it’s impossible to say how things would have gone. While he played a part in making the show what it is, inviting him back might have been considered too much of a gamble.

2025-12-24 15:33

Chevy Chase’s Exclusion From ‘SNL50’ Was Likely Due to His Infamous Antics

Subscribe for deeper SNL stories and cast insights

Subscribe for deeper SNL stories and cast insights

Read More