Chevy Chase Survives a Life-Threatening Crisis: Heart Failure, 8-Day Coma Revealed
Chevy Chase's Terrifying Brush with Death
Beloved comedian Chevy Chase faced a life-threatening crisis in 2021 when heart failure sent him into an eight-day medically induced coma, as revealed in the upcoming CNN documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, premiering January 1, 2026. His wife, Jayni, rushed him to the ER after he sensed something gravely wrong; upon arrival, his heart stopped abruptly.[1][2]
The Root Cause and Dire Warnings
Years of heavy drinking had led to cardiomyopathy, weakening Chase's heart muscles and impairing blood flow, Jayni explained in the film. Doctors warned his family, including daughter Caley, to prepare for the worst: "We might not get him back," they said, leaving loved ones bracing for permanent loss. Friend Peter Aaron confirmed the coma's tense duration.[1][3]
A Miraculous Recovery with Lasting Echoes
Chase awoke, initially speaking only, and cracked a classic "That's what she said" joke to a nurse, signaling his humor endured. Caley declared him "basically back from the dead." Now 82, he battles memory gaps from the ordeal, adding depth to his legendary yet turbulent career story.[1][5]
About the Organizations Mentioned
CNN
**CNN (Cable News Network)** is a pioneering 24-hour cable news channel founded by media mogul Ted Turner and launched on June 1, 1980. It revolutionized television news by providing continuous, live news coverage worldwide, breaking from the traditional scheduled news broadcasts prevalent at the time[1][3][4][5]. CNN's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, where it remains a major hub for news production. **History and Growth:** CNN was born from Ted Turner’s vision to create the first all-news channel, despite skepticism from industry professionals. Starting with a modest team and resources, it grew rapidly, expanding its reach through cable, satellite, and digital platforms. In 1982, CNN introduced CNN2 (later HLN), the first news channel to use a "wheel" schedule, and in 1985 launched CNN International to serve global audiences[1][4][6]. The network gained significant prominence during events like the 1991 Persian Gulf War, offering real-time battlefield coverage that established CNN as a trusted news source[3][6]. CNN’s website, CNN.com, launched in 1995, was among the first major news websites, marking its early embrace of digital news delivery[6]. **Ownership and Business Evolution:** In 1996, CNN became part of Time Warner (later WarnerMedia), and subsequently Warner Bros. Discovery, reflecting its integration into a major media conglomerate[1][2][6]. The network has adapted to changing media landscapes, including cost-cutting measures announced in 2022 but maintaining a commitment to longform and investigative content[1]. **Key Achievements:** CNN is credited with shaping modern journalism through its live, around-the-clock news coverage and global bureaus. It has earned numerous awards for its reporting and has influenced the creation of similar 24-hour news channels. Its notable anchors and correspondents, such as Bernard Shaw and Christiane Amanpour, have contributed to its authoritative reputation[1]
