Chevy Chase reigned supreme as one of the biggest comedic stars of the 1980s, his unique blend of slapstick, wit, and self-deprecating humor making him a box office draw. The decade saw him solidify his comedic persona through a string of now-classic films.
Early 1980s Films
Caddyshack (1980) This raucous golf comedy introduced us to Ty Webb, the laid-back and wealthy club member who clashes with the equally eccentric Judge Smails (Ted Knight). Caddyshack remains a quotable and beloved classic, largely thanks to Chase’s deadpan delivery and physical comedy. Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Michael O’Keefe, Cindy Morgan and Brian-Doyle Murray also starred.
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Just a few months after Caddyshack, Chase starred in this Neil Simon-penned comedy as Nicholas Gardenia, a writer who suddenly re-enters his ex-wife’s (Goldie Hawn) life, causing chaos and hilarity. Charles Grodin, T.K. Carter and Robert Guillaume round out the cast. Chase and Hawn reunited for this film following their hit 1978 film Foul Play.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) The Griswold family’s disastrous cross-country road trip launched a franchise and cemented Chase’s status as the king of suburban angst. Clark Griswold’s increasingly frantic attempts to have the perfect vacation resonated with audiences everywhere. Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Randy Quaid, Dana Barron, James Keach, Eugene Levy, John Candy and Christie Brinkley also starred.
Deal of the Century (1983) This satirical black comedy features Chase as Eddie Muntz, a fast-talking arms dealer trying to make a buck. Gregory Hines and Sigourney Weaver co-starred in the film directed by William Friedkin.
Fletch (1985) Investigative reporter I.M. Fletcher, better known as Fletch, became one of Chase’s most iconic characters. Disguises, witty banter, and a laid-back attitude defined this comedic mystery that also starred Tim Matheson (Up the Creek, National Lampoon’s Animal House), Joe Don Baker, George Wendt and Geena Davis.
Chevy Chase in Fletch (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Spies Like Us (1985) This Cold War comedy paired Chase with Dan Aykroyd as two clueless government employees mistakenly recruited as spies. Their ineptitude and accidental successes made for hilarious situations. Donna Dixon, Steve Forrest (North Dallas Forty), Bernie Casey and Terry Gilliam co-starred.
Second Half of 1980s
Three Amigos (1986) This Western comedy saw Chase team up with Steve Martin and Martin Short as three silent film stars who are mistaken for real heroes in a Mexican village. The film is filled with musical numbers, slapstick, and plenty of quotable lines.
The Couch Trip (1988) Dan Aykroyd stars as a con man impersonating a psychiatrist with a radio call-in show. Chase has a small but hilarious role as the Condom Father. Walter Matthau, Charles Grodin and Donna Dixon co-starred.
Funny Farm (1988) Chase and Madolyn Smith Osborne play a couple who leave the hustle and bustle of New York City for a quiet life in the country. However, their idyllic dreams of rural bliss quickly turn into a series of hilarious mishaps and culture clashes. George Roy Hill directed the film.
Fletch Lives (1989) Fletch inherits a Louisiana plantation and gets tangled in a web of deceit and murder in the Bayou. Hal Holbrook, Julianne Phillips, R. Lee Ermey, Cleavon Little, Geoffrey Lewis and Phil Hartman also starred.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Clark Griswold’s obsession with creating the perfect Christmas for his family resulted in another comedic masterpiece. Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Nicholas Guest, William Hickey and Nicolette Scorsese round out the cast.
Legacy for Chevy Chase in the 1980s
These films, while varying in style and critical reception, all showcased Chase’s unique comedic talent. He was a master of physical comedy, his facial expressions and body language often stealing the scene. His ability to portray both the everyman and the out-of-touch wealthy character made him relatable to a wide audience.
The 1980s truly belonged to Chase, and his films from that era continue to bring laughter to audiences today.
