Chevy Chase is an American actor, comedian, and writer who rose to national prominence as a key cast member in the inaugural season of Saturday Night Live. He became famous for his recurring Weekend Update segment and his signature pratfalls. After leaving SNL, he transitioned into a highly successful film career during the late 1970s and 1980s. He is perhaps best known for his role as Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series. Other notable film credits include Caddyshack, Fletch, and Three Amigos!. In the 2000s, he experienced a career resurgence playing Pierce Hawthorne on the critically acclaimed sitcom Community. Throughout his career, he has hosted the Academy Awards twice and received multiple Emmy Awards for his writing. Despite his professional success, he has often been a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry due to his reputation for being difficult on set. He remains a significant influence on modern sketch comedy and improvisational performance. Chase was born into a prominent New York family and attended Bard College before pursuing comedy. He continues to make occasional appearances in film and television projects.