SNL Alum Terry Sweeney’s Bold Response to Chevy Chase Documentary
In the lead-up to CNN’s documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” former Saturday Night Live cast member Terry Sweeney has offered a candid and unapologetic response to how the film portrays Chevy Chase’s behavior and past actions. The 75-year-old Sweeney, speaking with The Hollywood Reporter just days before the documentary’s January 1 premiere, showed little sympathy for Chase’s troubled childhood backstory. “Boohoo… poor screwed up kid. So THAT’s why he’s so rotten!!!!!!!” Sweeney remarked sarcastically, setting the tone for his unflinching critique of his former colleague.
The documentary, directed by Marina Zenovich, explores the complicated legacy of Chevy Chase, including his alleged mistreatment of Sweeney during their time on SNL. In one particularly revealing moment, Zenovich confronts Chase about comments he allegedly made to Sweeney, saying, “You said something to Sweeney like, ‘Oh, you’re the gay guy. Why don’t we ask if you have AIDS? And every week, we weigh you.'” Chase’s response in the film proved equally controversial, as he remarked, “Terry Sweeney, he was very funny, this guy. I don’t think he’s alive anymore.” This statement prompted Sweeney to confirm to the press that he is, in fact, alive, while adding that Chase’s comments in the documentary only served to make Chase “look more like the ass he is!!!” The heated exchange highlights the long-standing tensions between the two comedians and raises questions about Chase’s awareness of the impact of his past behavior.
Further controversy emerges when the documentary delves into an incident described in the SNL oral history book, where Sweeney recounted Chase entering his dressing room to apologize for the AIDS joke but being “furious that he had to apologize.” When presented with this account in the documentary, Chase firmly denied it, stating, “My memory is that he is lying, is my memory. He’s not telling the truth. That isn’t me. That’s not who I am. And if I am that way, my life has changed, because I have to live with that now for the rest of my f***ing life.” Sweeney’s response to Chase’s denial was equally direct, telling The Hollywood Reporter that Chase’s comments “all reflects rightly horribly on him!” This back-and-forth illustrates the challenging task the documentary undertakes in reconciling different perspectives on Chase’s behavior and character, particularly regarding his interactions with colleagues.
According to CNN’s promotional materials, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” attempts to chart Chase’s remarkable career trajectory from his breakout success on Saturday Night Live to his reign as a box-office star, while “thoughtfully examining the complexities and challenges that have shaped his legacy.” The documentary includes participation from Chase himself, along with family members and former colleagues, in an effort to “cut through the legend to reveal the complicated man beneath the smirk.” This ambitious framing suggests that the film aims to present a nuanced portrait of Chase, acknowledging both his undeniable comedic talents and the controversies that have followed him throughout his career, including allegations of difficult behavior on sets like Community and Saturday Night Live.
Not everyone connected to Chase’s career appears eager to participate in this retrospective, however. Community actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who worked with Chase on the popular sitcom, seemingly addressed the documentary on Instagram shortly before its premiere, though she and other Community cast members reportedly did not participate in the project. Without mentioning the documentary specifically, Brown wrote, “If I have something to say, I have NO problem saying it. I’ve never had a problem speaking up and out with my whole chest when it is warranted or when I think it will change a wayward mind or some truly disgusting behavior.” She continued by explaining her occasional choice to remain silent: “When I choose NOT to speak on something, it’s usually because it won’t change a thing and more importantly because it’s most likely tawdry, low-vibrational or dumb and therefore BENEATH me.” This cryptic statement has been widely interpreted as a reference to Chase and the documentary, suggesting complex feelings among those who have worked with the comedian.
As “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” premieres on CNN on January 1 at 8 p.m. ET, viewers will have the opportunity to judge for themselves how successfully it navigates the challenging terrain of Chase’s legacy. The pre-release controversy, particularly the sharp exchange between Sweeney and Chase, indicates that the documentary will likely spark significant discussion about accountability, memory, and the often complicated personal stories behind beloved entertainment figures. The film promises to examine how someone can be simultaneously brilliant on screen and difficult behind the scenes, while exploring how we reconcile artistic contributions with personal behavior. The contrasting perspectives offered by Chase, Sweeney, and the conspicuous silence of other collaborators like Brown suggest that, even after decades in the public eye, the true Chevy Chase remains a subject of debate—both the comedic genius who created iconic characters and moments, and the person whose interactions with colleagues have generated lasting controversy.
