Q & Andy: Chevy Chase
CHASE IN NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION, 1983. PHOTO: WARNER BROS/ PHOTOFEST. © WARNER BROS.
Six-four, and with his afro six-nine, the man, the myth—Fletch, ffs!—Chevy Chase has more than secured his spot on the Mount Rushmore of comedy. One of the first Olympians of the SNL school, along with John Belushi and Gilda Radner, and his Spies Like Us (1985) co-star Dan Aykroyd, and star of a series of cultishly beloved films, from Caddyshack (1980) to Three Amigos! (1986), as well as appearing on the similarly adored NBC show Community, the 71-year-old Chase is now returning to his most famous franchise, getting back in the station wagon as Clark Griswold for a new Vacation.
ANDY WARHOL: What did you eat for breakfast?
CHEVY CHASE: Three scrambled eggs and toast, coffee.
WARHOL: How were you discovered?
CHASE: In a labor room.
WARHOL: What was your first job?
CHASE: Woodstock Grocery [in Woodstock, New York], in charge of produce. 13 years old.
WARHOL: Who was the nicest person you worked for?
CHASE: If you get “hot,” everyone’s nice to you. Also, my first agent, Stan Kamen.
WARHOL: What’s the craziest thing a fan has sent you?
CHASE: His children.
WARHOL: Is there anything you regret not doing?
CHASE: Taking early jazz piano lessons. I’m an ear player—but good.
WARHOL: What’s your favorite movie?
CHASE: Laurence of Arabia [1962].
WARHOL: Do you keep a diary?
CHASE: My wife keeps it.
WARHOL: When do you get nervous?
CHASE: Before performing professionally.
WARHOL: Do you have any intimate secrets?
CHASE: None of your business.
WARHOL: Do you dream?
CHASE: Every night. (I tend to forget them.)
WARHOL: Are you a good cook? (If so, what’s your specialty?)
CHASE: Eggs.
WARHOL: What do you think about love?
CHASE: So much better than like.
WARHOL: Have you been to the White House?
CHASE: Yessir.
WARHOL: What’s your favorite color?
CHASE: Pink.
WARHOL: What are you working on now?
CHASE: This.
VACATION COMES OUT TODAY, JULY 29.
