Chevy Chase opens up about his college romance with Blythe Danner in his new CNN documentary, calling her his “first real love” and reflecting on how their relationship shaped their early careers.
In his 2026 CNN documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, the comedy legend reflects on his early romance with Blythe Danner, calling her his “first real love.” The two dated while attending Bard College in the 1960s, a period that proved pivotal for both of their careers.
Chase, who initially pursued a pre-med curriculum, found his passion for performance through jazz music, while Danner solidified her commitment to acting. Their relationship, though brief, left a lasting impact on both stars as they navigated their paths to fame.
The College Romance That Shaped Two Legends
Chase and Danner met at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, where they dated for approximately two years. Danner, already focused on acting, graduated in 1965, while Chase transferred to Bard in the mid-1960s before switching from pre-med to English.
Their time together was marked by musical collaboration—Chase played drums in a jazz band called The Leather Canary (later known as The Donald Fagen Trio), which included future Steely Dan founders Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. Meanwhile, Danner honed her acting skills, eventually winning a Tony Award for her role in Butterflies Are Free in 1970.
Why Their Relationship Matters in Hollywood History
Chase and Danner’s romance is more than just a celebrity footnote—it represents a crossroads in their careers. While Danner quickly rose to prominence in theater, Chase took a winding path, eventually becoming an original cast member of Saturday Night Live in 1975.
Chase’s brother, Ned, noted in the documentary that their careers diverged after college: “Blythe is a very skilled actress and Blythe’s career took off almost immediately. Meanwhile, Chevy did not take off immediately.” This contrast highlights how their early relationship influenced their professional trajectories.
Danner’s Rare Reflection on the Romance
While Chase has been vocal about his feelings, Danner has rarely discussed their relationship. In a 2018 interview with AARP, she referred to Chase as her “college beau” and credited him with nurturing her passion for performing during their jazz collaborations.
“I wanted to be a singer,” Danner recalled, reflecting on how their musical partnership helped shape her artistic identity.
Life After Bard: Where Their Paths Led
After their split, Danner married director Bruce Paltrow in 1969, with whom she had two children: actress Gwyneth Paltrow and director Jake Paltrow. She has remained widowed since Paltrow’s death in 2002, stating in 2015 that she has not seriously dated since his passing.
Chase, meanwhile, married three times, finding lasting love with his third wife, Jayni Luke Chase, whom he wed in 1982. Despite his controversies, Jayni has been a steadfast supporter, defending him in a 2026 CNN interview: “If Chevy says something, and you feel offended, it’s a little more on you than him.”
The Legacy of Their Early Love
Chase’s revelation in I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not offers a rare glimpse into the emotional foundation of two entertainment icons. Their college romance, though brief, played a role in shaping their identities as performers—Danner as a Tony-winning actress and Chase as a groundbreaking comedian.
For fans of classic Hollywood and SNL history, this story adds depth to Chase’s early years, showing how personal relationships can influence artistic evolution.
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