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Chevy Chase reportedly faced a lifetime ban from hosting Saturday Night Live due to a series of controversial incidents during his previous stints on the show. His behavior, which included clashes with cast members and a generally difficult demeanor, contributed to the decision to prevent him from returning as a host.

Comedian Chevy Chase has been banned from returning to the Saturday Night Live stage following reports of significant tension he caused behind the scenes during his time on the show.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Episode 2 -- Aired 10/06/2007 -- Pictured: Chevy Chase during "Weekend Update" on October 6, 2007 (Photo by Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

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Chevy Chase made a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live during the Weekend Update segment in 2007. His return to the iconic show was met with excitement, as he brought his signature humor and charm back to the SNL stage, captivating both the audience and viewers at home with his quick wit and playful banter.

The rich history of Saturday Night Live includes a list of banned celebrities, such as reportedly Chevy Chase.

The comedian was one of the original cast members of the live comedy skit show. He only lasted a year as a series regular, dipping from the stage in late 1976. But he went on to host SNL eight times from 1978 to 1997 after leaving as a regular. It wasn't until his last time hosting in 1997 that it was said Chevy was banned.

During his last time hosting, he was said to be abusive towards the cast. According to Screen Rant, the actor allegedly slapped the back of Cheri Oteri's head. Will Ferrell later shaded Chevy, calling him the "worst host."

There was no formal declaration as to why Chevy was banned. The Caddyshack star claimed to the Washington Post in a 2018 profile that when he asked to return to the show at his daughter Cydney's wedding in 2012, SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels denied him the opportunity. He said that Lorne said he was too old for the job.

Chevy Chase

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Chevy was among the founding cast members of SNL.

"Chevy claimed, 'We've had numerous hosts who were older than me.' But I never grasped what he was getting at. I know I'd excel in that role, and it would be entertaining for viewers to watch.' He further voiced his frustration over Michaels 'refusing' to acknowledge that he was the one who truly 'energized the show' during its inaugural season."

In the same article, Lorne offered a different perspective on the situation compared to Chevy, who still appeared to be affected by it when he recounted the event to the reporter six years afterward.

"They were actually just waiting for him to escort Cydney down the aisle. He remarked, 'I’m ready to host again.' All I could think was, we need to put an end to this conversation right now. You're being difficult and bothersome. This is a significant moment in your life. I’m here to support you. Danny [Aykroyd] will be officiating the ceremony. We’re your friends; we’ve got your back. It's time for you to walk your daughter down the aisle," Lorne clarified.

Lorne dispelled the speculation surrounding Chevy's 1997 hosting of SNL, which allegedly embarrassed him and resulted in a ban for Chevy, a claim stemming from the book "Live From New York" by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales.

"That's ridiculous," he remarked. "Honestly, none of it really surprised or bothered me. It's simply a matter of generational differences."

Chevy Chase

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Chevy has a reputation for being difficult to collaborate with.

Although Lorne seems to suggest that the conversation around hosting was halted due to the nature of their function and has tried to clear up any speculation regarding his feelings towards Chevy, it's worth noting that Chevy hasn't returned to host since 1997. The 80-year-old Lorne remains at the helm of the NBC sketch comedy show. While Lorne hasn't explicitly confirmed that there’s a ban on Chevy hosting, his failure to invite Chevy back certainly leaves room for interpretation.

Despite not having hosted the show recently, Chevy has continued to make guest appearances. Notable moments include the 25th anniversary special in 1999, a Weekend Update segment in 2007, his participation in Justin Timberlake's monologue as part of the Five-Timers Club in 2013, and his appearance in the 40th anniversary special in February 2015.

We'll have to wait and see if he shows up for the 50th anniversary special of the show on February 16.

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