When did Chevy Chase last host SNL? History explored as he speaks out on 50th anniversary exclusion 

Chevy Chase has had a tremendous and successful comedy career. From playing a part in launching Saturday Night Live to starring in comedy film franchises like National Lampoon's Vacation and Fletch. Chevy Chase was the first anchor of SNL's "Weekend Update". However, it has been 49 years since Chevy Chase exited the late-night show.

His last frequent appearance on the show came with the October 30, 1976 episode. Chase later returned to host SNL eight times between 1978 and 1997, his last hosting gig being season 22 for the February 15, 1997 episode.

As per a report shared by NBC, Bill Murray was selected midseason to replace Chase, and Jane Curtin took over as "Update" anchor. Chevy Chase was also the first Not Ready for Prime Time Player (the original cast who transformed late-night comedy during the show's first three seasons) to leave the show. Chase was also part of the show when it was referred to as ‘NBC’s Saturday Night.’

The comedian recently made headlines as he shared regret over one of his career-defining decisions. Chase, created buzz as he accepted feeling bad for the exclusion from Saturday Night Live’s SNL50.

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Chevy Chase breaks silence on being sidelined during SNL’s 50th anniversary:

Chevy Chase revealed his feelings over his "upsetting" exclusion from SNL50: The Anniversary Special.

He shared in CNN Films' forthcoming documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, that he was "hurt" over how little he was included to be involved in the celebration episode.

Chase was absent from the stage during the event and instead spent the special with the audience. The Anniversary Special paid a nostalgic tribute to SNL's past and present cast members, while revisiting old sketches.

"Well, it was kind of upsetting actually," he said.

"This is probably the first time I'm saying it. But I expected that I would've been on the stage too with all the other actors. When Garrett [Morris] and Laraine [Newman] went on the stage there, I was curious as to why I didn't. No one asked me to. Why was I left aside?"

In the upcoming documentary, Chase contemplates why “Bill Murray was there” for the special but he wasn’t.

"Why was Bill Murray there and why was I not? I don't have an answer for that," said Chase.

He explained, that he shared his concerns with SNL creator Lorne Michaels via text,

"I did bring it up once in a text to Lorne and then took it back, I said, 'Okay, I take it back, silly.' But it's not that silly. Somebody's made a bad mistake there. I don't know who it was, but somebody made a mistake. They should've had me on that stage. It hurt," he added.

According to Chase’s wife, Jayni, the comedian was initially supposed to play a bigger part in the SNL50 special. She shared that Chevy Chase was told “up until that day that there were two bits, they were going back and forth.” However, the plans were changed last minute, with Jayni telling the cameras,

“All of the sudden, ‘No, there’s no bit.”

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Chevy Chase shines light on his early ‘SNL’ departure:

Chase had joined Willie Geist on Morning Joe, where they discussed the impact of Saturday Night Live. As per the report shared by NBC, Geist asked Chase about his decision of leaving SNL early, to which the Primetime Emmy Award winner replied by referring to his then-girlfriend Jacqueline Carlin.

"I was stricken with a girl from LA that I met and, in fact, married, but for only a couple of years, But it was strange. I missed it right away, and I still miss it. I love that show. I love being with Lorne and the cast," he shared

Chase eventually married Jayni Luke in 1982, and shares three daughters with her. Chase also expanded in the documentary (I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not) trailer that he was aware of all the happiness that's available to him.

"I don't think a lot of people have the happiness I have, I'm who I am, and I like who I am," he shared.