There are few more controversial people in show business than the likes of Chevy Chase. The abrasive and uncompromising funnyman has been performing for decades, getting his start within the original cast of Saturday Night Live, and after his departure from the program maintained a stellar movie career, becoming a major household name by the late '70s. Chase's performances included equal parts bumbling oaf and quick-witted smooth talker, garnering massive popularity from general audiences who fondly remember his iconic roles to this day.

Despite his launch to fame, time wasn't kind to Chevy Chase's career, nor was Chase to his co-stars on many occasions. It was often that the problematic leading man would cause issues on sets, belittling or antagonizing those around him and creating a rift between himself and any further opportunities to work. By the 1990s, Chase had experienced a long string of movie bombs, a failed late night talk show, and an ever-worsening reputation. Decades later, there's been an assortment of roles for the SNL alumni to sink his teeth into, though it's clear that most are done dealing with the actor's infamous behavior. Despite the sour taste left by the behind-the-scenes tales, let's look at why the world fell in love with Chevy Chase's undeniable on-screen charm to begin with in his career's most memorable roles.

7 Andy Farmer (Funny Farm)

Chase on a tractor waving in Funny Farm
Warner Bros.

While not as popular as his other film outings, 1988's Funny Farm saw Chase as Andy Farmer, a sports writer who, along with his wife, decides to leave his busy city life behind in order to experience small-town rural living and seek inspiration for his new novel. A typical fish-out-of-water tale, with an emphasis on showcasing the charm of Norman Rockwell's America, and the lead characters' discomfort in the lifestyle whiplash. Chevy Chase is at the top of his game, being allowed to express his talents in physical slapstick comedy while providing his own brand of over-the-top reactions to the abnormal quirks of his new neighbors.

The film has quietly developed an appreciation as an '80s cult classic over the years, being considered a hidden gem among Chase's prolific work. Filled with a memorable supporting cast of great character actors, terrific writing with well done callbacks, and a charming, lovingly made parody of the simpler pleasures of Americana living, Funny Farm is definitely worth the watch, if not just for Chase's superb performance.

6 Dusty Bottoms (Three Amigos!)

Three Amigos
Orion Pictures

This time part of a trio, Chase excels in the 1986 comedy Three Amigos! as one of the three clueless silent movie stars who get mistaken for their on-screen personas, and now are responsible for fighting off a ruthless Mexican gang. Partnered up with legendary comedic actors Steve Martin and Martin Short, the chemistry between the three is immaculate, as they each get their individual time to shine, as well as opportunities to each get laughs. Directed by comedy legend John Landis, the crew behind Three Amigos! was a recipe for a classic film, one which unmistakably influenced later classics like Galaxy Quest and Tropic Thunder.

While Chase isn't the lone star of the show, he still manages to make the most out of his shared screen time, and bounces off of his fellow comedy actors well with expert physical timing and charisma. The quotable adventure is still re-watched by fans, and marks a career highlight for all those involved in the production.

Related: These Are Some of the Grossest Comedy Movies of the '90s

5 Ty Webb (Caddyshack)

Chase in golf clothes in Caddyshack
Warner Bros.

Among the most iconic movies in Chase's career, Caddyshack needs little introduction. Over 40 years after its release it still sits in the coveted spot of being one of those comedies that took the world by storm. Chase again stars in an ensemble cast of major comedic talent, though luckily gets plenty of opportunities to deliver his trademark wit and aloofness. Being among the earliest ventures in the actor's career, it was another amazing launching pad to further his success.

Playing the dry-humored son of a golf country club co-founder, Chevy Chase's demeanor is effortlessly cool and one step ahead of everyone as he blows away the competition on the course and off. Providing a plethora of quotable lines, it's clear that Ty Webb remains one of Chase's personal favorite characters as well, as he has held various Q&A sessions after screenings of the film for hardcore fans to enjoy.

4 Clark Griswold (Vacation Series)

The Griswold family in the car in Vacation
Warner Bros.

Based off of director John Hughes' childhood experiences of his own family's trips, the Vacation series was another massive hit, and this time, Chevy Chase was able to soak up all the limelight. With the most notable entries in the series being the original National Lampoon's Vacation, as well as Christmas Vacation, it marks the rare occasion where Chase returned to a series to experience success once again. Though the likes of the other lesser-known Vacation movies, as well as the 2015 remake, may have been flops, the two hits more than make up for it.

Chase's performance as Clark Griswold is masterful in its relatability (especially when pushed to his limits), as well as being another perfect role for the lead actor's comedic talents. A loving father and husband, whose cluelessness and stubborn mindset get him and his family into more than their fair share of bad situations, he remains adamant on providing to them his idea of a perfect vacation, whether they live through it or not. With a TV spin-off series rumored a few years back, it seems studios are eager to revisit the success of the Vacation franchise, though the original as well as the Christmas sequel are all that fans really need.

3 Pierce Hawthorne (Community)

Community
Sony Pictures Television

In a career resurgence, Chevy Chase was brought on to play millionaire CEO and community college attendee Pierce Hawthorne in the much beloved sitcom Community. Pierce was a departure from the cool-headed characters he'd portray in decades past, being an old, out of touch and blissfully offensive member of the infamous study group. Often having the most stand-out and memorable lines, as well as getting to utilize his now-perfected comedic timing, Pierce was a largely enjoyed part of the show, at least in front of the camera.

The lion's share of the press covering Chase within the last decade has unfortunately been tied to the show, being his most recent prominent role, and thus his most recent opportunity to upset his fellow cast mates. The comedy star would often lock horns with the show's creator, as well as make offhand and offensive comments to his Black co-stars, seemingly unaware of the negative affect he was having on the set. The unhinged and unlikeable side of Pierce Hawthorne may have been closer to the real Chevy Chase than the actor would want to admit, and after leaving the show due to constant disputes after its fourth season, it marks an unfortunate end to what could've been a major opportunity.

Related: SNL: The Best Weekend Update Hosts, Ranked

2 Himself (Saturday Night Live)

Saturday Night Live
NBC

As one of the original cast members and being responsible for creating Weekend Update, a long-running staple of Saturday Night Live, Chase's influence on the show was unmatched at the time, as he quickly went on to become the most popular player in the late night sketch comedy series. Still the beginning of his career, Chase fit right in within the cast and left his mark with his dry delivery and slapstick, becoming well known for his bumbling roles, such as impersonating president Gerald Ford.

Chase was also the first member to quit after a year and a half on the program. Aggressive and egotistical behavior behind the scenes, such as getting in a fist fight with Bill Murray, led to the comedian's departure and temporary ban from the show. Years later, Chase has made rare returns, including during its 40th anniversary, though has also launched insults at the current cast, and saying that the only time SNL was good was during its first two years the time he was on it (what a coincidence).

1 Irwin Fletcher (Fletch)

Fletch
Universal Pictures

The undercover reporter known as Fletch exists as the role in which Chevy Chase could truly show off his capabilities as a comedy actor and leading man. The film follows the exploits of the titular character, known for having to take on various disguises while utilizing quick wit to talk his way out of constant questioning. Perfectly capturing the strength of Chase's repertoire and range, there's no better role that has allowed for the star to flex his abilities in both physical and verbal delivery, getting constant laughs all throughout. A sequel was released a few years later to decent praise, continuing what made the original so enjoyable, and a reboot starring Mad Men actor Jon Hamm is also in the works.

Despite the mountains of controversy, Chevy Chase has experienced great success and admiration through his decades of comedy. It's hard not to be charmed by the on-screen presence of the movie icon, and if horror stories of what happens off camera have no effect on watchability to a casual viewer, there's definitely plenty of Chevy out there to enjoy; just don't meet your heroes.