As Chevy Chase knows, fame for 'SNL' alums can be fleeting

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 13, 2005 by WARREN EPSTEIN THE GAZETTE

Will Ferrell is the new Chevy Chase.

He's the latest "Saturday Night Live" Not Ready for Primetime Player to prove himself more than ready for his primetime spotlight.

In 2003, he starred in the big-screen hits "Elf" and "Old School." In 2004, he scored major box office with "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

But those were just warm-ups for this summer. He plays an overly aggressive soccer dad in "Kicking & Screaming," which opens today, and starting June 24 he'll play opposite Nicole Kidman in "Bewitched."

Saturday night he has a homecoming -- hosting "SNL," his first appearance since leaving in 2002 after seven seasons as a cast member.

As the current king of the "SNL" dynasty, Ferrell can look back at a long, distinguished line of comedians, including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Chase.

But Chase should serve as a warning to Ferrell of how far comedy's cherished royalty can fall.

One minute, he's on top of the world with "National Lampoon's Vacation," and the next, he's calling it in for a paycheck in the universally panned tragedy known as "Vegas Vacation."

Other alums have managed to stay on top: Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Mike Myers.

Fame has been less kind to female "SNL" alums. Although Julia Louisfus reached amazing heights on "Seinfeld," film careers have been few and far between for the women of "SNL."

Tina Fey has proved one of the few recent exceptions, hitting it big as both writer and actress in the 2004 comedy, "Mean Girls." Before her, some of the most successful female alums were Joan Cusack and Janeane Garofalo. Ironically, two of the most talented female "SNL" alums -- Jane Curtin and Gilda Radner -- found movie careers elusive.

Clearly, talent isn't the only ingredient at work here. How else can we explain Rob Schneider, who will star in the sequel to "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" -- "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo," which will be out Aug. 12?

Meanwhile, Ferrell's career continues to climb with no peak in sight. His upcoming films include: "The Wedding Crashers," "Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny," "The Producers: The Movie Musical," "Stranger Than Fiction," "Curious George," "Talladega Nights" and "Joan of Bark: The Dog that Saved France."

Of course, should a couple of his movies go the way of "Vegas Vacation," his ready-for-prime-time status might be revoked. Just ask Chevy.