Joel McHale Says He Dislocated Chevy Chase’s Shoulder During a Physical Altercation While Filming ‘Community’
Although “Community” has remained a cult favorite show since its 2009 debut, Chevy Chase, one of the series’ stars, has been very vocal that he didn’t enjoy making it. Similarly, fellow cast member Joel McHale hasn’t been afraid to slam Chase in the press. Yet their on-set feud turned physical too, with one ending when McHale injured the veteran comedian.
McHale was a guest on a recent episode of Michael Rosenbaum’s “Inside of You” podcast, where he described a section of his 2016 memoir “Thanks for the Money” which included a “step by step on how to fight Chevy Chase.”
More from Variety
When Rosenbaum asked if their on-set altercations were verbal or physical, McHale confirmed there were multiple physical incidents.
“It was an advanced horseplay,” he said, joking, “You know, horseplay, and then it always turned into sex.”
From there, he described the reality of the situation, saying, “It would get a little contentious. It would get to this point … I got in trouble one time because I injured him. I dislocated his shoulder.”
“Community” ran for six seasons, from 2009 to 2014. Chase was a series lead for the first four seasons, stepped back to a guest role in season 5 and then didn’t return for the final season.
Series creator Dan Harmon recently spoke to Variety about the status of the long-awaited “Community” film.
“I can confirm Donald Glover’s report that I told him the script was done, but I will also say Donald’s sources are so unreliable because the script is always ‘almost done,’” he said. “What can I tell you about it — it’s set on the campus of Greendale Community College. I’m super excited about it, and we’re almost done.”
Representatives for Chase and Sony Pictures Television did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Watch the full interview below.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.