Recent revelations in a new interview shed light on the tumultuous relationship between actors Joel McHale and Chevy Chase. Instances of physical altercations and controversial remarks about the sitcom Community were brought to the forefront.
During the interview, Joel McHale disclosed alleged incidents of fist fights with Chevy Chase on the set of Community. He mentioned dislocating Chevy's shoulder during one of their altercations, which he detailed in his 2016 book, Thanks for the Money.
McHale clarified that the fights were not isolated incidents, stating that they engaged in multiple physical altercations while filming Community. He described the confrontations as 'advanced horseplay' that sometimes turned contentious.
One particular incident involved a boxing scene where Chevy encouraged McHale to hit him harder. McHale recounted punching Chevy, causing him to fall and dislocate his shoulder.
Addressing Chevy's negative comments about Community on a different podcast, McHale expressed mutual feelings about Chevy's attitude. He emphasized that being part of the show was a choice and not an obligation.
McHale also suggested that Chevy was aware of his behavior, stating that he could be difficult to work with. The actors' contrasting experiences on the show culminated in Chevy's departure after the fourth season.
Throughout the six seasons of Community, McHale portrayed Jeff Winger, a disbarred lawyer seeking a legitimate degree at Greendale Community College. In contrast, Chevy played Pierce Hawthorne, an elderly businessman also enrolled at Greendale.