In 1981, while on the set of the film “Modern Problems,” a stunt sequence went sideways when the suit Chevy Chase was wearing, which was adjourned with lights, malfunctioned, resulting in an electricity surge coursing through his neck, back and arm, disabled his motor system and causing him to lose consciousness (via Schultz & Myers). Somehow, the comedy actor survived.

The suit was dangerous for Chase because of the moisture his body was generating while wearing it. In fact, wet skin is 100 times less resistant against electricity. A large amount of current can cook a person’s insides, whereas smaller amounts, which flow directly to your central nervous system, can kill you, as in execution via the electric chair (via Insider).

The near-fatal incident left the “Saturday Night Live” alum in a state of depression. Typically, surviving a near-death experience (NDE) can lead to an increased sense of spirituality, though not necessarily one that is religious. There’s often a new “sense of self,” which can result in a new meaning or lease on life, an uptick in values and appreciation, and even a newly-acquired courage, because death is no longer something to be feared (via Real Life Psych).

These were not the case for Chase, who experienced a different result of an NDE: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are typically 17 symptoms that are associated with PTSD, but some of the more common ones include nightmares, isolationism, nausea, sleeplessness, feelings of inadequacy, and aggressive behavior (via MIND).

Electrocution and addiction did not help Chevy Chase's career

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