‘Fletch’ Stars, 40 Years Later: Who’s Still Alive?

Paul Hall 53 minutes ago

FLETCH, Chevy Chase, 1985. — Universal Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection.

It’s been 40 years since Irwin M. Fletcher finished the 1985 film Fletch by asking us if we wanted Mr. Underhill’s American Express number.

From the variety of characters introduced in the film, to the eminently quotable lines that featured both written and ad libbed material, Fletch became a film for a generation. Not that filmmakers didn’t try, producing a sequel that couldn’t measure up (1989’s Fletch Lives) and a reboot featuring Jon Hamm in the 2022 film Confess, Fletch — a film that is a bit underrated by the way. But nothing could elicit the laughter that flowed from the original.

Universal Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection.

So, what have the key players in that 1985 comic gem been up to since Fletch?

Chevy Chase (81)

Irwin M. “Fletch” Fletcher

Chevy Chase in Fletch and in 2025 split image

Everett Collection; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Chase’s Fletch was quick-witted and always had a character at the ready. From Ted Nugent to Arnold Babar, Fletch was dialed into the role. Everyone has their favorite moments with the iconic character. But his No. 1 line in my book is, “Can I borrow your towel? My car just hit a water buffalo.”

Since Fletch, Chase has, of course, furthered his adventures as Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series (which started before Fletch). He was on a Funny Farm, became a spy in Spies like Us, traveled as one of Three Amigos! and made multiple other television and film appearances before settling in as as Pierce Hawthorne in the NBC hit comedy Community.

Recently, Chase toured the country with special screenings and Q&A sessions in support of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. And he recently posted photos from the set of his latest project, the comedic horror film CATnip, to his Facebook page. The film also features Chase, Bruce Dern, Joey Lauren Adams, Geoffrey Arend, Charlotte Kirk, and Jake Busey.

> National Lampoon’s Vacation — 40 Years And Counting

Tim Matheson (77)

Alan Stanwyk

Tim Matheson in fletch and in virgin River split image

Everett Collection

Alan Stanwyk just wanted Fletch to kill him. He was also the target of Fletch’s story once the offer was made. See, Fletch was the same size as Stanwyk and … well you just go back and rewatch the movie to find out how that fits in.

Matheson has been a hard-working actor and director for more than 60 years. Most recently, he has played Dr. Vernon Mullins in Virgin River for over 5 seasons. Earlier, he popped into The West Wing for 20 episodes in his evolving role as John Hoynes. He played Dr. Brick Breeland on Hart of Dixie for multiple seasons, and has been in countless movies on the large and small screen. Of course, before Fletch, Matheson was Eric Stratton — rush chairman who was “damn glad to meet you!” — in National Lampoon’s Animal House. He’s directed over 40 television episodes in his long resume as well.

Dana Wheeler-Nicholson (64)

Gail Stanwyk

Dana Wheeler-Nicholson in Fletch and in 2018 split

Everett Collection; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

The object of Fletch’s affection was none other the woman who said, “If I had a nickel for every one of Alan’s flyboy buddies who tried to pick me up, I’d be a rich woman.” To which Fletch replied, “You are a rich woman.” And Gail calmly finished the scene with “See what I mean?” Wheeler-Nicholson’s character was quick to the punch and had a way of keeping Fletch in his lane whenever the two shared screentime.

Since Fletch, she was well known for her turn as Mattie Earp in the 1993 film Tombstone and many will remember her immediately from that role alone. Television a plenty has been on her plate with roles in Seinfeld, The X-Files, Big Apple, All My Children, Friday Night Lights, Nashville and so much more. Most recently, she has been recurring in the series Unconventional as Carolyn Guillory.

Joe Don Baker (d. 2025)

Chief Jerry Karlin

Universal/courtesy Everett Collection

Karlin was the target of Fletch’s ire because he turned out to be the brains behind the drug operation on the beach.

As for the man who played him, Joe Don Baker’s resume is loaded with feature appearances. Though he hasn’t appeared in a film since 2012’s Mud, which also featured Matthew McConaughey, Baker’s credits included Tomorrow Never Dies, GoldenEye, Mars Attacks!, Congo, Cape Fear, The Distinguished Gentleman and more, before he passed away May 7 at the age of 89.

George Wendt (d. 2025)

Fat Sam

Universal/courtesy Everett Collection

Fat Sam never left the beach, and yet he had “junk” to sell. He was a big part of Fletch’s plan to bust the drug story on the beach wide open.

Wendt was a mainstay on the television program Cheers as Norm. He was in the middle of his run when he was cast as Sam, and it tended to work well for his career. More television appearances throughout the years were granted to the likable Wendt as any time you saw him on screen there was the comfort of an old friend.

Wendt only passed away over a week ago (May 20) at age 76.

Larry Flash Jenkins (d. 2019)

Gummy

THE WHITE SHADOW, Larry Jenkins, 1978-81.

Gene Trindl/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Gummy was an addict on the beach that Fletch befriended while researching the story. At every turn, the Chief wanted Gummy at all costs brought in and would leave Fletch behind.

After Fletch, Jenkins continued working through the late 2010s with small roles in everything from Home Improvement and Edtv to Brooklyn South and To Protect and Serve. His last credited role was in 2017’s Low Town.

Jenkins passed in 2019 at age 63.

Tell us: What lines do you still quote from Fletch?