The Real Name Behind Chevy Chase

The iconic comedian Chevy Chase did not choose his famous stage name from thin air. It is actually a title derived from a centuries-old medieval English ballad about a violent border hunt.

The performer was born Cornelius Crane Chase, but his grandmother nicknamed him after the Chevy Chase ballad. This famous folk song recounts a bloody 14th-century battle between English and Scottish hunters. It is quite a contrast for a man known primarily for his slapstick comedy and lighthearted roles. He has carried this historic, heavy title throughout his entire career in Hollywood.