Exploring The Griswold Family Christmas Vacation Cast: Where Are They Now?
The holiday season, for many, simply isn't complete without a viewing of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." This comedy, which came out on December 1, 1989, captures the delightful chaos of family gatherings during the most wonderful time of the year. It's a film that, in a way, just gets better with each passing year, offering laughs and a sense of shared experience, especially when things go a bit sideways, as they often do for Clark Griswold and his loved ones.
This year, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" turns 35, which is quite a milestone for a movie that still feels so fresh and funny. It's a story where the Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster, something many of us can relate to, perhaps on a smaller scale. The heart of this enduring classic, so it seems, really comes from its memorable group of actors, each bringing a special touch to their parts.
So, you might be wondering, what is the cast of "Christmas Vacation" up to 35 years after its release? Let's check out their career highlights and personal milestones, and also explore a little bit about the name "Griswold" itself, which has some rather interesting connections beyond the silver screen, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- The Griswold Patriarch: Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)
- The Patient Matriarch: Ellen Griswold (Beverly D'Angelo)
- The Ever-Changing Griswold Kids: Rusty and Audrey
- Cousin Eddie and Catherine (Randy Quaid and Miriam Flynn)
- The Griswold Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles
- The Name "Griswold": Beyond the Movie
- Frequently Asked Questions About The Griswold Family Christmas Vacation Cast
The Griswold Patriarch: Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)
Chevy Chase, who plays Clark Griswold, is the heart of the "Vacation" series. His character is on a quest to take his family to Walley World theme park for a vacation in the first movie, but things don't go exactly as planned. In "Christmas Vacation," Clark becomes obsessed with ensuring that everything goes right for the perfect family Christmas, even as his parents, aunt, and uncle, Ellen's parents, and Catherine and Eddie's family begin arriving early. Chase, with his signature physical comedy and exasperated charm, really brings Clark to life, making him a character we cheer for, even when he's causing mayhem. He's been a comedic force for decades, you know.
After "Christmas Vacation," Chase continued his acting career, appearing in various films and television shows. He reprised his role as Clark Griswold in "Vegas Vacation" and made a cameo in the 2015 "Vacation" film. He also had a notable run on the sitcom "Community," which, in some respects, showed a different side of his comedic abilities. His career spans many years, and he's been a familiar face in comedy for generations, it's true.
Chevy Chase: Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cornelius Crane Chase |
| Birth Date | October 8, 1943 |
| Birth Place | Woodstock, New York, U.S. |
| Notable Roles | Clark Griswold ("National Lampoon's Vacation" series), Pierce Hawthorne ("Community"), "Saturday Night Live" |
| Career Highlights | Emmy Awards, Golden Globe nominations, successful film and television career spanning over five decades. |
The Patient Matriarch: Ellen Griswold (Beverly D'Angelo)
Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold, Clark's remarkably patient wife. She's the calm in the storm, often trying to soothe Clark's frayed nerves and keep the family together amidst the escalating chaos. D'Angelo and Chase really have a timeless chemistry, which is, you know, a big part of why the movies work so well. She brings a warmth and a grounded feeling to the character, making Ellen a truly beloved figure in the series.
D'Angelo has had a varied career beyond the Griswold household. She continued to act in both film and television, taking on a wide range of parts. She appeared in "Vegas Vacation" alongside Chase and has been in dramas, comedies, and even animated shows. Her work shows a great deal of versatility, which is something many actors strive for. She's been a working actor for a very long time, actually.
Beverly D'Angelo: Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Beverly Heather D'Angelo |
| Birth Date | August 19, 1951 |
| Birth Place | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Notable Roles | Ellen Griswold ("National Lampoon's Vacation" series), Sheila Franklin ("Hair"), Doris Vinyard ("American History X") |
| Career Highlights | Golden Globe nomination, extensive film and television credits, known for her diverse acting abilities. |
The Ever-Changing Griswold Kids: Rusty and Audrey
One of the more unique aspects of the "National Lampoon's Vacation" series is that Rusty and Audrey Griswold were famously played by a different actor in each of the movies. This, in a way, became a running gag and something fans always notice. For "Christmas Vacation," we got two actors who would go on to become very recognizable faces in Hollywood, which is pretty cool.
Rusty Griswold (Johnny Galecki)
Johnny Galecki played Rusty Griswold in "Christmas Vacation." He's the son who, you know, just wants to have a normal Christmas, despite his dad's grand plans. Galecki brought a quiet, often exasperated humor to the role. His performance as Rusty is, in some respects, a highlight for many viewers.
After his time as Rusty, Galecki went on to achieve massive success, most notably as Leonard Hofstadter in the hugely popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." That show ran for many seasons and made him a household name. He's also appeared in other films and television projects, but "The Big Bang Theory" is, without a doubt, his most recognized work since his Griswold days. He's doing quite well in the 2020s, that's for sure.
Audrey Griswold (Juliette Lewis)
Juliette Lewis took on the role of Audrey Griswold, the daughter who is, you know, just trying to survive the holiday madness. Her reactions to the family's eccentricities are priceless, and she captures the teen angst of the situation perfectly. Lewis, even at a young age, showed a lot of talent in this role.
Lewis's career really took off after "Christmas Vacation." She became known for her intense and often quirky performances in a variety of films, including "Cape Fear," "Natural Born Killers," and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." She's worked with some truly big names in the industry and has also pursued a music career, which is interesting. She continues to be a working actor, appearing in both movies and television series, showing a lot of range, which is, you know, pretty impressive.
Cousin Eddie and Catherine (Randy Quaid and Miriam Flynn)
Randy Quaid's portrayal of Cousin Eddie Johnson is, quite honestly, one of the most iconic characters in holiday movie history. Eddie is Clark's well-meaning but utterly uncouth cousin, who, along with his wife Catherine (Miriam Flynn) and their children, shows up uninvited and wreaks havoc. Quaid reprises his role from the 1983 hit "National Lampoon's Vacation," bringing his unique brand of chaotic charm to the Christmas setting. His scenes are some of the most memorable and quoted from the movie, for example, the RV sewage dumping scene.
Randy Quaid had a significant career before and after "Christmas Vacation," appearing in films like "The Last Detail" (for which he received an Academy Award nomination) and "Independence Day." His career has had its ups and downs, but his role as Cousin Eddie remains a fan favorite, very much so. Miriam Flynn, who plays Catherine, also had a long career in film and television, often providing voice work for animated projects. She brought a quiet, almost resigned humor to her role as Eddie's wife, which, you know, worked perfectly with Quaid's over-the-top performance.
The Griswold Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles
The movie gets even funnier when Clark's parents, Aunt Bethany, Uncle Lewis, Ellen's parents, and the rest of Catherine and Eddie's family start arriving. These supporting characters add layers of comedic gold to the already chaotic holiday. Actors like John Randolph and Diane Ladd played Clark's parents, while E.G. Marshall and Doris Roberts played Ellen's parents. Roberts, of course, would later gain massive fame as Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond," which is a fun fact.
Mae Questel, who was famous for being the voice of Betty Boop, played Aunt Bethany, known for her gelatin mold and her rather unique rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance. William Hickey played Uncle Lewis, who, you know, has a habit of setting things on fire. Each of these actors, in their smaller roles, really contributes to the movie's overall charm and humor. Their memorable performances, so it seems, help solidify the movie as a classic, bringing joy and laughter to audiences for generations to come, which is pretty cool.
The Name "Griswold": Beyond the Movie
While the Griswold family from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is fictional, the name "Griswold" itself has a rather interesting history and presence in the real world, which is, you know, something to think about. It's not just a name John Hughes picked out of thin air, apparently.
For instance, there's a significant legacy connected to the name in the care sector. Griswold Home Care, with nearly 40 years of nonmedical home care experience, offers a variety of care services for aging adults and individuals with disabilities. Their independently owned and operated locations provide nonmedical care in 32 states. On a crisp January morning in 1982, Jean Griswold sat at her dining room table in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, and began making phone calls, gathering a group of competent, caring people to help older and disabled individuals stay safe in their homes. This organization believes care professionals are the foundation of their success, and people deserve to live where they love as they age. While certain services may vary at Griswold offices across the country, companionship, homemaking, and personal care is where they really shine. In addition, many locations offer support for those who have certain conditions, illnesses, or injuries. With over four decades of experience and a storied legacy of compassion and integrity, they focus on helping people, which is, you know, a very different kind of Griswold story.
The name also appears in legal history. Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (1965), is a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects the liberty of married couples to use contraceptives without government restriction. This is a very important legal case, which is, you know, something many people study in law school.
Then there's the world of cookware. Griswold manufactures durable cast iron cookware in Erie, Pennsylvania. The product line includes skillets, pots, and bakeware made using established casting techniques. These are, you know, very well-regarded items among cooking enthusiasts.
Historically, the name has roots too. Edward Griswold remained in Windsor and played pivotal roles in the early politics of the colony. Many of his descendants moved west to New York following the American Revolution and founded the New York branch of the family, from whom Congressman John Augustus Griswold is descended. So, the name has a pretty long and varied history, which is, you know, quite fascinating when you think about it. You can learn more about Griswold Home Care and their approach to care, which is, in some respects, quite flexible.
The Griswold family from the movie, with Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo reprising their roles from the 1983 hit "National Lampoon's Vacation," brought a specific kind of American family to life. That first film, or simply just "Vacation," is about the Griswold family trying to get to Walley World, an amusement park in California. They face quite a few obstacles that make them lose time and money throughout the trip. Since the first "National Lampoon's Vacation" movie was released in 1983, every generation has grown up with their own incarnation of the Griswold kids. So, while we can't speak for the characters themselves, all the actors who played them have gone on to do interesting things, which is, you know, pretty cool.
The cast members details for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" show how many talented people came together to make this movie. You can get actor roles, casting info, images, and more, exploring the cast of characters and their bios. This movie, directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, truly captured a particular holiday spirit. If you're a fan of the classic holiday comedy movie, "Christmas Vacation," you might have noticed the iconic scene where Clark Griswold daydreams about his fantasy girl while swimming in his pool. You might wonder who that girl in the pool is, too it's almost a mystery for some viewers.
The 1989 comedy from National Lampoon, starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold trying to plan the perfect Christmas for his family, is back on TV channels and streaming services during the holiday season, which is, you know, always a welcome sight. It has been 30 years since the Griswold family invited audiences to celebrate the holidays in "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation," and the movie's charm has certainly not faded. You can learn more about this classic film's enduring appeal on our site, which is pretty interesting, if you ask me.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Griswold Family Christmas Vacation Cast
Here are some common questions people often ask about the cast of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
Who played Rusty and Audrey in Christmas Vacation?
In "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," Rusty Griswold was played by Johnny Galecki, who later became very famous for "The Big Bang Theory." Audrey Griswold was played by Juliette Lewis, who went on to have a significant career in films like "Cape Fear" and "Natural Born Killers." So, you know, both actors became quite well-known.
Is the Griswold family a real family?
The Griswold family from the "National Lampoon's Vacation" movies is fictional, created by writer John Hughes. However, the name "Griswold" does belong to real people and has a long history, including the founders of Griswold Home Care, a landmark Supreme Court case (Griswold v. Connecticut), and even a line of durable cast iron cookware. So, while Clark, Ellen, Rusty, and Audrey aren't real, the name itself has many real-world connections, which is, you know, pretty cool.
How many actors played Rusty Griswold?
Rusty Griswold was played by a different actor in each of the "National Lampoon's Vacation" movies. Anthony Michael Hall played him in the original 1983 "Vacation." Johnny Galecki took on the role for "Christmas Vacation." Ethan Embry played Rusty in "Vegas Vacation," and Ed Helms played an adult Rusty in the 2015 "Vacation" film. So, in total, four actors played Rusty in the main film series, which is, you know, a bit unusual for a recurring character.
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