Movie
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Cast: Then and Now
Dec
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Cast: Then and Now
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a beloved holiday classic that has remained a staple of Christmas viewing for generations. Released in 1989, the film stars a memorable cast of characters who have since become icons of holiday entertainment. The movie’s popularity has endured, and so has the curiosity about the cast members’ lives both during and after the film. Here’s a look at how the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation cast has changed over the years.
Chevy Chase – Clark Griswold: Then and Now
Chevy Chase played the hapless yet lovable family man, Clark Griswold. His over-the-top attempts to create the perfect Christmas lead to chaos and plenty of laughs. At the time of filming, Chase was already a comedy veteran, having found fame on Saturday Night Live and in films like Caddyshack. Today, Chase’s career has spanned decades, with a mix of comedic roles and appearances in films and TV shows. Though his days of starring in major Hollywood films have slowed, Chase remains a beloved figure in pop culture. He occasionally appears in reunion specials and continues to enjoy a strong fan following.
Beverly D’Angelo – Ellen Griswold: Then and Now
Beverly D’Angelo portrayed Ellen Griswold, the patient and supportive wife of Clark. D’Angelo was already an established actress in Hollywood when she was cast in the film, with memorable roles in the Vacation series and beyond. Since Christmas Vacation, she has continued her career in both television and film, though she tends to take on more mature roles as her career evolves. D’Angelo is still active in the entertainment industry, appearing in TV series and movies, and has maintained a loyal fanbase. Her portrayal of Ellen Griswold remains one of the most iconic roles in holiday movie history.
Juliette Lewis – Audrey Griswold: Then and Now
As Audrey Griswold, the teenage daughter of Clark and Ellen, Juliette Lewis brought a mix of innocence and sarcasm to the role. She was relatively unknown at the time of filming Christmas Vacation, but since then, Lewis has become a highly regarded actress, with major roles in films like Natural Born Killers and Cape Fear. Over the years, Lewis has become a well-respected figure in both film and music, with her band, Juliette and the Licks, gaining a following. Her career trajectory shows the depth and range of her acting abilities, and she continues to take on challenging roles.
Johnny Galecki – Rusty Griswold: Then and Now
Johnny Galecki, who played Rusty Griswold, Clark and Ellen’s son, is another actor whose career has taken off since Christmas Vacation. At the time, Galecki was just beginning his acting career, but his portrayal of the dry-witted Rusty became a fan favorite. Since then, Galecki has starred in the hugely successful TV series The Big Bang Theory, where he played Leonard Hofstadter. His success on the show earned him a place as one of television’s top stars. Galecki’s transformation from a young actor in Christmas Vacation to a seasoned Hollywood star showcases his immense talent and versatility.
Randy Quaid – Cousin Eddie: Then and Now
Randy Quaid’s portrayal of the eccentric and offbeat Cousin Eddie became one of the most memorable characters from Christmas Vacation. Quaid’s larger-than-life performance left a lasting impact on audiences, and Cousin Eddie has become a holiday icon. After Christmas Vacation, Quaid continued his career in both comedy and drama, starring in films like Kingpin and Independence Day. However, in recent years, Quaid has gained media attention for his controversial personal life, which has overshadowed his acting career. Despite this, his role as Cousin Eddie remains a fan favorite, and his performance is still celebrated during the holiday season.
Conclusion: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The cast of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation may have changed over the years, but their performances in the movie continue to resonate with audiences. From Chevy Chase’s chaotic Clark Griswold to Randy Quaid’s unforgettable Cousin Eddie, each actor brought something special to the film. As we revisit this holiday classic every year, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for these iconic actors. No matter where their careers have taken them, the memories they created in Christmas Vacation will always be a part of the holiday season.
From: Avugifts
