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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Cast: A Festive Look At The Stars Behind The Chaos

Scope April 14, 2025

There’s something magical about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, isn’t there? Released way back in 1989, this holiday classic has become a staple in many households during the festive season. From Clark Griswold’s epic light display to Cousin Eddie’s RV chaos, the movie delivers laughs, warmth, and just the right amount of family drama. But who exactly are the folks behind these unforgettable characters? Let’s dive into the talented cast that brought this Christmas comedy to life!

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the people who made Clark, Ellen, and even Aunt Bethel such memorable figures, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to take a deep dive into the world of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation cast, exploring their careers, personal lives, and how they became part of this holiday masterpiece. So grab your eggnog, settle in, and let’s get started!

This article isn’t just about the cast—it’s about understanding the magic they brought to the screen and how their performances have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the actors, we’ve got everything you need to know right here. Stick around, because there’s a lot to unpack!

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Biography of the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Cast

Before we dive into the individual stories of the cast members, let’s set the stage with a quick overview of the film itself. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third installment in the Vacation series, but it stands apart as the most beloved entry. Directed by Jerry Rees and written by John Hughes, the movie captures the chaos of family gatherings during the holidays. And at the heart of it all? A group of actors who were perfectly cast to bring these characters to life.

Meet the Cast: A Table of Stars

Here’s a quick rundown of the main cast members, complete with some key details:

Name	Role	Birth Year	Notable Works
Chevy Chase	Clark Griswold	1943	Saturday Night Live, Caddyshack
Beverly D'Angelo	Eleanor "Ellen" Griswold	1948	Grease, Nashville
Juliette Lewis	Audrey Griswold	1973	Cape Fear, The Outsiders
Randy Quaid	Cousin Eddie	1950	Postcards from the Edge, The Last Picture Show
Ellen Hamilton Latzen	Aunt Bethel	1955	Mannequin, The Lost Boys

Chevy Chase: The King of Comedy

Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase, is the man behind the lovable but often exasperated Clark Griswold. Chase’s career skyrocketed after his time on Saturday Night Live, where he became known for his wit and charm. By the time he took on the role of Clark, Chase was already a household name, but it was his portrayal of this bumbling yet well-meaning dad that cemented his legacy.

Chase’s performance in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a masterclass in comedic timing. He perfectly captures Clark’s desperation to create the perfect holiday, even when everything seems to go wrong. And let’s not forget that iconic scene where he electrocutes himself with the Christmas lights—pure gold!

Fun fact? Chase improvised much of his dialogue, adding layers of humor and authenticity to the character. His ability to make Clark both relatable and hilarious is a big part of why the movie remains so popular today.

Key Facts About Chevy Chase

Born in 1943 in New York City
Started his career as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
Won an Emmy for his work on Saturday Night Live

Beverly D'Angelo: The Heart of the Family

Beverly D’Angelo, who plays Ellen Griswold, brings a sense of calm and grace to the chaotic world of the Griswolds. As the long-suffering wife of Clark, D’Angelo’s performance is a perfect balance of exasperation and love. Her chemistry with Chevy Chase is undeniable, making their on-screen relationship feel authentic and relatable.

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D’Angelo’s career spans decades, with notable roles in films like Grease and Nashville. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to switch seamlessly from musicals to comedies. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, she shines as the voice of reason in a household that seems to be falling apart at the seams.

Did you know? D’Angelo was initially hesitant to take on the role of Ellen, fearing it might overshadow her other work. Thankfully, she decided to join the cast, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Key Facts About Beverly D'Angelo

Born in 1948 in Texas
Known for her powerful voice and acting skills
Received critical acclaim for her role in Nashville

Juliette Lewis: The Teenage Rebel

Juliette Lewis was just a teenager when she landed the role of Audrey Griswold, Clark and Ellen’s rebellious daughter. Her performance in the film is a perfect blend of teenage angst and humor, making Audrey one of the most memorable characters in the movie. Lewis’s natural talent shines through, even in scenes where she’s rolling her eyes at her parents’ antics.

Before National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Lewis had already made a name for herself in films like The Outsiders and Cape Fear. Her career continued to flourish after the movie, with roles in films like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Kalifornia. Lewis’s ability to bring depth to even the most challenging roles is a testament to her skill as an actress.

Fun fact? Lewis was only 16 years old during the filming of the movie, making her portrayal of Audrey all the more impressive!

Key Facts About Juliette Lewis

Born in 1973 in Los Angeles
Started acting at a young age
Nominated for an Oscar for her role in Cape Fear

Randy Quaid: The Chaotic Cousin

Randy Quaid brings a unique energy to the screen as Cousin Eddie, the bumbling relative who always seems to be causing trouble. Quaid’s performance is a perfect mix of humor and frustration, making Eddie one of the most beloved characters in the movie. From his dilapidated RV to his quirky personality, Eddie is unforgettable.

Quaid’s career includes a wide range of roles, from dramas to comedies. He’s known for his ability to bring authenticity to even the most outlandish characters. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Quaid’s portrayal of Eddie is both hilarious and endearing, capturing the essence of family gatherings where not everything goes according to plan.

Fun fact? Quaid’s real-life brother, Dennis Quaid, was originally considered for the role of Clark Griswold, but scheduling conflicts led to Chevy Chase being cast instead.

Key Facts About Randy Quaid

Born in 1950 in Houston, Texas
Known for roles in films like Postcards from the Edge
Received critical acclaim for his role in The Last Picture Show

Ellen Hamilton Latzen: The Memorable Aunt

Ellen Hamilton Latzen plays Aunt Bethel, the eccentric and sometimes harsh relative who always seems to have an opinion. Latzen’s performance is a perfect blend of humor and drama, making Aunt Bethel a standout character in the movie. Her interactions with Clark and Ellen add another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

Latzen’s career includes a variety of roles in both film and television. She’s known for her ability to bring depth to even the smallest roles, making her characters memorable and impactful. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, her portrayal of Aunt Bethel is both hilarious and touching, capturing the essence of family gatherings where everyone has a story to tell.

Fun fact? Latzen was a last-minute addition to the cast, but her performance is so strong that it’s hard to imagine the movie without her!

Key Facts About Ellen Hamilton Latzen

Born in 1955 in Ohio
Known for roles in films like Mannequin and The Lost Boys
Received critical acclaim for her work in television

The Legacy of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Cast

What makes the cast of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation so special is their ability to create characters that feel real and relatable. Whether it’s Clark’s obsession with the perfect holiday or Eddie’s chaotic RV, each actor brings something unique to the table. The chemistry between the cast members is undeniable, making the movie a joy to watch year after year.

Fun fact? Many of the cast members have spoken about how much fun they had during filming, which is evident in the final product. The laughter and camaraderie on set translate perfectly to the screen, adding to the movie’s charm.

Why This Movie Stands the Test of Time

Relatable family dynamics
Memorable characters and performances
A perfect mix of humor and heart

Conclusion: Celebrating the Cast of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

As we wrap up our look at the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation cast, it’s clear that these actors have left an indelible mark on the holiday movie genre. From Chevy Chase’s iconic portrayal of Clark Griswold to Randy Quaid’s hilarious take on Cousin Eddie, each member of the cast has contributed to the movie’s lasting legacy.

So the next time you settle in to watch this holiday classic, take a moment to appreciate the talent and hard work that went into making it. And if you haven’t already, why not share this article with your friends and family? Let’s keep the magic of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation alive for generations to come!