‘Christmas Vacation’ Cast Members Then and Now

It’s been a long time since the Griswold family in the 1989 film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” invited viewers inside their house to spend the holidays with them. Here’s a peek at the cast from back then and now.

When “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” opened in cinemas in 1989, it ignited a frenzy among moviegoers. The majority of the ensemble is made up of veteran comedians, thanks to the direction of Jeremiah Chechik.

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid were among the veteran comedians who contributed to the film’s popularity. Fans have wondered where the cast members have been for almost three decades. Here’s all we know about them.

CHEVY CHASE

Actor Chevy Chase, 78, is best known for his character Clark Griswold in five “National Lampoon’s Vacation” films. Chase’s character is the patriarch of the Griswold family.

He last played his iconic role in 2015, featuring actors Christina Applegate and Ed Helms. In 1993, Chevy, who gained fame on the longest-running TV program “Saturday Night Live,” went on to star in his own late-night program, “The Chevy Chase Show,” in 1993.

Chevy Chase hides behind the tree in a scene from the film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” in 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Besides playing the Griswold patriarch, Chase also became unforgettable for playing the businessman-turned-eccentric student Pierce Hawthorne in the “Community” series from 2009 until 2014.

Chase’s exit from the “Community” series was controversial since he allegedly had a public feud with the show’s creator, Dan Harmon. His co-stars also complained about the veteran comedian’s behavior on set.

BEVERLY D’ANGELO

In the classic comedy film, actress Beverly D’Angelo played Ellen Griswold. In the comedy flick, she played Clark’s supporting wife and the voice of reason for their two children. She remarked on how the film became relevant to all families. She said:

“I didn’t know that was going to happen. The first ‘Vacation’ was rated R, but then this phenomena happened that people brought their kids, and instead of saying, ‘Look at these people,’ the audience went ‘This is us.'”

Beverly D’Angelo attends the premiere of “We’re No Angels” on December 13, 1989, at Loew’s 19th Street Theater in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images

In addition to her comedic performances, the 70-year-old actress is well-known for her other dramatic roles on TV. She has appeared as a guest on the drama series “Law & Order: SVU” and “Entourage.”

She also appeared in an episode of the Netflix dark comedy series “Insatiable.” While her work has extended over two decades, D’Angelo has recently maintained a low and quiet profile.

Beverly D’Angelo arrives at the VIP post-show reception with Al Pacino benefiting SCLA Veterans In Art and NAVSO at Via Porto on March 8, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

JULIETTE LEWIS

Playing Audrey Griswold in “Christmas Vacation” was the first feature film role for actress Juliette Lewis, who was only 15 then. Other actresses, Dana Barron and Dana Hill, have played Ellen and Clark’s daughter in the film’s past sequels.

In addition to “Christmas Vacation,” Lewis appeared in several films, including “What’s Eating Gilbert Cape,” “Natural Born Killers,” “Strange Days,” “August: Osage Country,” and “Conviction.”

Following a slew of film roles, Lewis earned two Best Supporting Actress nominations for Academy Awards and a Golden Globe for her portrayal in “Cape Fear.”

Aside from that, the 49-year-old actress starred in the 2019 horror movie “Ma.” She also appeared in several TV series, and her latest one is the 2021 “Yellowjackets.”

JOHNNY GALECKI

Johnny Galecki played Rusty Griswold, Ellen and Clark’s youngest son. In “Christmas Vacation,” his character was famous for refusing to participate in his father’s antics. He was only 13 when he joined the cast.

The 47-year-old actor’s career skyrocketed after the comedy film was released in theaters. His breakthrough performance on television was his portrayal of David Healey in the sitcom “Roseanne.”

While “Roseanne” was Galecki’s first big break, his TV career skyrocketed once he landed the role of Dr. Leonard Hofstadter in the highly acclaimed series “The Big Bang Theory,” which ran for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019.

“The Big Bang Theory” is the longest-running comedy series. The show featured equally talented actors Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and actress Kaley Cuoco, with whom Galecki secretly dated.

For TBBT, Galecki—who became the world’s second highest-paid TV actor—received a Golden Globe nomination for best performance by an actor in a television series, comedy, or musical. Presently, Galecki is now enjoying fatherhood.

After his amicable breakup with Cuoco, Galecki dated Alaina Meyer, with whom he shares a son named Avery, whom they welcomed in 2019. Sadly, the actor split from Meyer in November 2020.

RANDY QUAID

In the film, Randy Quaid portrayed Cousin Eddie Johnson. He was regarded as the most unsophisticated member of Griswold’s extended family since he was an unemployed man who lived with his family in their recreational van (RV).

Quaid’s most notable appearances after “Christmas Vacation” were in movies like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Independence Day.” He was especially known for starring as Colonel Tom Parker in the “Elvis” miniseries, for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Randy Quaid during “Come See The Paradise” Los Angeles Premiere on December 17, 1990, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Quaid, 71, has been embroiled in various legal disputes despite his fame. In 2009, he and his wife, Evi Motolanez, allegedly scammed an innkeeper, and the following year, they reportedly burglarized a residence they previously owned.

Instead of facing their cases, the couple skipped court and traveled to Canada in search of asylum. Quaid and Motolanez were reportedly arrested in Canada before being freed on bail. They’ve had legal problems ever since.

Quaid’s most recent appearance was in the 2018 film “All You Can Eat.” The once-prolific actor has been away from Hollywood’s limelight due to the controversies he and Motolanez faced.

BRIAN DOYLE-MURRAY

In “Christmas Vacation,” Brian Doyle-Murray plays Clark Griswold’s frugal boss, whose conservative attitude to money eventually leads to his own captivity at the hands of Cousin Eddie.

Like their other co-stars, Hamilton, Louis-Dreyfus, Scorsese, Ladd, and Guest have taken different opportunities in the industry.

Brian Doyle-Murray during the ‘SNL Newsbreak’ skit on October 17, 1981. | Source: Getty Images

A comedy veteran like Chase, Doyle-Murray expanded his acting career in several movies. He was best known for playing Jack Ruby in the film “JFK.” He also voiced the Flying Dutchman in the cartoon sitcom “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Although Doyle-Murray’s whereabouts Murray’s are uncertain now, the actor was featured in AMC’s 2018 comedy-drama series “Lodge 49,” starring Sonya Cassidy, Brent Jennings, and Wyatt Russell.

Brian Doyle-Murray poses backstage at the hit musical based on the 1993 Bill Murray film “Groundhog Day” on Broadway at The August Wilson Theatre on August 8, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The “Christmas Vacation” also featured Ellen Hamilton, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Miriam Flynn, Nicolette Scorsese, Diane Ladd, and Nicholas Guest.

Like their other co-stars, Hamilton, Louis-Dreyfus, Scorsese, Ladd, and Guest have taken different opportunities in the industry. Even though the film premiered many years ago, many of its viewers still have great memories of the actors that acted in it.

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