Have you ever wondered what happened to the stars of the classic holiday movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Released on December 1, 1989, this beloved film has become a staple of holiday viewing for families across America. Featuring an all-star cast, including Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki, the film centers around the Griswold family's chaotic Christmas celebrations. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation as one of the most-watched Christmas movies, even ranking as the most-viewed in 2022 with over 8.6 million households tuning in!
The film's humor and relatable family dynamics resonate with audiences, making it a cherished classic. Today, we take a closer look at what the original cast members have been up to since the film's release. You might be surprised to see just how much they have changed and what new projects they are involved in!
From Chevy Chase's iconic role as Clark Griswold to Juliette Lewis's breakout performance as Audrey, each actor has continued to shape their careers in unique ways. Join us as we explore their journeys and the impact of Christmas Vacation on their lives and careers.
Chevy Chase: The Iconic Clark Griswold
Chevy Chase, now 79, is best known for his role as Clark Griswold across five National Lampoon's Vacation films. His portrayal of the enthusiastic and often bumbling family man has left a lasting impression on audiences. After his last appearance as Clark in the 2015 film Vacation, Chase continued to showcase his comedic talents in various projects, including the NBC series Community, where he played Pierce Hawthorne from 2009 to 2014.
Throughout his career, Chase has navigated the ups and downs of Hollywood. Not only did he rise to fame on Saturday Night Live, but he also briefly hosted his own late-night talk show, The Chevy Chase Show, in 1993. In December 2022, he reunited with some of his National Lampoon's Vacation co-stars, sharing the moment on social media.
Beverly D'Angelo: The Heart of the Griswold Family
Beverly D'Angelo, who portrayed Ellen Griswold, has continued to shine in her career. At 71 years old, she has appeared in numerous films, TV movies, and series since Christmas Vacation. Her character's charm and wit made her a fan favorite, and she reprised her role in films like Vegas Vacation and the 2015 Vacation reboot.
In addition to her film work, D'Angelo has had notable television roles, including her recurring part as Barbara "Babs" Miller on Entourage. She recently appeared in the Christmas movie Violent Night and continues to be a force in the entertainment industry. D'Angelo's previous relationship with Al Pacino also made headlines, and she is a proud mother of twins, Anton and Olivia, born in 2001.
Juliette Lewis: From Audrey to Acclaimed Actress
Juliette Lewis's role as Audrey Griswold marked the beginning of an impressive career. The now 49-year-old actress earned critical acclaim shortly after Christmas Vacation for her performance in Cape Fear, which garnered her an Academy Award nomination. Since then, Lewis has starred in a variety of films, including Natural Born Killers, August: Osage County, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
Today, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances in television series like Yellowjackets and the Hulu miniseries Welcome to Chippendales. Lewis's versatility as an actress has made her a prominent figure in Hollywood, and her journey from a young actress to an award-nominated star is truly inspiring.
Johnny Galecki: From Rusty to Television Star
Johnny Galecki, who played Rusty Griswold, has transformed into one of television's most recognizable faces. At 47, he gained fame for his role as David Healy on the iconic series Roseanne, and later as Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory. His portrayal in The Big Bang Theory earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, showcasing his comedic talent.
In addition to his television success, Galecki has continued to act in various productions since The Big Bang Theory concluded. He has returned to his role as David Healy in the spinoff series The Conners and maintains a close relationship with his co-stars, including Kaley Cuoco, with whom he had a secret relationship during filming.
Randy Quaid: The Wild Cousin Eddie
Randy Quaid, who portrayed Cousin Eddie, is known for his quirky and memorable role in the film. Now
