Main Cast and Characters
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the head of the Griswold family. Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold, Clark's patient wife. Their children are played by Anthony Michael Hall as Rusty Griswold, Juliette Lewis as Audrey Griswold, and Dana Barron as Audrey Griswold in the original film. The cast defines the 1989 comedy through their portrayal of a family chasing a perfect holiday. Learn more about the film and its production at IMDb.
The Griswold extended family includes Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie and Miriam Flynn as Cousin Catherine. William H. Macy appears as a department store Santa, and Doris Roberts plays a nosy neighbor. Supporting roles from John Randolph and Julia Louis-Dreyfus add to the ensemble. The film's cast mix of established character actors and rising stars helped it become a holiday staple.
Supporting Cast and Key Performers
Notable Supporting Roles
E.G. Marshall plays the patriarch Clark Sr., while Pat Harrington Jr. and David Paymer deliver memorable workplace scenes. The cast includes several actors who went on to prominent careers in film and television. Their performances anchor the movie's humor and family dynamics.
Voice and Minor Cast Members
Additional voices and minor roles round out the film's ensemble, with actors contributing to the chaotic holiday atmosphere. The production relied on a mix of experienced character performers and fresh faces to build the Griswold world.
Cast Legacy and Franchise Updates
Original Film Impact
The 1989 film remains the most recognized entry in the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation series. The original cast's performances continue to define the characters for new audiences each holiday season. The movie's enduring popularity keeps the cast in public conversation.
Later Appearances and Reboots
While the original cast has not reunited for a direct sequel, the characters and story have inspired holiday specials and references in other media. The franchise explores the Griswold family through different formats, with the original cast members often cited as the definitive versions. Information on the franchise and related projects can be found at Wikipedia.