If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie franchise, then you must have come across the character of an old man in the fourth installment, Vegas Vacation. The old man, portrayed by Sid Caesar, plays a small but memorable role in the movie.
But who is he and what is his significance in the movie? Let’s find out.
The Old Man’s Role in Vegas Vacation
In Vegas Vacation, the Griswold family goes to Las Vegas for a vacation. While they are there, they meet an older gentleman who appears to be a high roller and has an entourage of beautiful women surrounding him. He introduces himself to Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) as Mr. Ellis.
Mr. Ellis takes Clark under his wing and shows him around Las Vegas while also offering him some gambling tips. He even invites the Griswolds to his penthouse suite where he introduces them to Wayne Newton.
Who Is Sid Caesar?
Sid Caesar was a legendary American comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s as part of the television variety show Your Show of Shows. He was known for his quick wit and impeccable timing, which made him a favorite among audiences.
Throughout his career, Sid Caesar appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Grease (1978), History of the World: Part I (1981), and It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963).
Why was Sid Caesar Cast as Mr. Ellis?
Sid Caesar was cast as Mr. Ellis because of his reputation as an accomplished comedian and actor with a larger than life personality that could match that of Las Vegas itself.
In fact, according to an interview with director Stephen Kessler on The A.V Club website, Sid Caesar was not originally part of the script for Vegas Vacation but was added later on to add some star power to the movie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the old man in Vegas Vacation was played by Sid Caesar, a legendary American comedian and actor. He was cast in the movie to bring some charisma and star power to the film. Though his role was small, he left an indelible mark on audiences and proved that even in his later years, he still had what it takes to be a scene-stealer.