Who Played the Cop in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Are you a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?” If so, you may have noticed a familiar face playing the role of the cop who pays a visit to the Griswold family.

Randy Quaid played the character of Cousin Eddie in the movie, but he wasn’t the only Quaid on set. His real-life brother, Dennis Quaid, made an uncredited appearance in the film as the cop who responds to a noise complaint at the Griswold’s home.

While Dennis Quaid is known for his roles in films such as “The Parent Trap” and “The Day After Tomorrow,” his appearance in “Christmas Vacation” may have flown under the radar for some viewers. However, his brief scene is memorable and adds to the humor of the movie.

In the scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) accidentally causes a power outage that affects his entire neighborhood. As a result, his neighbors call the police to report the disturbance. Dennis Quaid’s character is one of two cops who show up at Clark’s door to investigate.

Despite his short screen time, Dennis Quaid delivers an entertaining performance as he questions Clark about what caused all of the chaos. His deadpan delivery and no-nonsense attitude make for a funny exchange between him and Clark.

If you’re a fan of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” be sure to keep an eye out for Dennis Quaid’s cameo during your next viewing of this holiday classic!

  • Fun Fact: Randy and Dennis Quaid also appeared together in another holiday movie – “The Long Riders,” which was released in 1980.
  • Another Fun Fact: The actress who played Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo) was also in a relationship with Dennis Quaid at the time of filming.

In conclusion, while Randy Quaid may have been the Quaid brother with a more prominent role in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” his brother Dennis also made a memorable appearance as the cop who responds to the Griswold’s noise complaint. With his deadpan delivery and brief but entertaining scene, Dennis Quaid adds to the comedic value of this beloved holiday movie.