Who Plays Clark’s Wife in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday comedy, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may be wondering who played Clark Griswold’s wife, Ellen. Well, wonder no more because we’ve got the answer for you!

The actress who portrayed Ellen Griswold in “Christmas Vacation” is Beverly D’Angelo. She starred alongside Chevy Chase as Clark in all four of the “Vacation” movies, including “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “European Vacation,” and “Vegas Vacation.”

D’Angelo was born on November 15, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio. She began her career in show business as a singer and later transitioned to acting. Her first major film role was in the 1978 movie “Every Which Way But Loose,” where she played country singer Lynn Halsey-Taylor.

In “Christmas Vacation,” D’Angelo played the supportive and patient wife of Clark Griswold as he tried to create the perfect family Christmas despite a series of mishaps and misadventures. Her performance as Ellen is memorable for her ability to balance humor with heart and bring a sense of stability to the chaos that ensues throughout the film.

Apart from her work in the “Vacation” franchise, D’Angelo has appeared in several other films and TV shows throughout her career. Some of her notable credits include roles in “Hair,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and “Entourage.”

In addition to her acting career, D’Angelo is also an accomplished musician. She has released several albums over the years and has even performed with artists such as Meat Loaf and Neil Young.

Overall, Beverly D’Angelo’s portrayal of Ellen Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” helped make the film a holiday classic that continues to be loved by audiences today. Her talent as an actress combined with her natural chemistry with Chevy Chase made for a truly memorable on-screen couple.