Why Did They Change Rusty in Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you are a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, you may have noticed that Rusty, the son of the Griswold family, had quite a few different actors playing his character throughout the years. But have you ever wondered why they kept changing Rusty? Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

First Rusty: Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall played Rusty in the first Vacation movie, released in 1983. He was only 15 years old at the time but had already made a name for himself as a member of the “Brat Pack” in movies such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. However, after appearing in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Hall decided to leave behind his teenage roles and pursue more serious acting opportunities.

Second Rusty: Jason Lively

For the sequel, National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), Anthony Michael Hall was replaced by Jason Lively. The reason for this change was that Hall was unavailable due to his commitment to another film project. Lively was chosen because he had a similar look and demeanor to Hall.

Third Rusty: Johnny Galecki

In 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation introduced yet another actor playing Rusty – Johnny Galecki. Galecki was only 14 at the time and had not yet become a household name like his co-star Chevy Chase. However, he went on to achieve fame as one of the main characters on TV show The Big Bang Theory.

Fourth Rusty: Ethan Embry

Ethan Embry took on the role of Rusty in Vegas Vacation (1997), which saw the Griswold family head to Las Vegas for some fun and games. Embry was chosen for his comedic timing and ability to play off of Chevy Chase’s character. This was Embry’s first major film role, and he has since gone on to appear in many popular movies and TV shows.

Final Rusty: Ed Helms

The most recent actor to play Rusty was Ed Helms in the 2015 movie Vacation. This film was a continuation of the original series, with Rusty now grown up and taking his own family on a road trip. Helms was chosen for his comedic chops and ability to play a lovable but slightly bumbling character – traits that are essential for any member of the Griswold family.

Conclusion

So, why did they keep changing Rusty? The answer is simple – each time they needed an actor who fit the role and was available at the time.

While it may have been jarring for some fans to see a different actor playing Rusty each time, it allowed for fresh perspectives and interpretations of the character. And no matter who played him, Rusty will always be an integral part of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series.