If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” you might have wondered if Johnny Galecki, who played Rusty Griswold in the film, also played Russ, his younger brother. The answer is no – although they do bear a striking resemblance to each other!
Who Played Russ in Christmas Vacation?
The role of Russ was actually played by actor and comedian Cody Burger. Burger was just 10 years old when he landed the part in 1989 and went on to reprise the role in “Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure” in 2003.
While Burger might not be a household name like Galecki, he did have a few other acting credits to his name before stepping away from Hollywood. He appeared in movies like “The ‘Burbs” and “Going Under” as well as TV shows like “Boy Meets World.”
What Happened to Cody Burger?
After appearing in “Christmas Vacation 2,” Burger decided to step away from acting and focus on his education. He attended California State University, Fullerton where he studied business administration.
In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Burger reflected on his brief but memorable time as an actor. He said that while he enjoyed the experience, he never felt fully comfortable with it.
“I was always kind of shy,” he said. “I didn’t really like being on set too much.”
While some child actors struggle with the transition to adulthood, Burger seems to have found success outside of Hollywood. He now works as a marketing manager for an e-commerce company and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
The Legacy of Christmas Vacation
Despite its modest box office performance when it was released back in 1989, “Christmas Vacation” has become a holiday classic over the years. Its mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments has endeared it to generations of viewers.
And while Galecki might not have played Russ in the film, his portrayal of Rusty helped launch his career. He went on to star in TV shows like “Roseanne” and “The Big Bang Theory” as well as movies like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Hancock.”
In the end, whether you’re a fan of Rusty or Russ, “Christmas Vacation” remains a beloved holiday movie that continues to bring joy to audiences year after year.
- Conclusion: Johnny Galecki did not play Russ in Christmas Vacation. The role was played by Cody Burger.
- What Happened To Cody Burger?: After appearing in Christmas Vacation 2, Burger decided to focus on his education and now works as a marketing manager for an e-commerce company.
- The Legacy Of Christmas Vacation: Despite its modest box office performance, Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic over the years.
Final Thoughts
While some might be disappointed to learn that Galecki didn’t play both Griswold brothers in “Christmas Vacation,” it’s clear that the film’s enduring popularity has more to do with its heartwarming message and hilarious hijinks than any one actor’s performance.
So whether you’re Team Rusty or Team Russ, there’s no denying that “Christmas Vacation” is a must-watch movie during the holiday season. And who knows – maybe we’ll see Cody Burger make a cameo in a future sequel!