How Old Was Ellen Griswold in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered how old Ellen Griswold, played by Beverly D’Angelo, was during the film’s production in 1989. While it may seem like a trivial question, many fans of the film are curious about this detail. In this article, we’ll explore Ellen Griswold’s age and other interesting facts about the beloved character.

Ellen Griswold: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into Ellen Griswold’s age, let’s take a moment to discuss her character in “Christmas Vacation.” Ellen is married to Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, and is the mother of their two children, Rusty and Audrey. Throughout the film, she serves as the voice of reason and often tries to keep Clark’s wild ideas in check.

How Old Was Ellen Griswold in Christmas Vacation?

Ellen Griswold’s age is never explicitly stated in “Christmas Vacation.” However, we can make an educated guess based on Beverly D’Angelo’s actual age at the time of filming.

D’Angelo was born on November 15th, 1951. This means that during filming in 1989, she would have been 38 years old.

Interesting Facts About Beverly D’Angelo

While we’re on the topic of Beverly D’Angelo’s age, let’s take a moment to learn some more interesting facts about the actress.

  • D’Angelo was born in Columbus, Ohio.
  • She began her acting career in New York City and appeared on Broadway before transitioning to film and television.
  • In addition to her role as Ellen Griswold in “Christmas Vacation,” D’Angelo is also known for her roles in “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” film series.
  • D’Angelo has also had success as a singer, releasing an album titled “The Blue Marble” in 1996.

Ellen Griswold: A Fan Favorite

Despite not knowing Ellen Griswold’s exact age in “Christmas Vacation,” fans of the film have come to love her character. Many appreciate her level-headedness and ability to keep Clark in check, while others simply enjoy her witty one-liners. Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that Ellen Griswold has earned a special place in the hearts of many holiday movie fans.

Conclusion

While we may never know Ellen Griswold’s exact age in “Christmas Vacation,” we can make an educated guess based on Beverly D’Angelo’s age at the time of filming. At 38 years old, D’Angelo brought a maturity and sophistication to the role that helped make Ellen Griswold a fan favorite.