How Old Was Rusty in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have found yourself wondering how old Rusty, the son of Clark and Ellen Griswold, was during the events of the film. Well, wonder no more!

According to the official “Christmas Vacation” script, Rusty is described as being “about 9 years old.” This would make sense considering that in the first “Vacation” film (which takes place a few years prior), Rusty is portrayed by actor Anthony Michael Hall, who was 16 at the time. By the time of “Christmas Vacation,” however, Rusty is played by a different actor, Johnny Galecki.

In addition to his age, Rusty’s character also undergoes some changes between films. In “Christmas Vacation,” he’s portrayed as being more mischievous and sarcastic than in previous movies. He’s also shown to be more interested in girls – particularly his cousin Audrey’s friend Vicki – than in previous films.

Despite these changes, Rusty remains an important part of the Griswold family and their holiday hijinks. Whether he’s helping his dad with an overly-elaborate Christmas light display or trying to avoid getting electrocuted by his grandpa’s faulty RV hookup, Rusty provides plenty of laughs throughout the film.

So there you have it – Rusty was around 9 years old during “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Now you can impress your friends with this bit of trivia at your next holiday gathering.

Conclusion

While Rusty may have been a minor character in “Christmas Vacation,” his age and personality played an important role in the film’s overall story. With his sarcastic wit and teenage antics, he provided plenty of laughs for viewers young and old alike. So next time you watch “Christmas Vacation,” be sure to keep an eye on Rusty and all of the other members of the Griswold family.