Did you ever wonder if Ruby Sue, the adorable little girl from the 1989 Christmas classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” was wearing a wig? Well, it turns out that the answer to this question is yes! Let’s dive into the details and explore why Ruby Sue was wearing a wig.
Why Did Ruby Sue Wear a Wig?
Ruby Sue, played by actress Ellen Hamilton Latzen, had to wear a wig for her role in “Christmas Vacation” because she had shaved her head for her previous role in the movie “The Prince of Tides.” In that film, Latzen played the daughter of Nick Nolte’s character and had to have her head shaved for a scene where her character undergoes chemotherapy.
The Challenges of Filming with a Child Actor
Filming with child actors can be challenging for multiple reasons. One of those challenges is continuity.
The filmmakers have to ensure that each shot looks consistent with the others. In Ruby Sue’s case, this meant that she had to wear a wig throughout the entire filming process. The wig helped maintain continuity between takes and scenes.
How Was the Wig Made?
The wig that Ellen Hamilton Latzen wore was custom-made for her by legendary Hollywood hairstylist Edith M. Lances. Lances was known for creating wigs and hairpieces for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ruby Sue did wear a wig in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” This was due to Ellen Hamilton Latzen having shaved her head for her previous role in “The Prince of Tides.” The wig helped maintain continuity during filming and was custom-made by renowned hairstylist Edith M.
- Fun Fact:
- Ellen Hamilton Latzen, who played Ruby Sue, retired from acting in 1997 after a successful career as a child actress.
So, there you have it! The mystery of Ruby Sue’s hair has been solved. Even though she was wearing a wig, her performance in the movie was still heartwarming and memorable.