What Happened to Rusty From National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a fan of the iconic 1983 comedy film ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, you must have come across Rusty Griswold, the son of the protagonist Clark Griswold. Rusty, played by actor Anthony Michael Hall, was a crucial character in the movie and left an indelible impression on audiences worldwide.

However, many fans often wonder what happened to Rusty after the first movie. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Anthony Michael Hall and what he’s been up to since his role as Rusty.

Anthony Michael Hall’s Early Life and Career

Anthony Michael Hall was born on April 14th, 1968, in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He started his acting career at an early age, making his debut at just eight years old in a commercial for Honeycomb cereal.

Soon after that, he landed a role in the popular TV show ‘The Goldbergs’. However, it was his portrayal of Rusty Griswold that catapulted him into stardom.

The Role of Rusty Griswold

In ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, Rusty was portrayed as a typical teenager who was always getting into trouble but had a heart of gold. The character resonated with audiences worldwide and became one of Anthony Michael Hall’s most memorable performances. He reprised his role as Rusty in the sequel ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation’ in 1985.

What Happened to Anthony Michael Hall After ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’?

After his role as Rusty Griswold, Anthony Michael Hall continued to act in movies such as ‘The Breakfast Club’, ‘Weird Science’, and ‘Edward Scissorhands’. However, he struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction during this time and took a break from acting to focus on his health.

Anthony Michael Hall’s Comeback

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Anthony Michael Hall made a comeback with roles in movies such as ‘The Caveman’s Valentine’ and ‘Hitchcock’. He also appeared in popular TV shows like ‘The Dead Zone’ and ‘Community’. In recent years, he has continued to act in movies and TV shows, including ‘Riverdale’, where he played Principal Featherhead.

Conclusion

While Rusty Griswold may have been a pivotal character in ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, Anthony Michael Hall has gone on to have a successful career in Hollywood. Although he struggled with addiction in the past, he has come back stronger than ever and continues to entertain audiences worldwide.