What Is the Name of the Family in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a fan of the classic comedy movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you must be familiar with the quirky and dysfunctional family that takes a cross-country road trip to Walley World. The Griswold family, headed by Clark and Ellen, has become an iconic representation of American family values. However, did you know that the name ‘Griswold’ was never mentioned in the original movie?

That’s right! In the first movie of the franchise, released in 1983, the family’s last name was never revealed.

It was only later in the sequels that they were referred to as ‘Griswolds.’ Chevy Chase played Clark Griswold, who was accompanied by his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo), son Rusty (played by Anthony Michael Hall), and daughter Audrey (played by Dana Barron).

Despite their chaotic and dysfunctional nature, the Griswold family managed to capture audiences’ hearts with their hilarious antics. From getting lost on their way to Walley World to encountering strange characters along the way, this family kept viewers entertained throughout their journey.

One of the most memorable scenes from National Lampoon’s Vacation is when Clark takes his family on a detour through East St. Louis, where they end up getting lost and robbed. The scene perfectly captures the absurdity and humor that made this movie an instant classic.

But it wasn’t just Chevy Chase’s comedic timing that made this film so memorable; it was also the chemistry between him and his co-stars that brought their characters to life. Beverly D’Angelo played Ellen with such grace and charm that she became an instant fan favorite.

Anthony Michael Hall also shone as Rusty, providing some of the movie’s funniest moments with his deadpan delivery. Meanwhile, Dana Barron gave an excellent performance as Audrey, bringing a touch of innocence to offset her family’s craziness.

In conclusion, the Griswold family from National Lampoon’s Vacation is a perfect example of a dysfunctional yet lovable American family. They may have faced their fair share of challenges, but their journey to Walley World will forever be etched in our memories. Despite the name never being mentioned in the original movie, the Griswolds have become an iconic representation of family values in American pop culture.