If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, you may remember the character Rusty, played by actor Jason Lively. Rusty was the son of Clark and Ellen Griswold, and he appeared in several of the films in the series. However, there is one movie in which Rusty appears but is played by a different actor: European Vacation.
Who Played Rusty in European Vacation?
In European Vacation, Rusty was played by actor Anthony Michael Hall. This was a departure from the previous film in which Jason Lively had portrayed the character. The change in actors has led to some confusion among fans, who may wonder where Rusty is from European Vacation.
What Happens to Rusty in European Vacation?
In European Vacation, Rusty accompanies his family on a trip through Europe. Along with his parents and sister Audrey (played by Dana Hill), he visits cities like London, Paris, and Rome. The trip is full of misadventures and mishaps, as is typical for a Griswold family vacation.
Some memorable moments from the film include Rusty getting separated from his family at Stonehenge and accidentally knocking down a group of cyclists while driving on the wrong side of the road in London.
Why Was Anthony Michael Hall Cast as Rusty?
The decision to cast Anthony Michael Hall as Rusty in European Vacation was due to scheduling conflicts with Jason Lively. According to director Amy Heckerling, Lively was unable to reprise his role as Rusty because he was working on another project at the time.
Hall was no stranger to playing teenagers on screen; he had previously starred in films like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. While some fans were disappointed by the switch in actors, Hall’s portrayal of Rusty helped him become a part of iconic ’80s movie history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rusty from European Vacation was played by Anthony Michael Hall, not Jason Lively. While the change in actors may have caused some confusion among fans, it did not detract from the film’s comedic moments and memorable scenes. Whether you prefer Jason Lively or Anthony Michael Hall as Rusty, one thing is for sure: the Griswold family’s European vacation is a classic comedy that continues to entertain audiences to this day.