Who Are the Characters in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of classic comedies, then you’re probably familiar with National Lampoon’s Vacation. This film, released in 1983, has become a beloved classic among audiences for its hilarious portrayal of an American family’s cross-country road trip.

But who are the characters that make up this wacky family? Let’s take a closer look.

The Griswold Family

At the center of the film is the Griswold family. Clark Griswold, played by legendary comedian Chevy Chase, is a hardworking father who wants nothing more than to take his family on the ultimate vacation.

His wife, Ellen, played by Beverly D’Angelo, is supportive but also skeptical of her husband’s grand plans. Together they have two children: teenage daughter Audrey and young son Rusty.

Clark Griswold

Clark is the quintessential dad who wants to provide his family with the perfect vacation experience. He is determined to take them on a cross-country trip to Walley World, an amusement park in California. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles and setbacks but remains optimistic and determined.

Ellen Griswold

Ellen is Clark’s wife and partner in crime on their road trip adventure. While initially hesitant about the trip, she becomes increasingly invested in it as they encounter various mishaps along the way.

Audrey Griswold

Audrey is Clark and Ellen’s teenage daughter who often feels embarrassed by her parents’ antics. She develops a crush on a boy they meet along the way and experiences some typical teenage angst throughout the trip.

Rusty Griswold

Rusty is Clark and Ellen’s young son who often serves as comic relief throughout the film. He develops an obsession with playing arcade games at every stop they make and gets into some mischief of his own.

Other Characters

While the Griswold family is the main focus of the film, there are several other memorable characters they encounter along the way.

Cousin Eddie

Cousin Eddie is Clark’s bumbling cousin who lives in Kansas and invites himself to join the family on their trip. He is known for his strange behavior and lack of social graces, but he ultimately proves to be a loyal and helpful ally to Clark.

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley makes a memorable cameo as “The Girl in the Ferrari.” She catches Clark’s eye while they’re driving and becomes a recurring fantasy throughout the film.

The Walley World Security Guard

The Walley World Security Guard, played by John Candy, is a memorable character who helps the Griswold family out of a jam at the end of their trip. His laid-back attitude and sense of humor make him a fan favorite.

  • Conclusion:
  • National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. The film’s memorable characters, including the lovable but flawed Griswold family, have become beloved icons in pop culture. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgic reasons, this film is sure to make you laugh and leave you feeling good.

With its colorful cast of characters, National Lampoon’s Vacation remains one of the most beloved comedies of all time. By using HTML styling elements such as bold text, underlined text, lists, and subheaders in your content writing, you can make your article more engaging and organized for your readers.