Who Are the Guys in the Truck in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever watched the holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and wondered, “Who are those guys in the truck?” Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the identity of those mysterious characters and their role in the movie.

The Scene

If you recall, the scene in question takes place when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is stuck under a ladder putting up Christmas lights on his house. He looks out into the street and sees a truck drive up with two men inside. They begin to taunt Clark and make fun of him for being stuck on the roof.

The Actors

The two actors who played these characters are Randy Quaid and Eddie Mantooth. Randy Quaid is a well-known actor who has appeared in many movies such as “Independence Day” and “Brokeback Mountain.”

In “Christmas Vacation,” he played Cousin Eddie, Clark’s eccentric relative who shows up uninvited with his family in tow. Eddie Mantooth, on the other hand, is not as well-known but has appeared in small roles in several movies.

The Characters

In the movie, Randy Quaid’s character Cousin Eddie is portrayed as a lovable but clueless redneck. He shows up at Clark’s house in his beat-up RV with his wife and children in tow. Throughout the movie, he causes chaos and hilarity ensues as he tries to help Clark with various tasks.

Eddie Mantooth’s character is not given a name in the movie but is credited simply as “Eddie’s friend.” He only has one scene where he appears alongside Cousin Eddie in the truck. He serves as Cousin Eddie’s sidekick and participates in taunting Clark from outside his house.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the identity of those guys in the truck in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Randy Quaid played Cousin Eddie, and Eddie Mantooth played his friend who only appears in that one scene. These characters may not have had a significant impact on the plot of the movie, but they certainly left a lasting impression on viewers and have become iconic parts of the film.