Who Is Cousin Eddie in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of Christmas movies, you’ve likely seen the classic film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ The movie follows the Griswold family as they prepare for Christmas and all the chaos that comes with it.

One of the most memorable characters in the movie is Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid. But who exactly is Cousin Eddie?

Background

Cousin Eddie is actually a recurring character in the National Lampoon film franchise. He first appears in ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ as a supporting character, but it wasn’t until ‘Christmas Vacation’ that he truly became a fan favorite.

In ‘Christmas Vacation,’ Cousin Eddie shows up unexpectedly at the Griswold family home with his wife Catherine and their two children, Rocky and Ruby Sue. The family is down on their luck and homeless, so they turn to Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) for help.

Appearance

Cousin Eddie is known for his iconic appearance in ‘Christmas Vacation.’ He’s often seen wearing a white robe over a black turtleneck sweater, black pants with white socks, and brown loafers. He also wears a black beanie cap and smokes a cigar throughout much of the movie.

Personality

Cousin Eddie is known for his quirky personality and memorable one-liners. He’s often seen doing strange things throughout the movie, such as emptying his RV’s septic tank into the storm drain or stealing Clark’s boss’s swimming pool.

Despite his odd behavior, Cousin Eddie has a heart of gold and truly cares about his family. In fact, he goes to great lengths to make sure they have a good Christmas even when they’re going through tough times.

Legacy

Cousin Eddie has become an iconic character in the National Lampoon franchise and a beloved holiday character in his own right. He’s even inspired a line of merchandise, including t-shirts and Christmas ornaments.

In addition to his appearance in ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ Cousin Eddie also appears in ‘Vegas Vacation’ and ‘Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure.’ While these movies may not be as beloved as the original, Randy Quaid’s performance as Cousin Eddie remains a highlight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cousin Eddie is a beloved character from ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ His quirky personality, iconic appearance, and memorable one-liners have made him a fan favorite for decades. Whether you’re watching the movie for the first time or the hundredth time, Cousin Eddie is sure to bring a smile to your face.