Christmas Vacation is a beloved holiday classic that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. One of the most memorable and hilarious moments in the film is when Clark Griswold’s cousin Eddie shows up unexpectedly to spend Christmas with the Griswold family. But who exactly is Eddie, and how is he related to Clark?
To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the Griswold family tree. Clark Griswold is married to Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo), and they have two children: Rusty and Audrey.
Clark’s parents, Clark Sr. and Nora, are also featured in the film. However, Eddie is not a direct member of the Griswold family.
Instead, Eddie is actually Ellen’s cousin. This makes him Clark’s cousin-in-law.
In the movie, it’s revealed that Eddie has fallen on hard times and has lost his job. He decides to visit the Griswolds for Christmas with his wife Catherine (played by Miriam Flynn) and their children.
Eddie’s character adds a lot of humor to the film with his quirky personality and unconventional behavior. He shows up unannounced in an old RV with his family and their dog Snots, who leaves a trail of destruction wherever he goes. Eddie also wears a white sweater adorned with black pom-poms and drinks out of a jelly glass instead of a traditional wine glass.
Despite his odd quirks, Eddie proves to be a loyal family member who wants nothing more than to make sure everyone has a good time during the holiday season. He even goes so far as to kidnap Clark’s boss as revenge for not giving him a Christmas bonus.
In conclusion, Eddie may not be directly related to Clark Griswold by blood, but he is an important member of the extended family nonetheless. His presence in Christmas Vacation adds an extra layer of comedy and heartwarming moments to the film. So next time you watch the movie, remember that Eddie is Ellen’s cousin and Clark’s cousin-in-law, and enjoy all of his eccentricities.