Many fans of the movie National Lampoon Vacation have been curious about the identity of the daughter in the film. The character, played by actress Dana Barron, has become a beloved part of the franchise and is often remembered for her quippy one-liners and sarcastic attitude. But who exactly is she, and what has she been up to since her iconic role in the 1980s?
The Character
Barron’s character in National Lampoon Vacation is named Audrey Griswold. She is the teenage daughter of Clark and Ellen Griswold, who take their family on a disastrous road trip across the United States to visit the fictional Walley World theme park. Audrey is portrayed as moody and disinterested in her family’s antics, often rolling her eyes at her father’s antics.
The Actress
Dana Barron was born on April 22, 1966 in New York City. She began acting at a young age and made her film debut in 1980 with a small role in He Knows You’re Alone. However, it was her role as Audrey Griswold that propelled her to fame.
Other Roles
After National Lampoon Vacation, Barron continued to act in both film and television roles. She had a recurring role on the soap opera One Life to Live and appeared in films such as Happy Birthday to Me (1981) and Heartbreak Hotel (1988). In recent years, she has made guest appearances on shows like Criminal Minds and The Big Bang Theory.
The Legacy
Although Barron only played Audrey Griswold once (she was replaced by actress Juliette Lewis in subsequent films), her performance left an indelible mark on audiences. Her portrayal of a snarky teenager perfectly captured the angst of adolescence, making Audrey an instantly relatable character. In fact, Audrey has become such a beloved part of the franchise that she was even referenced in the 2015 reboot, Vacation.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Dana Barron’s portrayal of Audrey Griswold in National Lampoon Vacation made her a star and cemented her place in pop culture history. Although she has continued to act in various projects over the years, her role as Audrey remains one of her most memorable performances. Fans of the film can still enjoy her witty banter and eye-rolling antics to this day.