If you’re a fan of the classic comedy film “Vegas Vacation,” then you might be wondering who the Keno guy is. The Keno guy is a minor character in the film, but he plays an important role in one of the movie’s most memorable scenes. Let’s dive into who this character is and why he’s so significant.
Who Is the Keno Guy?
The Keno guy, whose real name is never revealed in the movie, is played by actor Wayne Newton. Newton is a well-known entertainer in Las Vegas, having performed there for decades. In “Vegas Vacation,” he appears as himself, playing a Keno caller at a casino.
The Scene
The scene in which the Keno guy appears takes place at the beginning of the movie. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, has just won $25,000 from a slot machine and decides to celebrate by playing some Keno. He approaches the Keno counter and places his bet, but he’s unsure of which numbers to choose.
The Keno guy offers to help Clark pick his numbers, and he proceeds to rattle off a series of seemingly random numbers. Clark doesn’t understand how the game works and assumes that these are lucky numbers that the Keno guy has picked for him.
As it turns out, these numbers are not lucky at all. When the Keno balls are drawn later that night, none of Clark’s numbers come up. He loses all of his money and becomes despondent.
The Significance
So why is this scene so significant? For one thing, it sets up Clark as an unlucky gambler right from the start of the movie. It also establishes Wayne Newton as a Las Vegas icon and adds some authenticity to the film’s setting.
But perhaps most importantly, this scene is just plain funny. The Keno guy’s rapid-fire delivery of nonsensical numbers is hilarious, and Clark’s gullibility adds to the comedy. It’s a classic moment in a movie that’s full of them.
Conclusion
The Keno guy may be a minor character in “Vegas Vacation,” but he’s a memorable one. Wayne Newton’s performance adds some real Las Vegas flavor to the film, and his scene with Clark Griswold is one of the funniest moments in the entire movie. If you haven’t seen “Vegas Vacation” yet, it’s definitely worth watching just for this scene alone.