Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday comedy movie that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The movie, which was released in 1989, follows the adventures of the Griswold family as they try to have the perfect Christmas.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold’s (played by Chevy Chase) senile Aunt Bethany arrives at their house for Christmas dinner. Many viewers have wondered who is the old lady in Christmas Vacation and what happened to her after the movie.
Who is Aunt Bethany?
Aunt Bethany, played by actress Mae Questel, is a supporting character in Christmas Vacation. She is an elderly relative of the Griswold family who suffers from senility and hearing loss. Despite her age-related issues, Aunt Bethany still manages to spread joy and laughter wherever she goes.
The Actress Behind Aunt Bethany
Mae Questel was a prolific American actress and voice artist who had a career spanning over six decades. She was born on September 13, 1908, in New York City.
Questel began her career as a vaudeville performer before transitioning into voice acting. She became famous for providing the voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl in various cartoons.
Other Roles by Mae Questel
Apart from providing voices for Betty Boop and Olive Oyl, Mae Questel had an extensive career as an actress. She appeared in various movies and TV shows throughout her career, including The Jack Benny Program, The Beverly Hillbillies, and The Love Boat.
What Happened to Mae Questel?
Mae Questel continued to act well into her golden years. She passed away on January 4, 1998, at the age of 89 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
The Legacy of Aunt Bethany
Aunt Bethany may have been a minor character in Christmas Vacation, but she left a lasting impression on viewers. Her senility and quirky behavior make her a fan favorite, and her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, Aunt Bethany is a beloved character in Christmas Vacation who was played by Mae Questel. Questel was a talented actress and voice artist who had a long and successful career.
Although she passed away over two decades ago, her legacy lives on through her work in film and animation. The character of Aunt Bethany may have been fictional, but her impact on audiences is real.