If you’ve ever watched the classic Vacation movies, you might have wondered who the mysterious Uncle is. He’s a character that appears in several of the films but is never given a proper introduction or backstory. In this article, we’ll delve into who exactly this Uncle is and what his role in the films is.
Who Is The Uncle?
Firstly, it’s important to note that the Uncle is never actually named in any of the Vacation movies. He’s always referred to simply as “Uncle” or “Eddie’s brother-in-law”. However, we do know a few things about him from his appearances.
Appearance
The Uncle is always portrayed as a disheveled, unkempt man with a thick Southern accent. He wears a white tank top undershirt and usually has a cigarette hanging from his lips. He’s often seen drinking beer or smoking pot and generally behaves in an uncouth manner.
Role In The Films
The Uncle first appears in National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) as Clark Griswold’s brother-in-law. He and his family live in Kansas and are visited by Clark and his family on their cross-country road trip to Walley World. The Uncle offers them a place to stay for the night but ends up causing chaos with his rude behavior.
He reappears in Christmas Vacation (1989) where he shows up uninvited to Clark’s house with his wife and two kids. They’re forced to stay due to inclement weather and again cause havoc with their poor manners and inappropriate behavior.
Finally, he makes a brief appearance in Vegas Vacation (1997) where he shows up at the end of the film to give Clark some winning gambling advice.
Actor
The actor who portrays the Uncle is Randy Quaid. Quaid is known for his quirky and unconventional roles in films such as Independence Day and Brokeback Mountain.
He’s also had a tumultuous personal life, which has garnered media attention. However, his portrayal of the Uncle is one of his most iconic roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Uncle is a character that adds an element of chaos and unpredictability to the Vacation films. While we may never know his actual name or backstory, he remains a memorable character due to his outrageous behavior and Randy Quaid’s excellent portrayal.