If you’re a fan of the classic holiday comedy film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then you’re probably familiar with Chevy Chase’s hilarious character, Clark Griswold. But do you remember who played his boss in the movie? Let’s take a closer look at this memorable character and the actor behind him.
First off, let’s establish who Clark Griswold’s boss is in Christmas Vacation. His name is Frank Shirley, and he’s the owner of the company where Clark works. Frank plays an important role in the film, as he indirectly causes many of Clark’s misfortunes throughout the holiday season.
But who played this pivotal character? The actor behind Frank Shirley is none other than Brian Doyle-Murray. If that last name sounds familiar, it should – Brian is the older brother of fellow comedian and actor Bill Murray.
Brian Doyle-Murray has had a long and successful career in comedy, starting out as a writer for Saturday Night Live in its early years. He went on to act in numerous films and TV shows over the years, including Caddyshack (which also starred his brother Bill), Ghostbusters II, Wayne’s World, and Spongebob Squarepants (as the voice of The Flying Dutchman).
In Christmas Vacation, Brian Doyle-Murray delivers a memorable performance as Frank Shirley. He perfectly captures the character’s cold and callous demeanor towards Clark and his employees, making him both hilariously frustrating and strangely endearing at the same time.
One scene that particularly stands out is when Frank calls Clark into his office to discuss some budget cuts. As they’re talking, Frank casually mentions that he’s cancelling all employee bonuses for the year – including Clark’s. This sends Clark into a fit of rage that culminates in him going on an epic rant about how much he despises his boss.
Overall, Brian Doyle-Murray brings an unforgettable energy to his role as Frank Shirley in Christmas Vacation. His comedic timing and delivery are spot-on, making him a perfect fit for this holiday classic.
In conclusion, if you ever find yourself wondering who played Chevy Chase’s boss in Christmas Vacation, the answer is Brian Doyle-Murray. With his years of experience in comedy and his impeccable performance as Frank Shirley, it’s no wonder that this film has become a beloved holiday favorite for so many people.