Who Played Ellen’s Dad in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie, Christmas Vacation, you may have wondered who played Ellen’s dad in the film. While he only appears briefly in a few scenes, his performance is memorable and adds to the overall charm of the movie.

Who was Ellen’s dad?

The actor who played Ellen’s dad in Christmas Vacation was E.G. Marshall. Marshall had a long and successful career in film and television, appearing in over 70 movies and numerous TV shows throughout his lifetime.

Marshall’s Career

Marshall began his career on stage, appearing in numerous Broadway productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He made his film debut in 1951 with The House on Telegraph Hill and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood.

Some of Marshall’s most notable films include 12 Angry Men, The Caine Mutiny, and The Boston Strangler. He also appeared in several episodes of The Twilight Zone and had a recurring role on the TV show Chicago Hope.

Marshall’s Role in Christmas Vacation

In Christmas Vacation, Marshall played Art Smith, Ellen Griswold’s father. Although he only appears briefly in a few scenes, Marshall’s performance is memorable. He portrays Art as an easy-going guy who enjoys telling stories about his past experiences.

One of the most memorable scenes featuring Art is when he tells Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) about how he once had a swimming pool that was so cold it made his whole body “seize up.” This scene adds to the overall humor of the movie and showcases Marshall’s talent as an actor.

The Legacy of Christmas Vacation

Christmas Vacation has become a holiday classic since its release over three decades ago. It continues to be popular with audiences of all ages and has spawned countless memes and references on social media.

One of the reasons for the movie’s enduring popularity is its talented cast. E. Marshall’s performance as Art Smith is just one example of the many talented actors who helped make Christmas Vacation the beloved movie it is today.

  • In conclusion,
  • E. Marshall played Ellen’s dad in Christmas Vacation.
  • Marshall had a successful career in film and television, appearing in over 70 movies and numerous TV shows.
  • Although he only appears briefly in Christmas Vacation, Marshall’s performance as Art Smith adds to the overall charm of the movie.
  • Christmas Vacation continues to be a holiday classic and Marshall’s role as Ellen’s dad will always be remembered by fans of the film.

So, next time you watch Christmas Vacation, take a moment to appreciate E. Marshall’s performance as Art Smith. It’s just one of the many reasons why this movie has become a holiday classic that we all know and love.