If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie franchise, you might be wondering who played Russ in the original movie. Russ is one of the main characters in the first film, and his antics help to drive the plot forward. In this article, we’ll take a look at who played Russ and some other interesting facts about the character.
Who Played Russ in National Lampoon’s Vacation?
Russ was played by actor Anthony Michael Hall. Hall was born on April 14th, 1968 in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He started his acting career at a young age and quickly gained popularity for his roles in popular films such as The Breakfast Club and Weird Science.
The Role of Russ
In National Lampoon’s Vacation, Russ is the son of Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and Ellen Griswold (played by Beverly D’Angelo). He is depicted as a typical teenager who is more interested in spending time with his girlfriend than going on a family vacation to Walley World.
Throughout the movie, Russ gets into various hijinks with his sister Audrey (played by Dana Barron), including getting lost in East St. Louis and accidentally driving through a rough part of town. His character adds humor to the movie and helps to create some memorable scenes.
Anthony Michael Hall’s Career
Anthony Michael Hall went on to have a successful acting career after his role as Russ in National Lampoon’s Vacation. He continued to work with director John Hughes on movies such as Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.
In recent years, Hall has taken on more serious roles, including playing Bill Gates in The Pirates of Silicon Valley and starring in the TV series The Dead Zone. However, he will always be remembered for his early roles as a member of the “Brat Pack” group of actors in the 1980s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anthony Michael Hall played the role of Russ in National Lampoon’s Vacation. His portrayal of the character helped to make the movie a classic comedy and earned him a spot in movie history. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, it’s definitely worth checking out to see Hall’s performance as well as the other talented actors who brought the Griswold family to life on the big screen.