If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have noticed the character of Ellen Griswold’s boss, Frank Shirley, and his wife. While Frank is a memorable character in his own right, many viewers are left wondering who played his wife in the film.
The Actress Who Played the Boss’s Wife in Christmas Vacation
The actress who played Frank Shirley’s wife in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is none other than actress Natalija Nogulich. Nogulich has had a long and varied career in Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Hoffa” and “The Guardian,” as well as numerous television shows and stage productions.
Nogulich’s Role in Christmas Vacation
In “Christmas Vacation,” Nogulich plays Helen Shirley, Frank Shirley’s wife. While her role is relatively small, she plays an important part in the film’s plot.
When Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) discovers that Frank has canceled employee bonuses just days before Christmas, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Clark kidnaps Frank and forces him to see the error of his ways by showing him how much his employees rely on their bonuses to make ends meet during the holiday season.
While Helen Shirley doesn’t have a lot of screen time in “Christmas Vacation,” her character is still memorable for her reaction when her husband is brought home by Clark after being kidnapped. As Clark tries to explain himself, Helen simply responds with a deadpan “Oh, dear.”
- Natalija Nogulich’s Other Roles
While many viewers may recognize Nogulich from her role as Helen Shirley in “Christmas Vacation,” she has had a long and varied career spanning over four decades. Some of her most notable roles include:
Television Roles
- Admiral Nechayev in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”
- Colonel Anastasia Markova in “NCIS”
- Judge Grace Larkin in “The Guardian”
Film Roles
- Annie in “Hoffa”
- Mrs. Matsuda in “The Crossing Guard”
- Dr. Ingrid Knutsen in “Elephant”
Theater Roles
- Portia in “The Merchant of Venice”
- Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth”
- Maggie Cutler in “The Man Who Came to Dinner”
In Conclusion
Natalija Nogulich may not be a household name, but her career has been long and varied, with memorable roles both on stage and screen. While her role as Helen Shirley in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” may have been relatively small, her deadpan delivery of the line, “Oh, dear,” has made her character memorable to viewers of the film for years to come.