Who Played the Grandma in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the classic comedy movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you might be wondering who played the hilarious and memorable Grandma character. Well, wonder no more because we’ve got all the juicy details right here!

The Actress Who Played Grandma

The actress who brought the Grandma character to life in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is none other than Imogene Coca. Born on November 18, 1908, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Imogene was a well-known American comic actress who had a career in show business that spanned over six decades.

Imogene Coca’s Early Life and Career

Imogene Coca got her start in show business as a dancer and comedian in vaudeville productions. She later transitioned to radio and television work, where she became a regular on Sid Caesar’s hit series “Your Show of Shows.” Imogene was known for her impeccable timing and her ability to make audiences laugh with her physical comedy.

Imogene Coca’s Film Career

While Imogene is best known for her work on television, she also had a successful film career. In addition to playing the Grandma character in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” she also appeared in movies like “Under the Yum Yum Tree” (1963) and “The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995).

The Legacy of Imogene Coca

Imogene Coca passed away on June 2, 2001, at the age of 92. However, her legacy as one of America’s most beloved comic actresses lives on. She won numerous awards throughout her career, including an Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the actress who played the Grandma character in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” was Imogene Coca. Her talent and comedic timing made her a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers.

If you haven’t seen “National Lampoon’s Vacation” yet, we highly recommend it! And now that you know who played the Grandma character, you can watch the movie again and appreciate Imogene Coca’s incredible performance even more.