If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, you may have wondered who played the son in the original movie. Well, wonder no more – we’ve got all the details right here!
Anthony Michael Hall: The Original Son
In the first installment of National Lampoon’s Vacation, Anthony Michael Hall played Rusty Griswold, son of Clark and Ellen Griswold. At the time, Hall was just 16 years old and relatively unknown in Hollywood. However, his performance in Vacation helped put him on the map and set him up for a successful career in both film and television.
During filming, Hall reportedly had a difficult time working with Chevy Chase (who played his father), as he found Chase to be very intimidating. Despite this, Hall’s portrayal of Rusty was well-received by audiences and helped make Vacation a cult classic.
Recasting Rusty
Despite the success of Vacation (which spawned several sequels), Anthony Michael Hall did not return to play Rusty in any of the subsequent films. Instead, a new actor was brought on for each installment.
For example:
- In European Vacation (1985), Jason Lively played Rusty.
- In Christmas Vacation (1989), Johnny Galecki took on the role.
- In Vegas Vacation (1997), Ethan Embry portrayed Rusty.
- In 2015’s Vacation (a sort-of sequel/reboot), Rusty was played by Ed Helms.
While each actor brought their own unique spin to the character, many fans still consider Anthony Michael Hall’s portrayal to be the definitive version of Rusty Griswold.
The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Vacation
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or just enjoy watching Chevy Chase get into wacky hijinks, there’s no denying the impact that National Lampoon’s Vacation has had on pop culture. From the catchy theme song (Holiday Road) to the iconic imagery of the family truckster, Vacation has become a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted comedy that will have you laughing out loud, look no further than National Lampoon’s Vacation – and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Rusty Griswold, no matter who happens to be playing him at the time!