Who Plays Russ in Vegas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the classic comedy movie, Vegas Vacation, you might be wondering who played the hilarious character Russ. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the actor behind Russ.

Who is Russ?

Russ is a beloved character in the hit movie Vegas Vacation. He’s the son of Clark Griswold and Ellen Griswold, and he’s played by actor Ethan Embry.

Ethan Embry

Ethan Philan Randall, better known as Ethan Embry, was born on June 13th, 1978 in Huntington Beach, California. He began his acting career at just 12 years old when he landed a role in the television series “The Twilight Zone.”

Early Career

Embry’s early career was filled with small roles in television shows such as “Doogie Howser M.D.” and “Murder She Wrote.” His breakthrough role came in 1995 when he starred alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt in the teen classic “Can’t Hardly Wait.”

Vegas Vacation

In 1997, Ethan Embry took on the role of Russ Griswold in “Vegas Vacation.” The movie was part of the popular National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise and showcased Embry’s comedic chops.

Career Highlights

Aside from his iconic role as Russ Griswold, Ethan Embry has had a successful career in film and television. Some of his notable roles include:

  • Preston Meyers in “Can’t Hardly Wait”
  • Mark in “Empire Records”
  • Declan Giggs in “Brotherhood”
  • Carter in “Sweet Home Alabama”
  • Greg Mendell in “Once Upon a Time”

Personal Life

Embry has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Amelinda Smith, and his second marriage is to actress Sunny Mabrey. He has two children from his first marriage.

Health Struggles

In recent years, Ethan Embry has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He’s spoken out about his journey to sobriety and advocates for mental health awareness.

Conclusion

Ethan Embry’s portrayal of Russ Griswold in “Vegas Vacation” remains one of his most beloved roles. With a successful career spanning decades, Embry continues to be a fan-favorite in the entertainment industry.