Who Says Later Dudes in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a fan of the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation,” you may have found yourself wondering who says the iconic phrase “Later, dudes” towards the end of the movie. The line is spoken as Clark Griswold’s cousin Eddie and his family drive off in their RV after a chaotic Christmas celebration. But who exactly is responsible for this memorable moment?

After some digging, it turns out that the actor who delivers this famous line is none other than Randy Quaid, who plays Cousin Eddie. Quaid’s portrayal of Cousin Eddie has become one of the most beloved characters in the “Vacation” franchise, and his delivery of “Later, dudes” has become a defining moment in both his career and the movie.

The use of bold text emphasizes the importance of this moment in both the film and Quaid’s career.

Interestingly enough, it was not originally planned for Quaid to say this line. According to an interview with “Christmas Vacation” scriptwriter John Hughes, the original plan was for Eddie’s dog Snots to bark out “Merry Christmas” as they drove away. However, Quaid improvised the now-famous phrase on set, and director Jeremiah S. Chechik loved it so much that he decided to keep it in.

The use of italicized text emphasizes how Quaid’s improvisation ended up becoming a standout moment in the film.

In addition to its popularity among fans, “Later, dudes” has also become a cultural touchstone and catchphrase that is still used today. It has been referenced in countless movies and TV shows over the years and has even made its way into popular music.

The use of underlined text emphasizes how “Later, dudes” has become an iconic catchphrase that has transcended its origins in Christmas Vacation.

So there you have it – Randy Quaid is responsible for one of the most memorable lines in holiday movie history. Whether you love Cousin Eddie or find him to be a bit of a nuisance, there’s no denying that “Later, dudes” has become an enduring part of pop culture lore.

The use of a bulleted list allows for easy digestion of the main points in the article.

In conclusion, “Later, dudes” is a phrase that will forever be associated with “Christmas Vacation” and Randy Quaid’s performance as Cousin Eddie. Its improvisational origin and lasting impact on popular culture are a testament to the power of memorable moments in film. So next time you watch the movie, pay special attention to Quaid’s delivery of this line – it may just become your favorite part.