vegas vacation cast

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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02-12-2024

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The National Lampoon's Vacation series gave us some of the most memorable family road trip mishaps in cinematic history. But arguably the most chaotic and hilarious of the bunch is Vegas Vacation, released in 1997. This installment sees the Griswolds' cross-country journey culminating in a disastrous, yet ultimately endearing, trip to Las Vegas. Let's take a look back at the ensemble cast that brought this chaotic family vacation to life.

The Core Family:

• Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold: The ever-optimistic, perpetually unlucky patriarch of the Griswold clan. Chase's portrayal of Clark's unwavering dedication to providing his family with a "perfect" vacation, despite the constant setbacks, remains iconic. His comedic timing and physical comedy are perfectly suited to the role, making him the heart of the film.

• Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold: Ellen, Clark's long-suffering but supportive wife, provides a grounded counterpoint to Clark's chaotic energy. D'Angelo's performance highlights Ellen's resilience and wry humor in the face of her husband's endless schemes. Their dynamic is a key element of the film's comedic success.

• Ethan Embry as Rusty Griswold: Rusty, the now teenage son, is navigating the awkwardness of adolescence, adding another layer of comedic conflict. Embry delivers a believable portrayal of a teenager trying to find his place amidst the family's chaos.

• Marcie Leeds as Audrey Griswold: Audrey, Rusty's younger sister, is arguably the most level-headed member of the family. While still a child, her observational humor and reactions to the craziness unfolding around her offer some much-needed grounding.

The Supporting Cast:

The supporting cast adds significantly to the film's comedic brilliance. Key players include:

• Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie: No Vacation movie is complete without Cousin Eddie, and Vegas Vacation is no exception. Quaid's portrayal of the eccentric and hilariously inappropriate Eddie is always a highlight, providing some of the film's most memorable scenes.

• Wallace Shawn as Marty: This character, the overzealous and somewhat creepy casino manager, provides comedic conflict and highlights the absurdity of the situation the Griswolds find themselves in.

While other characters populate the Las Vegas landscape, these key players are essential to the film's narrative and comedic success. Each actor contributes to the overall feel of the movie, creating a truly memorable cast that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Vacation series.

Lasting Impact:

Vegas Vacation, despite mixed critical reception upon its release, holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers. The film's cast, through their impeccable comedic timing and commitment to their roles, helped cement its status as a beloved entry in the Vacation franchise. The performances are a significant reason why the movie continues to be enjoyed and rewatched by audiences today.