National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation expanded the Vacation franchise’s ensemble by introducing audiences to the larger Griswold family tree. John Hughes, who wrote the first Vacation film and co-wrote the second one (and also wrote the original Lampoon story that the franchise is based on), returned to pen the script for Christmas Vacation. This holiday-themed threequel imagines a disastrous Griswold family Christmas with a burnt tree, an overcooked turkey, and pesky lights that won’t go on when Clark wants them to.
The previous Vacation movies had focused entirely on Clark, Ellen, and their kids, but Christmas Vacation introduced audiences to the larger Griswold clan. This includes Clark’s parents, Ellen’s parents, an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin with a family of her own. But which side of the family is each set of in-laws on, whose uncle is the one who unwittingly blows up the Christmas decorations with a tossed match, and how does Cousin Eddie play into the equation?
Clark W. “Sparky” Griswold, Jr.
The Griswold Patriarch
The Griswold patriarch, Clark Griswold – also known by his wife’s pet name, “Sparky” – is played by Chevy Chase (who played the part in every Vacation movie, including the reboot). Clark is Ellen’s husband and Audrey and Rusty’s dad. Since all the other Vacation movies revolve around family trips, Christmas Vacation is the first one to show Clark in the office; he works at a food additive company. Clark is known for flying off the handle and doing reckless, extreme things like kidnapping people in the name of family fun.
Ellen Griswold
Clark’s Loving Wife
Ellen Griswold (née Smith), Clark’s wife and Audrey and Rusty’s mother, is played by Beverly D’Angelo (who, like Chase, has reprised her role in every Vacation movie including the reboot). Since Clark is the unhinged parent who goes off on rants and takes a chainsaw to the loose banister on the staircase, it’s up to Ellen to be the voice of reason. She’s the one who keeps everyone’s holiday spirits up as their yuletide celebrations fall apart.
Audrey Griswold
Clark & Ellen’s Daughter
Clark and Ellen’s daughter, Audrey Griswold, is played by Juliette Lewis in Christmas Vacation. Audrey was previously played by Dana Barron and Dana Hill in the last two movies, and later by Marisol Nichols in Vegas Vacation and Leslie Mann in the reboot. The Christmas Vacation incarnation of Audrey is a typical rebellious teenager who rolls her eyes at her dad’s wacky antics.
Russell “Rusty” Griswold
Clark & Ellen’s Son
Clark and Ellen’s son, Russell Griswold – better known by his nickname “Rusty” – is played by The Big Bang Theory’s Johnny Galecki. Rusty was previously played by Anthony Michael Hall and Jason Lively in the last two movies, and later by Ethan Embry in Vegas Vacation and Ed Helms in the reboot. Christmas Vacation is the only Vacation movie in which Rusty and Audrey aren’t the same age. This movie depicts Audrey as being a few years older than Rusty (and a lot taller than him).
Clark Griswold, Sr.
Clark’s Father
Clark Griswold, Sr., Clark’s father who comes to visit for the holidays, is played by John Randolph. As a dorky dad who wants the best for his family, Clark, Sr. is like an older version of Clark. The only difference between this father and son is that Clark, Sr. doesn’t go off on a temper tantrum when things don’t go his way, whereas Clark, Jr. does.
Nora Griswold
Clark’s Mother
Clark’s mother, and Clark, Sr.’s wife, Nora Griswold, is played by Diane Ladd. Nora is a classic overbearing mother who smothers her son with affection the second she walks through the door. It’s easy to see where Clark’s family-first attitude came from.
Arthur “Art” Smith
Ellen’s Father
Ellen’s father, Arthur Smith, usually shortened to “Art,” is played by E.G. Marshall. Christmas Vacation plays on the trope of in-laws not getting along. As soon as Clark’s parents and Ellen’s parents are under the same roof, the bickering starts.
Frances Smith
Ellen’s Mother
Ellen’s mother, Frances Smith, is played by Doris Roberts. Frances is a master of micromanagement, constantly criticizing Ellen and her family. Roberts would later become famous for playing a meddling mother-in-law in the classic sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.
Catherine Johnson
Ellen’s Cousin
Catherine Johnson (née Smith), played by Miriam Flynn, is Ellen’s cousin who comes to visit for Christmas, completely unannounced. She also brings their pet Rottweiler, Snots. Catherine and her family live in rural Kansas, whereas the Griswolds live in the urban metropolis of Chicago – or, rather, just outside the urban metropolis in the ‘burbs. Much like Ellen, Catherine is the relatively normal voice of reason opposite her zany husband.
Eddie Johnson
Catherine’s Husband
Catherine’s husband, Eddie Johnson – commonly referred to as “Cousin Eddie” – is played by Randy Quaid. Eddie is the classic comedic stock character of the well-meaning buffoon. He empties his RV’s toilet into the street, stinking up the whole block; he brings his dog into the house and it promptly destroys the Christmas dinner; and he kidnaps Clark’s boss to fulfill an absurd Christmas wish that was made in anger.
Rocky Johnson
Catherine & Eddie’s Son
Catherine and Eddie bring their son, Rocky Johnson, played by Cody Burger, to join the holiday celebrations. Rocky doesn’t have a single line in Christmas Vacation; he communicates non-verbally. Perhaps the most memorable gag involving Rocky’s character is his lip fungus problem.
Ruby Sue Johnson
Catherine & Eddie’s Daughter
Catherine and Eddie also bring their daughter, Ruby Sue Johnson, played by Ellen Hamilton Latzen. Rocky and Ruby Sue aren’t Catherine and Eddie’s only kids; they’re just two of the youngest. The first Vacation movie featured three of Catherine and Eddie’s other children: Vicki, Dale, and Daisy Mabel.
Uncle Lewis
Clark’s Uncle
Clark’s Uncle Lewis is played by William Hickey. Uncle Lewis fits the archetype of the cranky older relative who complains about everything. Throughout the movie, Uncle Lewis chain-smokes cigars, which leads to a hilarious payoff when he tosses a match that sparks a gas explosion that launches the Santa’s sleigh decoration into the sky.
Aunt Bethany
Uncle Lewis’ Wife
Clark’s aunt, and Uncle Lewis’ wife, Aunt Bethany, is played by Mae Questel. Christmas Vacation marked Questel’s final film appearance before her death in 1998. Aunt Bethany shows symptoms of dementia throughout the film; she doesn’t even seem to realize it’s Christmas. As the flaming Christmas decorations soar through the sky, Aunt Bethany leads the family in a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
