Where Are They Now? The Cast of National Lampoon's Vacation in 2026
The 1983 comedy film National Lampoon's Vacation remains a beloved classic, featuring a talented ensemble cast that included Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, and many others. As of 2026, many of these actors have continued to thrive in Hollywood, while others have taken unique paths or faced personal challenges. This article explores what happened to the cast after the film's release, detailing their careers, recent projects, and personal milestones.
Chevy Chase: The Enduring Comedy Icon
Chevy Chase, who played the hapless father Clark Griswold, became a staple of American comedy in the 1980s. After National Lampoon's Vacation, he reprised his role in sequels like Christmas Vacation and Vegas Vacation, and starred in hits such as Fletch and Caddyshack. In recent years, he made a notable TV comeback as Pierce Hawthorne on Community. His recent projects include films like Zombie Town (2023) and The Christmas Letter (2024). In 2026, he was featured in the CNN documentary I'm Chevy Chase, and You're Not, which delved into his career and health struggles. Personally, he is married to Jayni Chase and has three daughters.
Beverly D'Angelo: From Ellen Griswold to Versatile Actress
Beverly D'Angelo, who portrayed Ellen Griswold, has remained active in the entertainment industry. She appeared in every Vacation sequel, including the 2015 reboot, and earned an Emmy nomination for A Streetcar Named Desire. Her recent roles include the 2022 film Violent Night and the 2026 thriller Sleepwalker. Beyond acting, she is the mother of twins with Al Pacino and has several upcoming projects lined up.
Randy Quaid: A Career Marred by Legal Troubles
Randy Quaid played Cousin Eddie Johnson in the original film and its sequels. He achieved success with roles in Independence Day and Brokeback Mountain, earning a Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. However, his career has been overshadowed by numerous lawsuits and legal issues, leading him to leave the United States. He recently starred in the 2024 holiday film The Christmas Letter.
Anthony Michael Hall: From Brat Pack to Diverse Roles
Anthony Michael Hall, who played Rusty Griswold, became a prominent figure in 1980s cinema with films like The Breakfast Club and Weird Science. He later transitioned to darker roles, appearing in The Dark Knight and Halloween Kills. In 2023, he featured in season two of Reacher. He is married to actress Lucia Oskerova and they have a son together.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Dana Barron (Audrey Griswold) continued acting in TV and film, returning to the franchise in Christmas Vacation 2 and appearing on shows like The Goldbergs.
- Imogene Coca (Aunt Edna) had a long career in TV and theatre, passing away in 2001 at age 92.
- John Candy (Lasky) starred in classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles before his untimely death in 1994.
- Jane Krakowski (Cousin Vicki) gained fame on 30 Rock and continues to act in TV and theatre, including the 2026 play Oh, Mary!
- Eugene Levy (Car Salesman) co-created and starred in Schitt's Creek, winning an Emmy, and recently appeared in Only Murders in the Building.
- Christie Brinkley (Girl in the Ferrari) has pursued entrepreneurship, releasing a memoir in 2025 and launching a lifestyle brand.
- Miriam Flynn (Cousin Catherine) has voiced characters in animated series and appeared in recent TV shows like Shrinking.
- Frank McRae (Grover) continued acting until his death in 2021, with roles in films like Licence to Kill.
- James Keach (Motorcycle Cop) shifted to producing and directing, working on projects like Walk the Line and Grammy-winning documentaries.
Legacy of the Film
National Lampoon's Vacation is not considered a kids' movie due to its R-rated humour, but it has left a lasting impact on comedy. The original Griswold family—Clark, Ellen, Rusty, and Audrey—have become iconic characters. As of 2026, the cast's diverse careers highlight the film's enduring legacy, with many still active in Hollywood and celebrating its 35th anniversary at fan conventions. Their journeys from the 1983 classic to the present day showcase the evolving landscape of entertainment and the personal triumphs and challenges faced by these actors.
