Vegas Vacation Cast: Behind the Scenes Secrets & Comedy Legacy
Do you love funny movies? Do you remember the 1997 comedy 'Vegas Vacation'? This movie is part of the famous 'National Lampoon's Vacation' series. It follows the Griswold family on another wild trip. This time they go to Las Vegas. The movie is full of silly jokes and crazy situations. Many people still watch it today. But what about the actors who made it so funny? Who are they? What happened to them after the movie? This article will tell you everything about the Vegas Vacation cast. You will learn fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. You will also see how this movie became a classic comedy. Let's start our journey!
The Main Cast: Where Are They Now?
The Vegas Vacation cast had many talented actors. They brought the Griswold family to life. Their performances made us laugh for years. Let's look at each main actor and what they did after the movie.
Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold
Chevy Chase played Clark Griswold. He is the father of the family. Clark is always optimistic. But things never go his way. Chase was already famous before this movie. He was on 'Saturday Night Live' in the 1970s. He also starred in other 'Vacation' movies. After Vegas Vacation, he continued acting. He did voice work for cartoons like 'Family Guy'. He also appeared in TV shows like 'Community'. Today, he is less active in Hollywood. But he remains a comedy legend. His role as Clark Griswold is one of his most memorable.
Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo played Ellen Griswold. She is Clark's patient wife. She tries to keep the family together. D'Angelo also played Ellen in other 'Vacation' movies. She is a talented actress and singer. After Vegas Vacation, she had many roles. She was in the movie 'American History X'. She also voiced characters in 'The Simpsons'. Recently, she returned as Ellen in the 2015 'Vacation' reboot. She continues to act in films and television.
Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie
Randy Quaid played Cousin Eddie. He is Clark's strange relative. Eddie shows up unexpectedly in Vegas. Quaid's performance is very funny and weird. He also played Eddie in other 'Vacation' films. After this movie, Quaid had legal problems. He left the United States. His career slowed down. But his role as Cousin Eddie is iconic. Fans still quote his lines today.
Ethan Embry as Rusty Griswold
Ethan Embry played Rusty Griswold. He is the teenage son. Rusty is obsessed with gambling in the movie. Embry was young during filming. He later had a successful career. He starred in movies like 'Can't Hardly Wait' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'. He also appears in TV series like 'Grace and Frankie'. He still acts today.
Marisol Nichols as Audrey Griswold
Marisol Nichols played Audrey Griswold. She is the teenage daughter. Audrey falls for a magician in Vegas. Nichols was also young during filming. She later became known for TV roles. She played in '24' and 'Riverdale'. She is also an activist. She works to stop human trafficking.
Supporting Cast and Cameo Appearances
The Vegas Vacation cast included many funny supporting actors. Their cameo appearances added extra humor. Let's meet some of them.
Wayne Newton as Himself
Wayne Newton played himself. He is a famous Las Vegas entertainer. In the movie, Clark thinks Wayne is stealing his money. Newton is a real Las Vegas legend. He has performed there for decades. He is known as 'Mr. Las Vegas'. His cameo was perfect for the setting.
Siegfried & Roy as Themselves
Siegfried and Roy played themselves. They were famous magicians in Las Vegas. Their show with white tigers was world-famous. In the movie, Audrey becomes their assistant. This cameo was very popular. Sadly, Roy Horn died in 2020. But their legacy in Vegas remains strong.
Wallace Shawn as Blackjack Dealer
Wallace Shawn played a blackjack dealer. He is the dealer who ruins Clark's lucky streak. Shawn is a character actor. You might know him from 'The Princess Bride' or 'Toy Story'. His unique voice is very recognizable.
Other Notable Appearances
Other actors had small roles. Sid Caesar played a rude blackjack player. Christie Brinkley played a woman in a convertible. She also appeared in other 'Vacation' movies. These cameos made the film more fun.
Behind the Scenes: Making of Vegas Vacation
Making a comedy movie is hard work. The Vegas Vacation cast and crew faced challenges. Let's look at some interesting production facts.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in Las Vegas. But not all scenes were shot there. Some scenes were filmed in California. The Hoover Dam scene was real. The crew got permission to film there. The casino scenes were shot in real casinos. But they had to film at night. This was to avoid disturbing guests. You can learn more about Las Vegas filming locations at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Director and Writers
Stephen Kessler directed the movie. It was his first major film. The writers were Elisa Bell and Bob Ducsay. They had to create funny situations for the Griswolds. The 'Vacation' series was based on a story by John Hughes. Hughes wrote many famous 80s movies.
Challenges During Production
Filming in Vegas was expensive. The crew had to work around casino schedules. The actors had to deal with heat. Vegas is very hot in the summer. Despite challenges, the cast had fun. Chevy Chase improvised some jokes. This is common in comedies.
The Cultural Impact and Legacy
Vegas Vacation was not a big hit at first. Critics gave it bad reviews. But over time, it became a cult classic. Why do people still love it? Let's explore its legacy.
Box Office and Reviews
The movie made about $36 million at the box office. This was less than other 'Vacation' movies. Critics said it was not very funny. But audiences liked it more. Over the years, its reputation improved. Many people watch it for nostalgia.
Influence on Las Vegas Tourism
The movie shows Las Vegas in the 1990s. It captures the city's bright lights and energy. Some people visited Vegas because of the movie. They wanted to see the places shown on screen. Las Vegas tourism grew in the 1990s. Movies like this helped. According to Las Vegas tourism statistics, the city hosted over 30 million visitors in 1997.
Memorable Quotes and Scenes
Fans remember many quotes from the movie. Clark says "I'm on a roll!" at the blackjack table. Cousin Eddie has funny lines about his life. The scene with the Hoover Dam is classic. These moments are shared online today.
Where to Watch Vegas Vacation Today
You can still watch Vegas Vacation today. It is available on many platforms. Here is a simple guide.
- Streaming Services: Check HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu. Availability changes often.
- Digital Purchase: Buy it on iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu.
- DVD/Blu-ray: You can find physical copies online or in stores.
- TV Broadcast: Sometimes it airs on comedy channels.
Watching the movie is easy. You can enjoy it with your family.
Practical Tips for Your Own Vegas Vacation
The movie shows a funny version of Vegas. But a real Vegas trip can be great. Here are practical tips based on the movie's themes.
Budgeting Like Clark Griswold
Clark loses a lot of money gambling. Do not do this! Set a budget for your trip. Decide how much you will spend on games, food, and shows. Stick to your budget. This will prevent stress.
Family-Friendly Activities
Vegas is not just for adults. There are many family activities. You can visit:
- The Adventuredome indoor theme park
- The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- The High Roller observation wheel
- Various magic shows suitable for all ages
Seeing Real Vegas Legends
Like Wayne Newton in the movie, you can see real legends. Many famous performers have residencies in Vegas. Check schedules for artists like Celine Dion, or new stars. Book tickets early.
Visiting Iconic Locations
Go to the Hoover Dam. It is an engineering marvel. See the Las Vegas Strip at night. Visit famous casinos like Caesars Palace. Take lots of photos!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Vegas Vacation filmed in real Las Vegas casinos?
Yes, many scenes were filmed in real casinos. But filming happened at night to avoid crowds.
2. How old was Ethan Embry when he played Rusty?
Ethan Embry was about 19 years old during filming.
3. Are there any deleted scenes from Vegas Vacation?
Yes, some deleted scenes exist. They might be on the DVD special features.
4. Did Chevy Chase do his own stunts?
He did some simple stunts. But dangerous stunts were done by professionals.
5. Is Vegas Vacation appropriate for children?
The movie is rated PG. It has some adult humor. Parents should watch first.
6. What happened to the Griswold family car?
The famous Family Truckster is not in this movie. The family flies to Vegas instead.
7. Will there be another Vacation movie?
A reboot happened in 2015. But no new movies are planned now.
Real Examples: How the Movie Reflects Vegas
The movie exaggerates Vegas life. But some parts are true. Here are real examples.
Example 1: The Gambling Atmosphere
Casinos are bright and exciting. People can lose track of time. This is shown in Clark's blackjack scene. Always gamble responsibly.
Example 2: The Extravagant Shows
Vegas shows are big and magical. Siegfried & Roy's cameo shows this. Today, you can see Cirque du Soleil shows.
Example 3: The Tourist Attractions
The Hoover Dam is a real tourist spot. Over a million people visit it each year according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Statistics About Las Vegas and Film Tourism
Let's look at some numbers. Statistics help us understand the impact.
- Las Vegas hosted 42.5 million visitors in 2023 (LVCVA).
- The film and TV industry in Nevada generated over $1.2 billion in 2022 (Nevada Film Office).
- The 'Vacation' film series has 5 main movies.
- Chevy Chase has won 2 Emmy Awards for his work.
- Wayne Newton has performed over 30,000 shows in Las Vegas.
Step-by-Step Guide: Hosting a Vegas Vacation Movie Night
Want to enjoy the movie with friends? Follow this simple guide.
Step 1: Invite Friends
Tell them it's a 90s comedy night. Ask them to dress casually.
Step 2: Prepare Snacks
Make Vegas-themed snacks. Think pretzels, poker chip cookies, and bright drinks.
Step 3: Set the Scene
Decorate with playing cards and fake money. Use red and black colors.
Step 4: Watch the Movie
Start the film. Enjoy the funny scenes together.
Step 5: Play Games
After the movie, play simple card games. Do not gamble with real money!
Conclusion: The Lasting Laughs of Vegas Vacation
The Vegas Vacation cast created a timeless comedy. The movie may seem silly. But it brings joy to many viewers. It shows a family trying to have fun. Things go wrong, but they stick together. The actors gave memorable performances. Chevy Chase is the perfect clumsy father. Beverly D'Angelo is the loving mother. Randy Quaid is the weird cousin. Their chemistry is great. The movie also captures Las Vegas in a unique time. It shows the city's glamour and chaos. Today, you can visit Vegas and see similar sights. But remember to be smarter than Clark Griswold! Set a budget. Enjoy the shows. Spend time with your family. The real vacation is about making memories. Not about winning money. We hope you learned a lot about this funny film. Maybe you will watch it again soon. Share it with someone who needs a laugh. Thank you for reading!