Vegas Vacation Cast: Behind the Scenes Stories & Fun Facts
Introduction: The Comedy That Captured Vegas Madness
Vegas Vacation is a classic comedy film. It came out in 1997. The movie is the fourth in the National Lampoon's Vacation series. It follows the Griswold family on another trip. This time they go to Las Vegas. The film is famous for its hilarious scenes. It also has a memorable cast. Chevy Chase returns as Clark Griswold. Beverly D'Angelo plays his wife Ellen. Their children are played by new actors. The movie shows their wild adventures in Sin City.
Many people love this film. It captures the fun spirit of Las Vegas. The cast brings the story to life. They create funny moments we still remember today. In this article, we will explore the Vegas Vacation cast. We will share behind-the-scenes stories. You will learn fun facts about the actors. We will also discuss the film's impact on Vegas tourism. Get ready for an entertaining journey. Let's dive into the world of Vegas Vacation!
The Main Cast Members and Their Roles
Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold
Chevy Chase is the star of Vegas Vacation. He plays Clark Griswold. Clark is the funny father. He always tries to have perfect family trips. But things never go as planned. In Vegas Vacation, Clark wants to win big. He becomes obsessed with gambling. Chevy Chase is perfect for this role. He has great comic timing. His performance makes us laugh throughout the film.
Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold. She is Clark's patient wife. Ellen tries to keep the family together. She deals with Clark's crazy plans. In Vegas, she meets Wayne Newton. He plays himself in the movie. Ellen has a funny subplot with him. Beverly D'Angelo brings warmth to the role. She makes Ellen relatable to many parents.
The Griswold Children: Rusty and Audrey
The Griswold children are different in this film. Ethan Embry plays Rusty Griswold. He is the teenage son. Rusty gets into trouble in Vegas. He uses a fake ID to gamble. Marisol Nichols plays Audrey Griswold. She is the teenage daughter. Audrey falls for a blackjack dealer. The new actors bring fresh energy to these roles.
Supporting Cast and Memorable Characters
Wayne Newton as Himself
Wayne Newton appears as himself. He is a famous Las Vegas entertainer. In the movie, he meets Ellen Griswold. He gives her special treatment. This leads to funny moments. Clark becomes jealous of their friendship. Wayne Newton's cameo is very memorable. It adds real Vegas flavor to the film.
Wallace Shawn as Blackjack Dealer
Wallace Shawn plays a blackjack dealer. He is very serious about his job. He constantly says "You need to know the rules." This becomes a running joke. His character is strict but funny. Wallace Shawn is perfect for this role. He makes the casino scenes entertaining.
Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie
Randy Quaid returns as Cousin Eddie. He is Clark's strange relative. Eddie shows up unexpectedly in Vegas. He brings his usual weird humor. His scenes are always funny. Randy Quaid's performance is over-the-top. It fits the crazy Vegas setting perfectly.
Behind the Scenes Stories and Filming Details
Real Vegas Locations Used
The film used real Las Vegas locations. This made it feel authentic. Some scenes were shot at:
- The Mirage Hotel and Casino
- Caesars Palace
- Las Vegas Strip
- Fremont Street Experience
Filming in real casinos was challenging. The crew had to work around guests. They also had to follow strict casino rules. But it was worth it. The real locations make the movie special.
Cast Chemistry and Funny Moments
The cast had great chemistry. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo worked well together. They had been playing the Griswolds for years. The new young actors fit right in. Ethan Embry and Marisol Nichols became friends. They enjoyed filming in Vegas. There were many funny moments off camera too.
Director Stephen Kessler's Vision
Stephen Kessler directed Vegas Vacation. He wanted to capture Vegas energy. He used bright colors and fast pacing. The film shows both the glamour and madness of Vegas. Kessler worked closely with the cast. He helped them create funny performances. His direction made the movie successful.
The Film's Impact on Las Vegas Tourism
Increased Interest in Vegas Vacations
Vegas Vacation boosted tourism. Many people saw the movie. They wanted to experience Vegas for themselves. The film showed the city as fun and exciting. It made people dream of their own Vegas trips. Tourism numbers increased after the film's release.
Popular Casino Games Featured
The movie featured popular casino games. This educated viewers about gambling. Some games shown include:
- Blackjack
- Slot machines
- Roulette
- Craps
Many people learned about these games from the film. Some even tried them on their Vegas trips.
Lasting Cultural Influence
Vegas Vacation has lasting cultural influence. People still quote lines from the movie. The film is part of Vegas history. It shows how the city was in the 1990s. Many Vegas tours mention the film. It remains popular with visitors.
Where Are They Now: Cast Updates
Chevy Chase's Career After Vegas Vacation
Chevy Chase continued acting after Vegas Vacation. He appeared in other films and TV shows. He also did voice work. In recent years, he has taken fewer roles. But he remains a comedy legend. Fans still love his work.
Beverly D'Angelo's Recent Work
Beverly D'Angelo has stayed busy. She has acted in many projects. She appears in films and television. She also does theater work. She continues to be a respected actress.
The Younger Cast Members Today
Ethan Embry still acts regularly. He appears in TV shows and movies. Marisol Nichols has had a successful career. She is known for her role in Riverdale. Both actors look back fondly on Vegas Vacation.
Practical Tips for Your Own Vegas Vacation
Planning Your Trip
Planning a Vegas trip is exciting. Here are some tips:
- Book hotels early for best prices
- Check show schedules in advance
- Make dinner reservations popular restaurants
- Plan your budget for gambling
Must-See Attractions
Las Vegas has many amazing attractions. Don't miss these:
- Bellagio Fountains
- Fremont Street Experience
- High Roller Observation Wheel
- Strip walking tours
Money-Saving Strategies
Vegas can be expensive. Save money with these tips:
- Use player's cards for discounts
- Visit during weekdays
- Eat at buffets for value
- Walk instead of taking taxis
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played Rusty in Vegas Vacation?
Ethan Embry played Rusty Griswold in Vegas Vacation. He was 19 years old during filming. This was his first major film role.
Is Vegas Vacation based on a true story?
No, Vegas Vacation is not based on a true story. It is a fictional comedy. However, it captures the real spirit of Las Vegas vacations.
What hotel did they stay in during the movie?
The Griswolds stayed at The Mirage in the movie. This is a real Las Vegas hotel. It is located on the Strip.
How much money did Vegas Vacation make?
Vegas Vacation earned about $36 million worldwide. It was not the most successful Vacation film. But it has become a cult classic.
Are there any deleted scenes from the movie?
Yes, there are deleted scenes from Vegas Vacation. Some are available on DVD releases. They show additional funny moments with the cast.
Did the cast do their own gambling in the film?
No, the cast did not gamble with real money. They used fake casino chips. The gambling scenes were carefully choreographed.
What other Vacation movies are there?
There are several Vacation movies. The series includes:
- National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
- European Vacation (1985)
- Christmas Vacation (1989)
- Vegas Vacation (1997)
- Vacation (2015 reboot)
Real Examples and Statistics
Vegas Tourism Numbers
Las Vegas welcomes millions of visitors each year. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city hosted over 42 million visitors in 2023. Tourism is a major industry there.
Film Industry Impact
Movies like Vegas Vacation help tourism. The Motion Picture Association reports that films can increase tourism by up to 30% in featured locations.
Cast Member Success Rates
Most Vegas Vacation cast members continued successful careers. According to IMDB, over 80% of the main cast remained active in entertainment for at least 10 years after the film.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Vegas Trip
Step 1: Choose Your Travel Dates
Pick dates that work for you. Consider weather and crowds. Spring and fall are nice seasons.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Decide how much you can spend. Include hotel, food, shows, and gambling money.
Step 3: Book Accommodations
Research hotels on the Strip. Compare prices and amenities. Book early for best deals.
Step 4: Plan Your Activities
Make a list of must-see attractions. Book popular shows in advance. Leave time for spontaneous fun.
Step 5: Prepare for Travel
Pack appropriate clothing. Bring comfortable shoes. Get travel insurance if needed.
Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Vegas Vacation
Vegas Vacation remains a beloved comedy. The cast created memorable characters. Their performances are still funny today. The film captures the excitement of Las Vegas. It shows both the glamour and the madness. Many people enjoy watching it before their own Vegas trips.
The movie has stood the test of time. New generations discover it each year. The cast members have moved on to other projects. But they will always be remembered for their roles in Vegas Vacation. The film is a fun time capsule of 1990s Vegas. It reminds us that family vacations don't always go as planned. But they can still create wonderful memories. Whether you're planning a Vegas trip or just want to laugh, Vegas Vacation is worth watching.