
Quaid and Chase had a lot of fun together on set, often improvising their lines. He was also very generous with his time, often staying late to help out with scenes or rehearsals.

According to director Jeremiah Chechik, Quaid was a pleasure to work with and always brought a great energy to the set. Working with Randy Quaid was a highlight for the cast and crew of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Behind the Scenes of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Cousin Eddie
#COUSIN EDDIE CHRISTMAS VACATION MOVIE#
These qualities resonated with viewers and helped to make Cousin Eddie an enduring part of Christmas movie history. He had a heart of gold and a willingness to help others no matter the cost. He was an underdog who was always trying to do the right thing even though things rarely went his way. His character has been referenced in countless other Christmas films, including Home Alone 2, Jingle All the Way, Deck the Halls, Elf, and A Christmas Story, among others.Īudiences were drawn to Cousin Eddie’s endearing qualities and relatable struggles. He is the archetype of the down-on-his-luck relative who shows up unexpectedly during the holidays. The Impact of Cousin Eddie on Christmas Movie HistoryĬousin Eddie’s popularity has made him an icon in the world of Christmas movies. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey shit he is! Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where’s the Tylenol?” or his “It’s a little cold out tonight, ain’t it?”, it’s easy to see why audiences fell in love with this lovable character. I’d like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. Whether it’s his “Hey, if any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. Throughout the movie, Cousin Eddie delivers some of the most memorable quotes. With his untidy hair and scruffy clothing, Cousin Eddie is a far cry from the clean-cut members of the Griswold family. He is introduced as the Griswolds’ long-lost relative, driving up to their house in his rusty RV. A Look Back at Randy Quaid’s Iconic Performance as Cousin Eddieįrom the moment he appears onscreen, Cousin Eddie quickly becomes the most memorable character in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. He was even given creative input on the character, helping to shape the unique personality that we all know and love today. They thought he would be perfect for the role of Cousin Eddie, and Quaid jumped at the chance to work with Chevy Chase and the rest of the cast. Quaid was approached by producers of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation after his performance in the 1986 comedy, The Great Outdoors. He had a few minor parts in television shows before landing his first leading role in the 1979 comedy, The Long Riders. Quaid began his career in the 1970s, appearing in small roles in movies such as The Last Picture Show and Midnight Express. Randy Quaid is an American actor and comedian best known for his roles in films like Independence Day, Kingpin, Brokeback Mountain and his portrayal of Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Exploring the Origins of Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation As the Griswolds struggle to make it through the holiday season, Cousin Eddie provides much of the comic relief with his bumbling antics and good-natured spirit. The film stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, and Randy Quaid as their cousin, Eddie Johnson. Released in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they prepare for the holidays. But who is Cousin Eddie, and why does he have such an iconic place in Christmas movie history? When you think of a classic Christmas movie, the first character that probably comes to mind is Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie, Iconic Performance, National Lampoon, Randy Quaid Introduction
