Why Beverly D’Angelo Almost Passed On Her National Lampoon Ellen Griswold Role

While Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is the comedic backbone of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, it wouldn’t be as funny without Beverly D’Angelo’s straight-laced pillar of the family, but the actress almost past on the iconic role. Central to the beloved franchise is the Griswold family, whose misadventures on their vacation odysseys have cracked audiences up for generations. Ellen Griswold, played with heartfelt warmth and comedic brilliance by Beverly D’Angelo, is the “straight man” of the franchise, offering a steady hand amid the chaos spurred by her husband Clark’s well-intentioned but often misguided plans.