The Griswold Age Mystery: Exactly How Old Was Chevy Chase In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?

The holiday season is incomplete without the annual viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a film that perfectly captures the chaotic spirit of family gatherings. As Clark Griswold, Chevy Chase delivers one of his most iconic performances, but a common question often pops up among fans: exactly how old was the comedic legend when he was desperately trying to light up 25,000 twinkle lights?

The definitive answer is crucial for understanding the character of Clark, a middle-aged family man trying to uphold a perfect Christmas tradition. Based on the film's release date and his birth year, Chevy Chase was a seasoned comedian in his mid-40s during the production. This article, updated on December 12, 2025, breaks down his age, explores his background, and shares the latest news on the actor who brought the beloved Griswold patriarch to life.

Chevy Chase: A Brief Biography and Profile

Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase is an American comedian, actor, and writer whose career spans decades, from the groundbreaking early days of *Saturday Night Live* to his enduring role in the *National Lampoon's Vacation* film series. Here is a quick look at the man behind Clark Griswold:

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• Full Name: Cornelius Crane Chase
• Born: October 8, 1943
• Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, U.S.
• Current Age (as of 2025): 82 years old
• Spouse: Jayni Chase (m. 1982)
• Notable Roles: Clark Griswold (*Vacation* series), Fletch (*Fletch*), Pierce Hawthorne (*Community*), and an original cast member of *Saturday Night Live* (SNL).
• Career Highlight: Winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on SNL.

The Definitive Answer: Chevy Chase's Age in Christmas Vacation

The third installment in the *National Lampoon's Vacation* series, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, premiered just in time for the 1989 holiday season, cementing its place as a perennial classic.

The Exact Calculation

The film was officially released on December 1, 1989. Chevy Chase was born on October 8, 1943. By the time the film hit theaters, he had already celebrated his 46th birthday that year.

• Chevy Chase's Age at Release: 46 years old.
• Birth Year: 1943
• Release Year: 1989

This age perfectly aligned with the character of Clark Griswold, a dedicated suburban father and middle manager who is desperately trying to provide a perfect, old-fashioned Christmas for his wife, Ellen Griswold, and children, Rusty and Audrey. At 46, Chase was portraying a man dealing with the quintessential mid-life pressures of career, family, and the crushing weight of holiday expectations.

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Behind the Scenes: 5 Festive Facts That Prove The Griswold Chaos Was Real

The enduring success of *Christmas Vacation* is due to its relatable chaos, but the production itself had its own share of behind-the-scenes drama and fun. These facts add depth to the film's topical authority and showcase the environment Chevy Chase worked in at the age of 46:

1. The Iconic Rant Was Improvised

One of the most memorable moments in the film is Clark Griswold's explosive rant after he finds out his Christmas bonus is a subscription to the "Jelly of the Month Club." The entire tirade, where Clark vows to kidnap his boss, was largely improvised by Chevy Chase. His comedic brilliance at 46 was on full display, delivering a scene that resonates with anyone who has ever felt slighted by their employer.

2. The Griswold House is a Hollywood Backlot Set

Despite looking like a classic suburban home, the Griswold house is actually located on the Warner Bros. Ranch backlot in Burbank, California. It's the same street used for the houses in other famous films and TV shows, adding a layer of movie magic to the entire production.

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3. Chris Columbus Was the Original Director

Before the project landed with director Jeremiah S. Chechik, filmmaker Chris Columbus (who later directed *Home Alone* and *Mrs. Doubtfire*) was originally hired to helm the film. However, due to disagreements with Chevy Chase, Columbus left the project, proving that the on-screen tension between Clark and his family sometimes mirrored the set environment.

4. The Film is Based on a John Hughes Short Story

Like the original 1983 *National Lampoon's Vacation*, the story for the Christmas film was penned by the legendary John Hughes. It was based on his short story, "Christmas '59," which was published in *National Lampoon* magazine in December 1980. This connection grounds the film in the satirical, yet heartfelt, humor that defined the *Vacation* series.

5. The Griswold Children Were Recast (Again)

A running gag throughout the *Vacation* series is the recasting of the Griswold children, Rusty and Audrey. In *Christmas Vacation*, the roles were played by Johnny Galecki (later of *The Big Bang Theory* fame) and Juliette Lewis, respectively. This was the third set of actors to play the children, a fact that always amuses dedicated fans and adds to the film's unique continuity.

Where is Clark Griswold Now? Chevy Chase in 2025

As of 2025, Chevy Chase remains a prominent figure in comedy, even three decades after his most famous holiday role. At 82 years old, he continues to make headlines and reflect on his storied career:

• Current Age: 82 years old.
• Recent Projects: Chase has continued to make appearances and work on projects, often reflecting on his time on *Saturday Night Live* and his film career.
• Reflections on SNL: In recent news, Chase has admitted that leaving *Saturday Night Live* early in his career was a "mistake," offering a candid look back at his early success and the decisions that followed.
• Enduring Legacy: Despite the passage of time, his portrayal of Clark Griswold remains his most beloved and enduring role, ensuring that his legacy is revisited by millions of families every holiday season.

Whether he was 46 years old struggling with a tangled mess of Christmas lights in 1989 or reflecting on his career at 82 in 2025, Chevy Chase's work as Clark Griswold has earned him a permanent place in the pantheon of holiday movie legends. His age during the filming of *Christmas Vacation* perfectly captured the spirit of a father facing his mid-life crisis with a mix of optimism and sheer, unadulterated panic.