It has been more than 40 years since National Lampoon’s Vacation first hit theaters, yet the Griswold family’s misadventures remain just as beloved today. Over the weekend of August 15, fans were treated to a nostalgic reunion at Fan Expo Chicago, where cast members and celebrity friends came together to celebrate the 1983 comedy classic.
At the heart of it all was Chevy Chase, who played the unforgettable Clark Griswold. The actor shared a short video from the event on Instagram with the caption, “Great time this past weekend in Chicago at @fanexpochicago with old friends and new ones.” For longtime admirers of the Vacation films, the post offered a joyful reminder of the franchise’s enduring place in pop culture.
Chevy Chase And The Griswolds Reunite
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According to Remind Magazine, the video highlighted several familiar faces from across the Vacation series. Beverly D’Angelo, who portrayed Ellen Griswold, joined the celebration alongside Randy Quaid, forever remembered as Cousin Eddie. Fans were also delighted to see Juliette Lewis, who played Audrey in Christmas Vacation, and Anthony Michael Hall, the original Rusty. Dana Barron, who first played Audrey in the 1983 film, rounded out the core reunion.
For many, seeing Chevy Chase alongside his castmates stirred memories of the road trip to Walley World and the chaos that followed. The gathering not only reunited the Griswolds but also brought in celebrity fans like Rob Schneider, Brendan Fraser, and Thomas Lennon. Their presence underscored just how far-reaching the Vacation legacy remains.
Nostalgia For The Vacation Films
The reunion video, set to Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road,” quickly drew enthusiastic responses from fans online. Comments poured in with requests for another movie, with some suggesting a new Christmas Vacation featuring the Griswolds as grandparents. Others praised the cast for slipping effortlessly back into the characters that defined their youth.
Four decades later, the humor and heart of the Vacation series continue to connect generations. Whether it was the disastrous road trip, the unforgettable Christmas chaos, or the larger-than-life family dynamic, Chevy Chase and his fellow cast members created something timeless. The Chicago gathering proved that Clark Griswold’s charm—and the laughter he inspired—still resonate with audiences everywhere.