A Casting Conundrum: The Ever-Changing Faces of the Griswold Siblings in the National Lampoon’s Vacation Films
Anthony Michael Hall passed on starring in “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” (1985) to be in “Weird Science” (also 1985). As a result, neither Russ Griswold nor his sister Audrey were ever played by the same actors from film-to-film until Dana Barron reprised her role of Audrey in “Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure” (2003).
Writer/director John Hughes wasn’t happy during filming of this movie, because it interfered with another project he cared about much more and resulted in his working a punishing schedule for months, but he agreed to direct it because Universal gave him a deal where he could also direct the more-valued project if he started this one first. The other film: “The Breakfast Club” (1985), which Hall would appear in as well.
After being the lead in the this film and starring in several other hit movies like “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “Sixteen Candles” (1984) and “The Breakfast Club,” Hall made the odd choice of joining the 1985-1986 cast of “Saturday Night Live” when he was 17 (the youngest cast member ever). Usually big stars don’t join ensemble cast shows like this; particularly one aimed at novices
in the business like this one; after they have already starred in their own hit movies! That’s usually considered a step down. Hall did not stay for an entire season on SNL. Neither did fellow “Weird Science” co-star Robert Downey Jr..
