Chevy Chase talks about the original Vacation movie

Chevy Chase recently revealed in an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter" that no matter how many roles he has played, people still approach him quoting lines from "National Lampoon’s Vacation." He said he can walk into a grocery store or sit down for dinner and hear someone cheerfully call out, “We’re all gonna have so much fun!” Chase admitted with a laugh that he never anticipated Clark Griswold would become an emblem of the American dad, but he understands now why the character endures.

During the conversation, Chase described how Clark’s combination of unwavering optimism and complete ineptitude mirrored the experiences of so many real families. He explained that the film connected with audiences because it didn’t pretend family trips were always graceful or rewarding. Instead, it showed how mishaps, overblown expectations, and ridiculous detours often defined those journeys. Chase pointed out that people relate to Clark because they see themselves in his desperation to create the perfect vacation, even if everything unravels.

He recalled that when the first "National Lampoon’s Vacation" premiered in 1983, he worried it might be too irreverent for some viewers. He said the humor wasn’t about mocking families, but about celebrating them by revealing their flaws. Chase recounted that director Harold Ramis encouraged him to lean fully into Clark’s enthusiastic cluelessness rather than making him cynical or bitter. That decision, he believes, gave the character his lasting charm.

Chase shared that over the years, countless fans have told him their own vacation horror stories, and some even credit the film with helping them laugh about those experiences. One man told Chase that after a disastrous road trip to Yellowstone, his family watched "National Lampoon’s Vacation" together, and it changed their perspective on the ordeal. They started quoting Clark Griswold whenever something went wrong, turning frustration into a running joke.

The actor also discussed how his approach to comedy evolved through the filming process. He noted that Clark wasn’t meant to be an outright fool but rather an everyman determined to give his family joy. To prepare, Chase drew inspiration from his father’s attempts at orchestrating elaborate trips that fell apart spectacularly. He said his own childhood memories of long car rides, broken-down station wagons, and lost luggage helped him tap into the character’s hopeful determination.

When asked if he ever grew tired of talking about Clark, Chase shook his head. He said there is something comforting about knowing the character still means something to so many people. Even young viewers discovering "National Lampoon’s Vacation" for the first time recognize Clark’s sincerity beneath the chaos. Chase remarked that the film’s humor holds up because it was never about making the family the butt of the joke. It was about acknowledging that no one has it all figured out, especially when they’re trying to have fun together.

Chase shared a moment during a fan event when a woman approached him in tears, explaining that she watched "National Lampoon’s Vacation" with her father every summer until he passed away. She said it was their tradition, and it helped them feel close even when life was uncertain. Chase admitted that hearing stories like that reminds him the film is more than a comedy, it’s a touchstone for people navigating their own families’ ups and downs.

He concluded the interview by reflecting on a particular scene where Clark stands in front of the dilapidated amusement park and insists they will enjoy themselves no matter what. Chase said that single moment sums up why audiences never stopped caring about the character. Clark Griswold embodies the belief that it’s possible to find joy, even when nothing goes according to plan.

Chase smiled and said he considers that scene the purest expression of what "National Lampoon’s Vacation" accomplished, because it showed that love and laughter thrive in the middle of disaster.