Quick Read
- Juliette Lewis played Audrey Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989).
- Lewis recently learned the original squirrel for the famous scene died before filming; a prop was used instead.
- The film is now regarded as a holiday classic, despite initial mixed reviews.
When you think of iconic holiday films, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” almost inevitably comes to mind. For Juliette Lewis, who played Audrey Griswold in the 1989 comedy, the film marked a pivotal point in her career — and it continues to spark conversation decades later, especially after a recent revelation about one of its most memorable scenes.
At Fan Expo Chicago in 2025, Lewis took the stage alongside co-star Beverly D’Angelo to reflect on the movie that shaped their early careers and became a holiday staple for millions. In front of a packed audience, the conversation turned to the infamous squirrel scene, where a hidden rodent inside the Griswold’s Christmas tree launches a chain reaction of slapstick chaos. For viewers, it’s a highlight — a perfectly timed burst of animal mayhem that sends the family and their guests into a frenzy. But for Lewis, new information about that sequence came as a shock even years after the cameras stopped rolling.
According to D’Angelo, the original squirrel cast for the film died of a heart attack just before filming. Lewis, who had never heard this story before, responded with visible surprise and sadness, her reaction echoing the empathy many animal lovers in the crowd felt. The production team had to improvise, relying on a less-trained replacement squirrel and, for much of the scene, a stuffed prop perched on Chevy Chase’s shoulder. As D’Angelo quipped, “Chevy ended up wearing a stuffed squirrel on his shoulder for everything but the leap at the camera,” highlighting the lengths filmmakers sometimes go to keep the magic alive on screen.
Behind the slapstick, this detail adds a bittersweet note to a film often celebrated for its wry humor and relatable family mishaps. “Christmas Vacation” itself is the third installment in the Vacation franchise, but it stands out for its more personal tone. John Hughes, who wrote the original story, based much of the plot on his own childhood memories — a fact that gives the film its nostalgic edge. While the Griswold family’s Christmas is marked by disaster after disaster, from explosive RV toilets to cats chewing through Christmas lights, the underlying theme is one of perseverance and hope. Clark Griswold, played with comic sincerity by Chevy Chase, embodies the struggle of every parent determined to make the holidays special, no matter the cost.
Lewis’s time on set was marked by the kind of chaos that only seems to happen in Hollywood comedies — from wrangling animals to working with rotating casts for the Griswold children. Alongside Johnny Galecki, who later became a household name in “The Big Bang Theory,” Lewis helped anchor the film’s emotional core, portraying a sibling duo caught in the whirlwind of their parents’ high expectations and the unpredictable mishaps of the season.
Yet, as Lewis’s career evolved, she didn’t leave the chaos of “Christmas Vacation” behind. Instead, she built on that foundation, moving into more dramatic territory with roles in “Cape Fear,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.” Her ability to switch between comedy and drama became her trademark, earning her recognition for both her versatility and her authenticity.
Meanwhile, “Christmas Vacation” continued to grow in popularity. Upon its release, it debuted at No. 2 at the box office, only to climb to the top spot a week later. While initial reviews were mixed, the film’s reputation has only strengthened over the years, with audiences embracing its blend of slapstick and sentimentality. Today, it’s not just a movie — it’s a tradition, a touchstone for families who gather to watch Clark Griswold’s holiday misadventures year after year.
The legacy of the squirrel scene — and the revelation of its behind-the-scenes heartbreak — reminds viewers that even the most lighthearted films have their share of challenges. For Lewis and her co-stars, those moments became part of the story, a testament to the unpredictability and resilience of filmmaking. And for fans, knowing what happened off camera only deepens their appreciation for the magic that unfolds on screen.
As Christmas Vacation continues to light up living rooms each holiday season, Juliette Lewis’s candid reflections offer a new layer of meaning. Her surprise and empathy at learning the truth about the squirrel capture the spirit of the film itself — one of improvisation, perseverance, and finding joy in the midst of chaos. The Griswold family’s journey, much like the making of the movie, is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments are born from unexpected twists.
Juliette Lewis’s heartfelt response to the squirrel scene’s backstory reveals the enduring humanity at the core of “Christmas Vacation.” The film’s blend of humor and hardship not only entertained generations but also showcased the unpredictability of both family and filmmaking. It’s this authenticity — the willingness to confront both the joys and the sorrows — that keeps the Griswold saga relevant, and Lewis’s career remarkable, to this day. (Sources: Film Authority, SSB Crack News)