Beverly D'Angelo admits to unscripted ‘Christmas Vacation’ moment with Chevy Chase that made movie history

Chevy Chase on hand to support Sylvester Stallone Chevy Chase told Fox News Digital that Sylvester Stallone is a "good old friend" at the inaugural "Rocky Day" in Philadelphia. Beverly D’Angelo took matters into her own hands and made movie history. After "National Lampoon’s Vacation" (1983) and "National Lampoon’s European Vacation" (1985), the Griswolds returned to deliver more chaos in 1989’s "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation." The film starred D’Angelo and Chevy Chase, along with Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, among others. D’Angelo is ringing in the new year with plenty in store for fans. She stars alongside Hayden Panettiere in the upcoming 2026 psychological thriller "Sleepwalker." She recently followed it up with "The Heart Brake," in which she turns a property into a Christmas bed-and-breakfast called the Noel Hotel. Juliette Lewis, Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Johnny Galecki starred in 1989's "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation." (Alamy) But when the holidays roll around, D’Angelo still looks back at the film that keeps on giving - and the moment she made her own. "It was not in the script for me to guard the family jewels when the police came to stick us up," the actress told Fox News Digital. "I threw that in. That was definitely improvised. That was my little touch. All in one take." Beverly D’Angelo told Fox News Digital it warms her heart knowing that "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" has become a holiday tradition for fans. (Warner Bros./Alamy) In the film, a police officer orders everyone gathered for the Griswold family Christmas to freeze. A stunned Ellen (D’Angelo) suddenly grabs Clark’s (Chase) crotch and stands still, obeying the command. WATCH: CHEVY CHASE ON HAND TO SUPPORT SYLVESTER STALLONE "We had one take left, and it was the end of the day," D’Angelo recalled. "I said, ‘I bet nobody catches this.’ We did the shot, freeze, and I put my hand there. It was like, ‘OK, that’s a wrap. Everybody go home.’ It was subtle. And it had to stay in the film because it was the only shot left! What are they going to do? They didn’t have a choice." From the moment Beverly D’Angelo and Chevy Chase filmed their first "National Lampoon" project together, they became fast friends. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) It was a long day of filming, and the star was eager to have some fun. D’Angelo tipped off Chase about what she was going to do. He agreed - before quickly adding, "You can’t do that," convinced she’d never get away with it, Forbes reported. Chevy Chase didn't think Beverly D'Angelo could get away with the scene. She proved him wrong. (Warner Bros./Alamy) "I guarantee you no one’s going to be looking at my hand," she told him, as quoted by the outlet. "Everybody’s going to be looking at your face and Randy’s [Quaid] face and the expressions. I’m going to be way down below your waist, and the director’s not even looking at me. He’s just trying to get you guys...

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