Movies - TV
The Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation Scene Johnny Galecki Regrets Cutting
By CHRISTIAN GAINEY
1989’s "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is the most successful Griswold family movie but lacks one crucial element, a father-son bonding moment.
Years before he portrayed Leonard Hofstadter in the popular CBS series "Big Bang Theory," Johnny Galecki got his first big break when he landed the role of Rusty Griswold.
Although he was the third young actor to portray the character, Galecki's interaction with his on-screen dad (Chase) wouldn't be as touchy-feely as the previous ones.
It’s a decision the actor now regrets, but the final shooting script for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" didn't include any father-son moments.
Chase asked director John Hughes to “consider putting that back in,” but when Galecki was asked if he wanted to shoot the scene, he said it would be a waste of time.
Galecki told Rolling Stone "I literally talked myself out of what could have been a classic scene with Chevy Chase.” He added, “I still kick myself in the ass for this every day.”