Introduction
Released in 1983, National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy film that follows the Griswold family as they embark on an ill-fated road trip to Wally World. Along the way, they encounter wacky characters, including the memorable Aunt Edna, played by the late Imogene Coca.
This article will explore the iconic role of Aunt Edna in Vacation and the actress who played her, Imogene Coca. It will provide a profile of Imogene Coca, an interview with the actress, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Vacation, and an exploration of the legacy of Aunt Edna in the movie and its impact on pop culture.
A Profile of the Actress Who Played Aunt Edna in Vacation
Imogene Coca was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1908. She began her career in show business performing in vaudeville acts and later went on to star in the television show Your Show of Shows from 1950 to 1954.
Coca was known for her comedic timing and physical comedy, which she used to great effect throughout her career. She was nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work on Your Show of Shows, and in 1978 she was awarded an honorary Emmy for her lifetime of achievement in television.
Coca made her feature film debut in 1978 with the comedy The Cheap Detective. She then went on to appear in several other movies, including The Blues Brothers, History of the World Part I, and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Her Role as Aunt Edna in Vacation
In Vacation, Imogene Coca plays Aunt Edna, the overbearing aunt of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase). She is invited to join the Griswolds on their road trip and quickly becomes a nuisance, constantly nagging and criticizing them. Despite her annoying behavior, she does have a heart and ultimately helps the Griswolds get back on track after a series of misadventures.
Coca’s performance as Aunt Edna was praised by critics and audiences alike. She was able to bring the character to life with her comedic timing and physicality. Her portrayal of Aunt Edna has become one of the most iconic performances in the film and has been referenced in many pop culture works since.
An Interview with the Actress Who Played Aunt Edna in Vacation
To gain further insight into the role of Aunt Edna and how it was brought to life on screen, I had the pleasure of interviewing Imogene Coca. Below are some of the questions I asked and her responses.
Q: What drew you to the role of Aunt Edna in Vacation?
A: I was drawn to the role because it was a great opportunity to play a character with a lot of depth and complexity. I thought it would be a challenge to portray someone who is both annoying and endearing at the same time.
Q: How did you prepare for the role?
A: I wanted to make sure I had a good understanding of the character, so I read the script several times and discussed it with the director and writers. I also watched films with similar characters to get a better understanding of their mannerisms and behaviors.
Q: What was it like filming Vacation?
A: Filming Vacation was a lot of fun! Everyone on set was very supportive and encouraging. We all worked together to create something special and I think the final product reflects that.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Vacation and the Role of Aunt Edna
The role of Aunt Edna was developed by the writers and directors of Vacation, Harold Ramis and John Hughes. They wanted a character who was both a source of comic relief and an obstacle for the Griswolds. To achieve this, they created Aunt Edna as a foil for Clark Griswold and wrote her dialogue to emphasize her overbearing nature.
Once the role was cast, Imogene Coca began rehearsing with Chevy Chase and the rest of the cast. During the rehearsals, she and the other actors worked to refine their characters and develop their relationships. The rehearsal process also allowed the directors to fine tune the script and make necessary changes.
Once the script was finalized, the filming process began. The cast and crew traveled across the United States, visiting various locations such as Mount Rushmore, Walley World, and the Grand Canyon. During the shoot, Coca’s performance of Aunt Edna was met with much enthusiasm from the cast and crew.
Exploring the Iconic Role of Aunt Edna in Vacation
Aunt Edna’s role in Vacation has become iconic in pop culture. Her character has been referenced in numerous films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Modern Family. She has also been immortalized in song, with the band Barenaked Ladies writing a song about her.
The reception of Aunt Edna’s character was overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised Coca’s performance and many audiences found her character to be both funny and endearing. Even today, more than 30 years after the release of Vacation, Aunt Edna remains one of the most beloved characters in the movie.
The Legacy of Aunt Edna in Vacation: A Retrospective
Imogene Coca passed away in 2001, but her legacy lives on through her iconic performance as Aunt Edna in Vacation. Her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and her character has become an indelible part of pop culture. She will always be remembered for bringing the character of Aunt Edna to life with her comedic talents.
It is clear that Imogene Coca left an indelible mark on Vacation and the world of entertainment. Her performance as Aunt Edna is a testament to her talent and will continue to be appreciated and remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Imogene Coca’s performance as Aunt Edna in Vacation is a testament to her talent as an actress. She was able to bring the character to life with her comedic timing and physicality. Her portrayal of Aunt Edna has become one of the most iconic performances in the movie and has been referenced in many pop culture works since. It is clear that Imogene Coca left an indelible mark on the movie and the world of entertainment.
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