Anthony Michael Hall, 57, was barely out of middle school when he landed the role of Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation. He was just 14 years old at the time, and when test audiences demanded a reshoot of the film’s ending six months later, Hall had shot up a foot, his voice had dropped, and puberty was in full swing.
“Puberty kicked in for me,” Hall told Entertainment Weekly. “I was a foot taller and like a different kid.”
Chevy Chase, 81, the man playing his dad on-screen and legendary Saturday Night Live prankster off-screen, was quick to notice. “Guess who pointed the s—it out right away and made me feel really good about it on set,” Hall added dryly. That was Chase, of course, delivering his signature brand of merciless humor. He would sign autographs to Hall that read: “To Anthony, you’re a regular Robby Benson.”
Yes, that actor who voiced the Beast in Disney’s animated film Beauty and the Beast in 1991.
“No mas, no mas” Chase’s note read. He made other more crass joked like “If you’re going blind, you’re doing it right.” But it was truly buddy-buddy.
Going through puberty is tough for anyone, but that’s especially true if you’re a teen actor. Stars like Hall were navigating Hollywood which meant balancing intense schedules with their rapidly changing bodies. They didn’t know it yet, but these ribbings were a masterclass in improvisation, pranks, and comedic timing from comedy greats like Chase.
Sure, Chase went for the low-hanging fruit when it came to making fun of the 14-year-old. But Hall didn’t let it bother him. Instead, he channeled all of that puberty awkwardness into what would become stand-out ’80s roles in movies like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. What’s more, he doesn’t hold it against Chase for roasting him on set (unlike some of the folks Chase has worked with through years).
“This is why I love being your son for 40 years” he told Chase. “I love you.”
Chevy Chase Has a History of Roasting Castmates
Chase’s experience working on SNL helped Chase build a career made for improvising. That biting wit and sharp humor has made headlines before for rubbing his castmates the wrong way.
Co-stars and directors on films like Fletch and Christmas Vacation have recounted tense but memorable moments where Chase’s pranks or off-the-cuff remarks, some of which tested boundaries. Then there was the whole racial slur controversy on the set of Community.
While occasionally controversial, Chase’s on-set jokes have become part of his comedic identity and a hallmark of his professional style. For actors like Hall, those jokes helped shape the environment in which actors learned to adapt.
