--- name: "Beverly D'Angelo" canonical: "https://film.one/person/beverly-dangelo" fi1m_id: "beverly-dangelo" imdb_id: "nm0000350" tmdb_id: 821 wikidata_id: "Q234551" roles: ["Actor"] born: "15 November 1951" reviewed_on_fi1m: 6 average_fi1m_score: 66 average_as: "actor" average_over: 6 updated: "2026-10-04T20:43:34.959635+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Beverly D'Angelo ## Identity Beverly D'Angelo - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/beverly-dangelo - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** beverly-dangelo - **IMDb ID:** nm0000350 - **TMDB ID:** 821 - **Wikidata ID:** Q234551 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_D%27Angelo, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234551, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000350/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/821 Actor. Born 15 November 1951 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 15 November 1951, Columbus, Ohio, USA - **Active:** 1980–1998 - **Also known as:** Beverly Heather D'Angelo - **Frequently works with:** [Chevy Chase](https://film.one/person/chevy-chase.md), [John Hughes](https://film.one/person/john-hughes.md), [Matty Simmons](https://film.one/person/matty-simmons.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 6 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 66 (5), 1990s 67 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 63 to 58 across 3 titles - **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 2 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 2 of 5 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 4, Adventure 2, Drama 2, Animation 1, Fantasy 1, History 1 - **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $210m across 5 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_D%27Angelo, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234551, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000350/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/821 ## Coming up - *Christmas at the Kringles* (2026-10-30) - *Paris Paramount* (2027-12-23) ## Streaming the US now - **The Roku Channel:** [*National Lampoon's Vacation*](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-vacation.md) (70), [*National Lampoon's European Vacation*](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md) (40) - **Tubi:** [*American History X*](https://film.one/film/american-history-x.md) (67) - **Apple TV:** [*High Spirits*](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) (52) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Beverly D'Angelo > Beverly D'Angelo makes level-headed wives funny without turning them into scolds. We rate her comic judgement and dramatic restraint; her singing in *Coal Miner's Daughter* is a reminder not to take that dependable presence for granted. Beverly D'Angelo makes a sensible wife seem capable of enjoying herself. Her Ellen Griswold in *National Lampoon's Vacation* (1983) is a level-headed foil to Chevy Chase, but there is a bawdy streak in her humour that keeps the part from becoming a lecture. She makes the family feel like people who might belong together. That is useful acting, and easy to overlook when the comedy around her is busy making a mess. The early films make it harder to mistake that steadiness for the limit of her abilities. In Milos Forman's *Hair* (1979), she plays Sheila Franklin and sings; in *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), she plays Patsy Cline and supplies her own vocals. Her singing helps make Cline credible as a working performer, giving the character something beyond a resemblance to a famous person. Then *National Lampoon's Vacation* made Ellen her defining part, which she reprised across four sequels through 2015. *American History X* (1998) gives us a sterner use for her steadiness, casting her as Doris Vinyard, the mother in a neo-Nazi family drama. We found the film disturbing because Edward Norton's performance gives that family drama a force its blunt writing cannot supply. D'Angelo works more quietly, bringing restraint and depth to a supporting part. Tony Kaye directs with force, but the hurried explanations leave too little time for doubt or gradual change. Her quieter approach is welcome in a film so impatient to explain its people. That does not mean she repairs the script. Our reservation about *American History X* is that its changes come too quickly, and a convincing supporting actor cannot supply the missing time. It does suggest why casting her chiefly as the reliable mother is a limited use of what she can do. Her comic assurance and musical work make a case for giving her more than the task of steadying someone else's film. For a reminder, go back to *Coal Miner's Daughter*. ## Biography Beverly D'Angelo, also credited as Beverly Heather D'Angelo, is an American actress and musician. She was born on 15 November 1951 in Columbus, Ohio. She is best known for playing Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon's Vacation films (1983–2015). Other notable film roles include Sheila Franklin in *Hair* (1979), Patsy Cline in *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), and Doris Vinyard in *American History X* (1998). She has appeared in over 60 films. D'Angelo received a Golden Globe Award nomination for *Coal Miner's Daughter* and Emmy Award nominations for the television film *A Streetcar Named Desire* (1984). *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (6) - *American History X* (1998), Fi1m 67, as Doris — [page](https://film.one/film/american-history-x.md) - *The Simpsons* (1989), Fi1m 88, as Lurleen Lumpkin (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md) - *High Spirits* (1988), Fi1m 52, as Sharon Brogan Crawford — [page](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) - *National Lampoon's European Vacation* (1985), Fi1m 40, as Ellen Griswold — [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md) - *National Lampoon's Vacation* (1983), Fi1m 70, as Ellen Griswold — [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-vacation.md) - *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), Fi1m 81, as Patsy Cline — [page](https://film.one/film/coal-miners-daughter.md) ## Complete filmography (127) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Paris Paramount* (2027), Actor - *Christmas at the Kringles* (2026), Actor - *Capps Crossing: Wrong Side of Dead* (2026), as Sandra - *Sleepwalker* (2026), as Gloria · Executive Producer - *No Address* (2025), as Dora - *The Trainer* (2024), as Jack's Mother - *Summer Camp* (2024), as Jane - *Drugstore June* (2024), as Marla - *True Lies* (2023), series, as Susan Trilby - *Violent Night* (2022), as Gertrude - *The Good House* (2021), as Mamie Lang - *The Unicorn* (2019), as Edie - *Insatiable* (2018), series, as Stella Rose Buckley - *Frat Pack* (2018), as Moira - *Lady-Like* (2017), as Dean Melissa - *Wakefield* (2017), as Babs - *Under the Bed* (2017), as Sandra Monroe - *Shooter* (2016), series, as National Security Advisor Gregson - *Party Girl* (2016), series, as Fay - *Dreamland* (2016), as Marie - *The Comments* (2015), as Barb - *Vacation* (2015), as Ellen Griswold - *Accidental Love* (2015), as Helen Eckle - *Playing It Cool* (2014), as Lyle's Girlfriend - *The Michaels* (2014), as Millie Barnworth - *Friends with Better Lives* (2014), series, as Gretchen - *All American Christmas Carol* (2013), as Wanda / Ghost of Christmas Future - *Mom* (2013), series, as Lorraine - *Bounty Killer* (2013), as Lucille - *The Good Mother* (2013), as Judge Kennedy - *I Heart Shakey* (2012), as Sheila - *Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated* (2010), series, as Sheila Altoonian (voice), Mom (voice) - *Shit Year* (2010), Thanks - *Hotel Hell Vacation* (2010), as Ellen Griswold - *Cougar Town* (2009), series, as Sheila Keller - *Aussie and Ted's Great Adventure* (2009), as Aunt Zelda - *The House Bunny* (2008), as Mrs. Hagstrom - *Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay* (2008), as Sally - *Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest* (2007), as Ellen Griswold (voice) - *Battle for Terra* (2007), as Interrogator Wright (voice) - *Game of Life* (2007), as Kathy - *Relative Strangers* (2006), as Angela Minnola - *Gamers* (2006), as Gordon's Mom - *Special Thanks To Roy London* (2005), Actor - *Entourage* (2004), series, as Barbara Miller — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/entourage.md) - *King of the Corner* (2004), as Betsy Ingraham - *Hair High* (2004), as Darlene (voice) - *Summer Catch* (2001), as Lusty House Mother - *On the Edge* (2001), as Bag Lady (segment "Happy Birthday") - *Women in Film* (2001), as Phyllis Wolf - *Talk to Me* (2000), series, Actor - *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Rebecca Balthus, Serafina Carisi - *Sugar Town* (1999), as Jane - *Lansky* (1999), as Teddy Lansky - *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Ellen Griswold (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md) - *With Friends Like These* (1998), as Theresa Carpenter - *Rude Awakening* (1998), series, as Syd Gibson - *American History X* (1998), as Doris — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/american-history-x.md) - *Illuminata* (1998), as Astergourd - *A Rat's Tale* (1998), as Mrs. Dollart - *Merchants of Venus* (1998), as Mistress Cody - *Love Always* (1997), as Miranda - *Pterodactyl Woman from Beverly Hills* (1997), as Pixie Chandler · Associate Producer - *Nowhere* (1997), as Dark's Mom - *Vegas Vacation* (1997), as Ellen Griswold - *Edie & Pen* (1996), as Barlady - *Sweet Temptation* (1996), as Jesse Larson - *Widow's Kiss* (1996), as Vivian Fairchild - *Eye for an Eye* (1996), as Dolly Green - *Talking With* (1995), as Alain (segment "Marks") - *The Crazysitter* (1994), as Edie - *Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills* (1994), as Kitty Menendez - *Jonathan Stone: Threat of Innocence* (1994), as Annie Hayes - *Lightning Jack* (1994), as Lana Castel - *Frasier* (1993), series, as Audrey (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md) - *Judgment Day: The John List Story* (1993), as Helen List - *The Switch* (1993), as Dee (uncredited) - *A Child Lost Forever: The Jerry Sherwood Story* (1992), as Jerry Sherwood - *Man Trouble* (1992), as Andy Ellerman - *Trial: The Price of Passion* (1992), as Johnnie Faye Boudreau - *Lonely Hearts* (1991), as Alma - *The Pope Must Die* (1991), as Veronica Dante - *The Miracle* (1991), as Renee Baker - *The General Motors Playwrights Theater* (1991), series, as Joyce - *Pacific Heights* (1990), as Ann Miller (uncredited) - *Daddy's Dyin'... Who's Got the Will?* (1990), as Evalita - *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Lurleen Lumpkin (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md) - *National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation* (1989), as Ellen Griswold - *Cold Front* (1989), as Amanda O'Rourke - *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Janice Baird - *High Spirits* (1988), as Sharon Brogan Crawford — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) - *Trading Hearts* (1988), as Donna Nottingham - *In the Mood* (1987), as Francine Glatt - *The Man Who Fell to Earth* (1987), as Eva Milton - *Maid to Order* (1987), as Stella Winston - *Aria* (1987), as Gilda - *Hands of a Stranger* (1987), as Mary Hearn - *Slow Burn* (1986), as Laine Fleischer - *Big Trouble* (1986), as Blanche Rickey - *Doubletake* (1985), as Caroline Wallace - *Get Out of My Room* (1985), Actor - *Tall Tales & Legends* (1985), series, as Katrina Van Tassel - *The Legend of Sleepy Hollow* (1985), as Katrina Van Tassel - *National Lampoon's European Vacation* (1985), as Ellen Griswold — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md) - *Highpoint* (1984), as Lise - *Finders Keepers* (1984), as Standish Logan - *A Streetcar Named Desire* (1984), as Stella DuBois Kowalski - *National Lampoon's Vacation* (1983), as Ellen Griswold — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-vacation.md) - *Sleeping Beauty* (1983), as Henbane - *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Henbane - *Paternity* (1981), as Maggie - *Honky Tonk Freeway* (1981), as Carmen Odessa Shelby - *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), as Patsy Cline — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/coal-miners-daughter.md) - *Hair* (1979), as Sheila Franklin - *Every Which Way but Loose* (1978), as Echo - *First Love* (1977), as Shelley - *Annie Hall* (1977), as Actress in Rob's TV Show — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/annie-hall.md) - *The Sentinel* (1977), as Sandra - *Captains and the Kings* (1976), series, as Miss Emmy - *Unfriendly Fire*, as Gen. Lisa Hertz - *Patsy Cline: Walkin' After Midnight*, Actor - *Masha's Mushrooms*, as Paige - *Grace Period*, Actor - *The Heart Brake*, as Ann - *Last Hand*, as Lilith Fudent - *The Prince*, Actor - *Kill Me Now*, Actor ## Gallery - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-aa5a7b0e2c99.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — The Drama League, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Beverly_D%27Angelo_2%2C_2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![BD Wong, Barbera Steele, Beverly D'Angelo in 2012](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-72d495c5208d.jpg) BD Wong, Barbera Steele, Beverly D'Angelo in 2012 — Drama League from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/BD_Wong%2C_Barbera_Steele%2C_Beverly_D%27Angelo.jpg/1280px-BD_Wong%2C_Barbera_Steele%2C_Beverly_D%27Angelo.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![BD Wong, Barbera Steele, Beverly D'Angelo (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-44f9435f4185.jpg) BD Wong, Barbera Steele, Beverly D'Angelo (2012) — Drama League from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Beverly_D%27Angelo.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Beverly D'Angelo in 2012](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-b3fbf66a12ac.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo in 2012 — Drama League from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Beverly_D%27Angelo_2012.jpg/1280px-Beverly_D%27Angelo_2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-6266b40c23d4.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-a12a04ddd8fa.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-1340ad6a9ca1.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB - ![Actress Beverly D'Angelo at the 2012 Drama League Benefit Gala.](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-2f45bad015e4.jpg) Actress Beverly D'Angelo at the 2012 Drama League Benefit Gala. — The Drama League, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Beverly_D%27Angelo_3%2C_2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-74fb7e8e4542.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-dcdf063cbe54.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB - ![Beverly D'Angelo](https://film.one/media/person/88132/gallery-31448ee17a15.jpg) Beverly D'Angelo — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Other awards — 1 won - Theatre World Award 1995: Theatre World Award (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/beverly-dangelo