Once linked to Al Pacino, this 80s star looks totally different today. Can you recognise her?
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If you grew up watching classic comedies in the 1980s, chances are you’ve laughed along with the Griswold family’s wild misadventures more times than you can count.
But if you happened to be out and about in Los Angeles last week, you might have walked right past the woman who played the ever-patient, quick-witted Ellen Griswold—without even realising it!
That’s right, the iconic Beverly D’Angelo, who starred alongside Chevy Chase in the beloved National Lampoon’s Vacation series, was recently spotted on a rare solo outing, looking worlds away from her days as the ultimate movie mum.
And let’s just say, time has only added to her effortless style and charm.

Beverly D’Angelo’s career is a true testament to versatility and staying power. While many remember her as the glue holding the Griswold clan together through cross-country chaos, D’Angelo’s talents extend far beyond slapstick comedy.
She’s racked up more than 60 film credits, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work in both film and television.
Who could forget her hauntingly beautiful portrayal of country legend Patsy Cline in Coal Miner’s Daughter? Or her Emmy-nominated turn as Stella Kowalski in the 1984 adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire?
From cult classics like Hair and Honky Tonk Freeway to hard-hitting dramas like American History X, D’Angelo has proven she can do it all.

Of course, Beverly’s life off-screen has been just as fascinating as her filmography. Born into a family brimming with artistic talent—her mother was a violinist, her father a TV station manager and bassist—D’Angelo’s creative roots run deep.
Before Hollywood came calling, she even worked as a backup singer for rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and flexed her artistic muscles as an animator at Hanna-Barbera. Talk about a multi-talented Aussie spirit!

Her personal life has also made headlines, particularly her high-profile romance with acting legend Al Pacino.
The pair dated for five years in the early 2000s, welcoming twins Olivia and Anton, now 24.
Though their relationship ended in 2003, they’ve remained close friends and co-parents, even navigating a challenging custody battle with grace and mutual respect.
In fact, they were spotted as recently as 2023, enjoying a family escape room adventure together—proof that some Hollywood bonds really do stand the test of time.
So, what does a Hollywood legend wear for a day of errands in sunny LA? D’Angelo was the picture of relaxed sophistication, sporting a blue pinstriped linen blouse, straight-leg jeans, and crisp white sandals.
With her signature bouncy waves perfectly coiffed, she looked every bit the star—just with a modern twist. She was seen picking up snacks and a chilled drink, her green leather tote slung casually over her shoulder, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand.
While some stars fade from the limelight, Beverly D’Angelo continues to shine. In recent years, she’s popped up in everything from the raucous comedy The House Bunny to the holiday horror flick Violent Night.
She’s also made memorable appearances in films like Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and indie gems such as Accidental Love and The Unicorn. Clearly, her passion for storytelling is as strong as ever.
Related story: Spotted in Hollywood: Can you identify this rarely seen actress from the 70s?
Did you recognise Beverly D’Angelo in her latest photos? Do you have a favourite film or memory of her work? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
But if you happened to be out and about in Los Angeles last week, you might have walked right past the woman who played the ever-patient, quick-witted Ellen Griswold—without even realising it!
That’s right, the iconic Beverly D’Angelo, who starred alongside Chevy Chase in the beloved National Lampoon’s Vacation series, was recently spotted on a rare solo outing, looking worlds away from her days as the ultimate movie mum.
And let’s just say, time has only added to her effortless style and charm.

Beverly D’Angelo, best known for her role as Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation films, was recently spotted looking unrecognisable while out and about in Los Angeles. Image source: Md Entertainments / Youtube.
Beverly D’Angelo’s career is a true testament to versatility and staying power. While many remember her as the glue holding the Griswold clan together through cross-country chaos, D’Angelo’s talents extend far beyond slapstick comedy.
She’s racked up more than 60 film credits, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work in both film and television.
Who could forget her hauntingly beautiful portrayal of country legend Patsy Cline in Coal Miner’s Daughter? Or her Emmy-nominated turn as Stella Kowalski in the 1984 adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire?
From cult classics like Hair and Honky Tonk Freeway to hard-hitting dramas like American History X, D’Angelo has proven she can do it all.

In her personal life, D’Angelo famously dated Al Pacino for five years, sharing twins together and maintaining a close co-parenting relationship after their separation. Image source: Md Entertainments / Youtube.
Of course, Beverly’s life off-screen has been just as fascinating as her filmography. Born into a family brimming with artistic talent—her mother was a violinist, her father a TV station manager and bassist—D’Angelo’s creative roots run deep.
Before Hollywood came calling, she even worked as a backup singer for rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and flexed her artistic muscles as an animator at Hanna-Barbera. Talk about a multi-talented Aussie spirit!

The acclaimed 80s actress has starred in over 60 films, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for performances in Coal Miner’s Daughter and A Streetcar Named Desire. Image source: Md Entertainments / Youtube.
Her personal life has also made headlines, particularly her high-profile romance with acting legend Al Pacino.
The pair dated for five years in the early 2000s, welcoming twins Olivia and Anton, now 24.
Though their relationship ended in 2003, they’ve remained close friends and co-parents, even navigating a challenging custody battle with grace and mutual respect.
In fact, they were spotted as recently as 2023, enjoying a family escape room adventure together—proof that some Hollywood bonds really do stand the test of time.
So, what does a Hollywood legend wear for a day of errands in sunny LA? D’Angelo was the picture of relaxed sophistication, sporting a blue pinstriped linen blouse, straight-leg jeans, and crisp white sandals.
With her signature bouncy waves perfectly coiffed, she looked every bit the star—just with a modern twist. She was seen picking up snacks and a chilled drink, her green leather tote slung casually over her shoulder, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand.
While some stars fade from the limelight, Beverly D’Angelo continues to shine. In recent years, she’s popped up in everything from the raucous comedy The House Bunny to the holiday horror flick Violent Night.
She’s also made memorable appearances in films like Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and indie gems such as Accidental Love and The Unicorn. Clearly, her passion for storytelling is as strong as ever.
Related story: Spotted in Hollywood: Can you identify this rarely seen actress from the 70s?
Key Takeaways
- Beverly D’Angelo, best known for her role as Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation films, was recently spotted looking unrecognisable while out and about in Los Angeles.
- The acclaimed 80s actress has starred in over 60 films, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for performances in Coal Miner’s Daughter and A Streetcar Named Desire.
- In her personal life, D’Angelo famously dated Al Pacino for five years, sharing twins together and maintaining a close co-parenting relationship after their separation.
- Despite her decades-long career, D’Angelo continues to work in film and TV, with recent roles in The House Bunny and the 2022 movie Violent Night.
Did you recognise Beverly D’Angelo in her latest photos? Do you have a favourite film or memory of her work? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!