Beverly D’Angelo sat down for a conversation about her role in the horror thriller Sleepwalker, which debuts in theaters and On Demand today. The discussion explored her unique experiences on set, her longstanding partnership with Chevy Chase, and drew out Chevy Chase interview highlights, covering their iconic chemistry and decades of collaboration.
Diving Into the Mind: Playing Gloria in Sleepwalker
Beverly D’Angelo described being intrigued by the psychological aspect of the Sleepwalker script, emphasizing the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination that drew her to the project. She played Gloria, a mother navigating her daughter’s grief and complex subconscious, seeking to ground her daughter while confronting forces beyond comprehension. D’Angelo appreciated that her character’s perspective shifts from denial to acceptance of the unknown as the film unfolds. Her approach to Gloria’s arc was shaped by the gradual transformation from skepticism to an openness about supernatural forces, reflecting larger questions about truth and reality.
“Haunted by terrifying visions, Sarah’s sleepwalking episodes begin to intensify, accelerating her descent into darkness,”
— Official Film Synopsis
Building a Powerful On-Screen Relationship with Hayden Panettiere
Beverly D’Angelo spoke warmly about forming a believable mother-daughter bond with co-star Hayden Panettiere. Their relationship began with a serendipitous meeting years earlier, when Hayden’s father introduced her as a young aspiring actress. D’Angelo recalled offering advice on the realities of pursuing acting at a young age and, decades later, reuniting for Sleepwalker, where their immediate connection translated into a strong and emotional dynamic on screen. The pair committed to developing their characters together, often reviewing scripts and exploring character motivations outside shooting hours. This dedication, D’Angelo believes, is central to the film’s compelling emotional core.
“My daughter’s an actress. I’d love for her to meet you.”
— Contractor, as recalled by Beverly D’Angelo
“You can’t be a stage parent. If a kid wants to do something, if they really wanna do it, they’ll weather the storm because the industry will knock it out of you.”
— Beverly D’Angelo
Real Life Haunted Experiences and Hollywood History
Bringing authenticity to a film grappling with the supernatural, D’Angelo also referenced her own experiences living in a famously haunted house. Her residence, formerly owned by figures such as Natalie Wood, Mama Cass Elliot, Ringo Starr, and paranormal enthusiast Danny Aykroyd, is rumored to host the ghost of Mama Cass and has become a point of interest for haunted tours. The combination of significant Hollywood history and alleged hauntings gave D’Angelo a unique personal resonance with Sleepwalker’s themes.
“This house is haunted by Cass Elliot’s ghost.”
— Danny Aykroyd
Creative Journey: From Illustration to Acting and Music
Beverly D’Angelo’s diverse artistic career spans illustration for Hanna Barbera, singing with The Hawks, and acting in both award-winning and cult-classic films. She explained that, rather than strategic career moves, her creative trajectory has been shaped by opportunities and her evolving priorities between family and work. While she recorded an album, D’Angelo ultimately did not release it, and instead maintained a presence in music through live performances, such as charity events and historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry. She also sang in various films, including Hair and Coal Miner’s Daughter.
D’Angelo mentioned that in the early 1980s, the entertainment industry struggled to accommodate artists who blended acting and singing, with rigid expectations about public personas. Living in Europe for a time, she found herself further removed from the traditional Hollywood circuit, even as her breakout film Vacation was released.
Revealing the Longstanding Connection with Chevy Chase
Long recognized for her performances alongside Chevy Chase, especially as Ellen Griswold in the Vacation series, Beverly D’Angelo reflected on what makes their on-screen partnership unique. She explained that from their very first scene together, their chemistry was immediate and unmatched. Shoot after shoot, they continued collaborating, ultimately appearing together in multiple film installments, commercials, pilots, and numerous fan conventions. D’Angelo characterized their rapport as singular, distinguishing Chevy Chase as a performer she feels particularly close to on and off camera.
“He’s gonna haunt you no matter what.”
— Beverly D’Angelo
Looking Ahead: New Projects and Lasting Impact
Sleepwalker is the first in a slate of four films featuring Beverly D’Angelo this year, demonstrating her continued vitality as an actor and artist. Her insights into blending creative disciplines, navigating Hollywood’s evolving landscape, and sustaining iconic collaborations, most notably with Chevy Chase, show her as a dynamic figure in the industry. With Sleepwalker now available to audiences and her career spanning both the supernatural and the everyday, D’Angelo remains a source of inspiration and intrigue, inviting viewers to revisit classic Chevy Chase interview highlights while exploring her newest work in haunted storytelling.
