Beverly D’Angelo Bio
Beverly Heather D’Angelo (born November 15, 1951) is an American actress known for her role as Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation films. With a career spanning over four decades, she has appeared in more than 60 films and received critical acclaim for her performances. D’Angelo was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in Coal Miner’s Daughter and for an Emmy Award for her role as Stella Kowalski in the television film A Streetcar Named Desire. Her diverse filmography includes notable roles in Hair and American History X, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Early Life and Background
Beverly D’Angelo was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Priscilla Ruth and Eugene Constantino D’Angelo Jr. Her mother was a violinist, while her father was a bass player and television station manager. D’Angelo has Italian heritage, with her paternal grandparents hailing from Italy. She grew up with three brothers and was influenced by her family’s artistic background. D’Angelo attended Upper Arlington High School in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where she was recognized for her achievements and later received the Upper Arlington Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2009. Before pursuing acting, she worked as an illustrator at Hanna-Barbera Studios and as a backup singer for the band The Hawks, which later became known as The Band.
Path to Hollywood
D’Angelo began her acting career on stage, making her Broadway debut in 1976 in the musical Rockabye Hamlet. She transitioned to television with a role in the mini-series Captains and the Kings the same year. Her film career took off after a minor role in Annie Hall in 1977, leading to appearances in several successful films in the late 1970s, including Every Which Way but Loose and Coal Miner’s Daughter, the latter earning her a Golden Globe nomination. D’Angelo’s breakthrough came in 1983 when she starred alongside Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation, a role she reprised in multiple sequels, solidifying her status in Hollywood.
Beverly D’Angelo Career
Early Career (1976–1982)
D’Angelo’s early career was marked by her stage performances and a series of notable film roles. After her Broadway debut, she quickly gained recognition in the film industry. Her performance in Coal Miner’s Daughter earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her talent and potential. During this period, she also won a Country Music Association award for Album of the Year, further establishing her presence in the entertainment industry.
Breakthrough (1983–1995)
D’Angelo’s career-defining moment came with her role as Ellen Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation. The film’s success led to several sequels, including National Lampoon’s European Vacation, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and the 2015 reboot, Vacation. Throughout the 1980s, she starred in various comedy films such as Maid to Order and High Spirits, showcasing her comedic talent. In 1994, she returned to the stage and won a Theatre World Award for her performance in the Off-Broadway play Simpatico. D’Angelo continued to take on diverse roles, including her portrayal of Doris Vinyard in American History X, which further demonstrated her range as an actress.
Notable Works and Milestones
Beverly D’Angelo’s signature work includes her role in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, which remains iconic in American cinema. She received critical acclaim for her performances in various films and television projects, earning nominations for prestigious awards throughout her career.
Beverly D’Angelo Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Beverly D’Angelo has received several nominations for her outstanding performances, including a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Coal Miner’s Daughter and an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Beverly D’Angelo Awards Won
Beverly D’Angelo has won multiple awards, including a Country Music Association award for Album of the Year and a Theatre World Award for her performance in Simpatico.
Beverly D’Angelo Family
Beverly D’Angelo was married to Don Lorenzo Salviati from 1981 until their divorce in 1995. She has two children, twins born in 2001, from her relationship with actor Al Pacino.
Personal Life
D’Angelo has had several high-profile relationships, including a romance with director Miloš Forman and a relationship with production designer Anton Furst, who tragically passed away in 1991. She was in a long-term relationship with Al Pacino from 1997 to 2003, during which they welcomed their twins. D’Angelo continues to be active in her career and has appeared in various television series and films in recent years.
