If your family rewatches National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation every holiday season, you probably remember Cousin Eddie’s surprise arrival with his RV — and his daughter Ruby Sue. The sweet, scene-stealing character was played by Ellen Latzen, who starred alongside Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, and Cody Burger in the beloved 1989 comedy.
Latzen was only nine years old when the film premiered. Now in her 40s, the former child actor has stepped away from Hollywood and built a different life, though she still looks back fondly on her time in the holiday classic.
Her acting career lasted throughout much of her childhood. After debuting in Fatal Attraction in 1987, she went on to appear in Family Ties and The Equalizer before landing Christmas Vacation. She later took part in an ABC Afterschool Special, the short Alkali, Iowa, and ended her acting career with Boys Life 2 at age 17.
Latzen has since spoken candidly about the challenges of being a child actor, noting that young performers often face struggles that aren’t widely understood. She has said she hopes to advocate for child actors and bring more awareness to those experiences.
After finishing high school at a Vermont boarding school, she decided not to return to acting. Although she loved performing, she explained that restarting her career would have required major effort, and she ultimately chose to move on and pursue a different path. She now works as a small business support consultant, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Despite leaving the industry, Latzen warmly embraces her connection to Christmas Vacation. Her Instagram bio even references Ruby Sue’s memorable line, and she interacts with fans through personalized messages and shout-outs. She has also expressed gratitude that the film remains a beloved holiday favorite decades later.
These days, Latzen lives a quieter life outside the spotlight. Her social media suggests she resides in Pennsylvania, enjoys time with her partner, Edward Campbell, and dotes on her dogs — while fans still regularly recognize her as the unforgettable Ruby Sue.
