This year National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation turns 35 and every year, audiences tune into the 35-year-old holiday classic to watch the misadventures of the Griswolds. One particular stand-out scene in the film is the moment when Clark (Chevy Chase), overcome by the chaos of Christmas, finds himself flirting awkwardly with Mary, the lingerie saleswoman at Marshall Fields.
So, who is the mesmerizing actress behind Mary and her iconic red dress, the playful smile, and the scene that has made audiences laugh for over three decades? Nicolette Scorsese may not be a household name, but her brief role in the 1989 holiday comedy ensured her place in pop culture lore.
Played by the stunning Nicolette Scorsese (no relation to Marty), Mary became an indelible part of holiday movie history.
From Modeling to the Movies
Born on January 6, 1954, Nicolette started her career as a model, appearing in magazines and advertisements before transitioning to acting. With her striking looks and screen presence, it wasn’t long before Hollywood came calling.
She landed small roles in TV shows like The A-Team and Charles in Charge, but her most memorable role came when she was cast in Christmas Vacation.
In the film, Scorsese plays Mary, a department store employee working the lingerie counter. In one of the movie’s funniest scenes, Clark stumbles through a conversation with Mary, his mind clearly elsewhere (not that he’s fooling anyone).
Her wit and charm shine through as she handles Clark’s bumbling attempts at flirtation with grace and humor. The sequence, punctuated by Mary flashing the hem of her red lingerie, is one of the most quoted moments in the film. “Can’t see the line, can you, Russ?” Clark jokes as his son suddenly appears, hilariously catching him in the act. Watch below:
Mary also shows up later in the film when Clark is fantasizing about his pool:
The Power of the Red Dress
Though her screen time is brief, Scorsese’s character leaves a lasting impression. Her natural charisma and comedic timing elevated the scene, turning a simple holiday mishap into one of the film’s standout moments. The red lingerie she reveals during the scene became an enduring symbol of holiday mischief, cementing Mary’s role as a memorable part of Christmas Vacation.
For fans, the character of Mary represents the humorous escapism that defines the film—she’s the embodiment of Clark’s wish for a perfect, carefree holiday, albeit hilariously juxtaposed with his real-life disasters.
Life Beyond Christmas Vacation
After her breakout role in Christmas Vacation, Scorsese appeared in other films such as Aspen Extreme (1993) and Boxing Helena (1993), along with guest appearances on TV shows like ER and L.A. Law. While she didn’t pursue a long-term Hollywood career, her legacy in Christmas Vacation has kept her in the hearts of fans worldwide.
The Enduring Legacy of Mary
Why does Nicolette Scorsese’s Mary endure as a holiday favorite? Maybe it’s the charm of Christmas Vacation itself—a film that captures the chaos, hilarity, and heartwarming moments of the season. Or maybe it’s because her scene perfectly encapsulates the comedy of Clark Griswold’s endless holiday mishaps, with a touch of nostalgia and humor that resonates with everyone.
For those of us who revisit Christmas Vacation every year, Nicolette Scorsese’s Mary is more than just “the girl in the red dress.” She’s part of what makes the film a true holiday classic.
So this December, when the Griswold family’s misadventures light up your screen, take a moment to appreciate the charm and humor she brought to one unforgettable scene.
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