John P. Navin Jr.

Biography

John P. Navin Jr. is an American former child actor best known for his work in the early 1980s. Born on July 24, 1968, in the United States, Navin had a brief but notable acting career, primarily appearing in television and film during his teenage years. While his time in Hollywood was short-lived, he left a lasting impression with his performances in several popular movies and TV shows.

Career Highlights

Navin made his Hollywood debut as a child actor in the early 1980s, quickly gaining attention for his comedic timing and ability to portray quirky, awkward teenage characters.

Film Career

One of Navin’s most well-known roles was in the 1983 comedy classic National Lampoon’s Vacation, where he played the sarcastic and awkward cousin Dale. His memorable scene with Chevy Chase, where he brags about his muscle-building routine and bizarre hobbies, remains a fan favorite.

Navin also appeared in:

• "Taps" (1981) – A military drama starring Sean Penn, Tom Cruise, and Timothy Hutton.
• "Losin’ It" (1983) – A teen comedy where he co-starred with Tom Cruise and Jackie Earle Haley.

Television Career

In addition to the film, Navin had success on television. He starred in the pilot episode of the popular sitcom "Cheers" (1982), playing the first customer ever served at the iconic bar.

He also appeared in:

• "Silver Spoons" – A hit 1980s sitcom about a wealthy young boy and his father.
• "The Twilight Zone" (1985) – The revival of the classic sci-fi anthology series.

Navin was also cast as the lead in the short-lived NBC sitcom "Jennifer Slept Here" (1983–1984), which starred Ann Jillian as the ghost of a Hollywood actress haunting a teenage boy. Unfortunately, the show only lasted one season.