The Tragic Death of Child Star Dana Hill ('National Lampoon's European Vacation'): 3 Decades Later

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Former child star Dana Hill died at only 32 years old on July 15, 1996. Like many former child stars, Hill had talent, and a promising life and career that ended all too soon. She was born Dana Lynne Goetz on May 6, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, and she passed with a Hollywood name in Burbank, California.

A Closer Look

Dana Hill was best known for playing Audrey Griswold in the 1985 movie, National Lampoon's European Vacation. She was also known for her film performances in other big-screen hits of the era, such as Shoot the Moon and Cross Creek.

Hill found further fame as a voiceover artist for her work as Max Goof in Goof Troop (1992), and other animated films and TV shows like Jetsons: The Movie (1990), and Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man (1994)

Although diabetes stunted her growth and ultimately prevented her from pursuing a career in athletics, Hill embraced the entertainment industry when still in her early teens. She would adopt her mother's maiden name as her stage name and then make a name for herself playing children into adolescence and beyond.

On the live stage, Hill garnered the 1986 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award as Best Featured Actress for her performance in Picnic (performed at the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A.). But then once more, Hill did not allow her declining physical health to keep her from being productive; she focused on voiceover work.

However, in early 1996, Hill's physical condition grew increasingly fragile and, in late May of that year, she slipped into a diabetic coma. On the following June 5, Hill suffered a paralytic stroke, and on July 15th she died peacefully in the hospital.

An All-Too Familar Sad Hollywood Story

Unfortunately, Dana Hill's life story is not unique. Like many former child stars (such as Dana Plato and Gary Coleman from TV's Diff'rent Strokes, Rusty Hamer from TV's Make Room for Daddy, and others), Hill left this world before her prime and tragically. Whether from the physical, emotional, psychological, or financial challenges that they developed through the decades, the glaring spotlight and enormous pressures of Hollywood contributed to her stressful circumstances.

Conclusion

Dana Hill and her beloved performances, on-screen or via her charming voice, will be forever cherished by her countless fans around the world.