Dennis Quaid (born April 9, 1954) is an American actor known for starring in films like Breaking Away (1979), The Right Stuff (1983), The Parent Trap (1998), The Rookie (2002), and The Day After Tomorrow (2004).
He received a Golden Globe nomination for Far from Heaven (2002) and was named by The Guardian in 2009 as one of the best actors never to receive an Oscar nomination. He portrayed Bill Clinton in The Special Relationship (2010) and Ronald Reagan in Reagan (2024).
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Dennis Quaid Net Worth
Dennis Quaid has a net worth of $30 million. In 2019, he listed his Los Angeles home for $5.9 million, which he bought in 2013 for $5.1 million. He sold his previous Pacific Palisades home for $3.315 million in 2013. Quaid plays in his band, the Sharks, and has written original songs featured in his films.
An avid golfer with a one-handicap, Quaid also enjoys flying and holds a pilot’s license. In 2020, he launched “The Pet Show” podcast. Raised in a Christian home, Quaid dedicated a song to his mother.
Early life
Dennis Quaid was born in Houston, Texas, to Juanita Bonnie Dale “Nita” (née Jordan), a real estate agent, and William Rudy Quaid, an electrician. He has English, Irish, Scots-Irish, and Cajun (French) ancestry and is a distant cousin of cowboy performer Gene Autry.
Quaid attended schools in Bellaire and Houston, studying Mandarin and dance at Bellaire High School. He later studied drama at the University of Houston under Cecil Pickett. Raised Baptist, he is the younger brother of actor Randy Quaid.
Career
Dennis Quaid dropped out of the University of Houston to pursue acting in Hollywood, debuting in “Crazy Mama” (1975). He gained notice with roles in “Breaking Away” (1979) and “The Right Stuff” (1983), earning acclaim for his portrayal of astronaut Gordon Cooper.
In the late ’80s, Quaid starred in “The Big Easy” and “Great Balls of Fire!” His career faced setbacks in the early ’90s due to anorexia and cocaine addiction but rebounded with roles in “Dragonheart” (1996), “The Parent Trap” (1998), and “The Rookie” (2002).
Personal life
Dennis Quaid has been married four times and has three children. He married actress P. J. Soles in 1978, divorcing in 1983. Quaid married actress Meg Ryan in 1991, with whom he shares a son, Jack Quaid, born in 1992. They divorced in 2001. In 2004, he married Texas real-estate agent Kimberly Buffington; they had twins born via surrogate in 2007.
They divorced in 2018. Quaid married Laura Savoie in 2020. Savoie is a CPA and yoga instructor. They shared a Christian faith and launched Bonniedale Films together in Nashville.
What happened to Dennis Quaid’s career?
Dennis Quaid‘s career slowed in the early 1990s due to his battle with anorexia nervosa, which developed after losing 40 pounds to portray Doc Holliday in the film Wyatt Earp (1994).
His struggles were compounded by a cocaine addiction, which he eventually overcame. Despite these challenges, Quaid continued to receive positive reviews for his performances across various films. He bounced back with notable roles in movies like The Parent Trap (1998), Frequency (2000), and The Rookie (2002), reaffirming his presence in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Dennis, with his myriad roles and personal battles, is a testament to resilience and talent. His journey in Hollywood serves as an inspiration, illustrating that fame is a blend of skill, persistence, and overcoming personal demons.
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FAQ about Dennis Quaid
- How old is Dennis Quaid?
He was born on April 9, 1954, making him 69 years old as of 2023. - Is Dennis a trained pilot?
Yes, he has been a private pilot since 1994. - Who are Dennis’s notable ex-wives?
Meg Ryan and Kimberly Quaid are among his notable ex-wives. - Has Dennis ever won an Academy Award?
No, despite his immense talent, he has never received an Academy Award nomination. - Is Dennis related to Randy Quaid?
Yes, Randy Quaid is his older brother.