Throughout his storied career, Dennis Quaid has taken on some of the most iconic roles in history, portraying legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and even stepping into the shoes of President Bill Clinton. But stepping into the persona of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was a challenge unlike any other. “When I play real people, I feel this deep responsibility to honor their perspective,” Dennis confides to Closer. “I didn’t want to do a superficial impersonation. I wanted to truly understand who Ronald Reagan was at his core.”
Understanding the man behind the public persona wasn’t easy. “Reagan, the great communicator, was also an intensely private person,” Dennis elaborates. “People who knew him well would say there was a part of him that was untouchable, a place where no one could truly penetrate. That made it both fascinating and challenging to bring him to life on screen.”
Overcoming Obstacles: Filming Reagan Amid a Pandemic
The journey to bring Reagan’s story to life wasn’t just about navigating the complexities of his character—it was also about overcoming real-world challenges. “We filmed Reagan in Oklahoma in 2020, right after the pandemic hit,” explains the film’s director, Sean McNamara. “We had strict protocols in place, but despite our best efforts, most of the crew ended up contracting COVID. It was a tough road, but we were determined to see it through. We knew this story was important, and we owed it to history to tell it right.”
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Reagan is now playing in theaters, offering audiences a fresh perspective on one of America’s most beloved leaders.
Dennis Quaid Opens Up About Playing Ronald Reagan
Why did you decide to take on the role of Ronald Reagan?
“Ronald Reagan was my favorite president. He was a giant of the 20th century, instrumental in ending the Cold War. His life was extraordinary, and I felt honored to bring his story to life. It was a privilege to step into the shoes of such a historic figure.”
What did you learn about Reagan that surprised you?
“One thing that stood out was his humility. I had the opportunity to visit the Reagan ranch, which served as the Western White House during his presidency. It’s a modest 1,100-square-foot home. Their king-size bed? It was actually two single beds zip-tied together. This simplicity was unexpected and deeply moving. It’s something the public might not realize about him.”
The Roots of Dennis Quaid’s Acting Passion
What sparked your interest in acting?
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“My dad was an aspiring actor himself, so he introduced me to movies and actors when I was growing up. I’d leave the theater feeling like Steve McQueen. Later, during my time at the University of Houston, I met an acting teacher named Mr. Pickett. At 19, I was still unsure about my future—I toyed with the idea of becoming a forest ranger or a veterinarian. But within a week of taking Mr. Pickett’s class, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. That’s a gift you carry with you forever.”
What was your big break in acting?
“My first big break was Breaking Away. It was a game-changer for me. After that, I didn’t have to audition as much. Then, years later, there was a second wave with The Parent Trap. That film gave me a whole new career, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
Are there roles you regret turning down?
“There are plenty of roles I look back on and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ But at the time, I always had a good reason. I turned down A League of Their Own, among others. But honestly, I don’t have any regrets. Every choice was made with purpose.”
A Life in Music and Acting
How do you balance your passion for music with your acting career?
“Music came first for me. As a kid, you can’t act alone in your bedroom, but you can pick up a guitar. Today, I don’t have to choose between the two, so I don’t. They’re both parts of who I am.”
How does it feel to see your son Jack Quaid succeed as an actor on The Boys?
“Jack’s always been immersed in the world of show business. His mom is Meg Ryan, so he grew up on film sets. He was making movies with a video camera when he was just 4 years old. The only advice I gave him was to avoid being a child actor. It’s important to experience life before diving into this industry.”
Family, Faith, and Life Lessons
Are your younger children interested in following in your footsteps?
“They’re still figuring things out, much like I was at their age. I don’t push them into anything. I tell them to find something they love and figure out how to make a living from it. If they can do that, they’ll have a third of their life figured out.”
What was the scariest experience of your life?
“It was when my twins were overdosed with heparin when they were just 12 days old. They were given a massive dose instead of the correct one, and it turned their blood to water. It was terrifying. But thankfully, they recovered fully and are perfectly healthy today. That experience changed the pharmaceutical industry and likely saved countless lives.”
How has faith influenced your life?
“Faith is woven into every aspect of my life. It’s the guiding force. Jesus came to show us not only about heaven and the afterlife but also how to create heaven on earth. It’s a powerful message that shapes everything I do.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Take it easy. So many of the things we stress about day to day disappear over time. They vanish like smoke. It’s not that you should ignore them, but don’t let them consume you. This too shall pass.”
Do you have a bucket list?
“I’ve had such an incredible life. I’ve been blessed
