History of Dennis Quaid in Timeline
"Dennis Quaid is a celebrated American actor, recognized for his leading roles in both film and television. Despite receiving critical acclaim for his performances, he is often cited as one of the best actors who hasn't received an Academy Award nomination."
1923: Birth of William Rudy Quaid
William Rudy Quaid, Dennis Quaid's father and an electrician, was born in 1923. This event marked the beginning of the family history that would shape Dennis' life and career.
April 9, 1954: Dennis Quaid is Born
On April 9, 1954, Dennis William Quaid, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in film and television, was born.
September 30, 1955: A Pivotal Date in History
While not directly related to Dennis Quaid's life, September 30, 1955, marked a significant event in history as the date James Dean, a prominent actor, died in a car accident.
1975: Early Steps in Hollywood
Dennis Quaid embarked on his acting career with an uncredited role in the action comedy film "Crazy Mama" in 1975. This marked his initial foray into the world of Hollywood filmmaking.
1977: Exploring Dramatic Territory
In 1977, Quaid appeared in two drama films, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" and "September 30, 1955," showcasing his early interest in exploring dramatic roles.
1978: Building a Diverse Resume
Dennis Quaid continued to build his acting resume in 1978 with roles in the drama film "Our Winning Season" and the comedy film "The Seniors." These early performances demonstrated his versatility and willingness to take on diverse characters.
1978: Marriage to P.J. Soles
Dennis Quaid married actress P.J. Soles in 1978, whom he met on the set of the film "Our Winning Season."
1979: Breakout Role in "Breaking Away"
In 1979, Dennis Quaid gained recognition for his starring role in the comedy film "Breaking Away." This marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in Hollywood.
1980: Riding the Western Trail in "The Long Riders"
Quaid portrayed outlaw Ed Miller in the Western drama "The Long Riders" in 1980, adding a classic genre to his growing filmography. The film allowed him to showcase his rugged side and ability to inhabit characters from a bygone era.
1981: "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"
In 1981, Quaid furthered his acting career with a role in the musical drama film "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." This marked another step in his journey toward becoming a well-known actor.
1983: Critical Acclaim for "The Right Stuff"
Dennis Quaid's performance as astronaut Gordon Cooper in the historical epic "The Right Stuff" in 1983 garnered widespread critical acclaim. The film, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, solidified Quaid's reputation as a talented actor.
1983: Divorce from P.J. Soles
Dennis Quaid and actress P.J. Soles divorced in 1983.
1986: "The Big Easy" and Neo-Noir Charm
Quaid starred in the neo-noir romance thriller "The Big Easy" in 1986, captivating audiences with his portrayal of a charismatic character. His performance earned him critical praise and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.
1987: "Closer to You" in The Big Easy
Dennis Quaid showcased his musical talent in the 1987 film "The Big Easy" by writing and performing the song "Closer to You."
1987: From "Innerspace" to "The Big Easy"
In 1987, Dennis Quaid showcased his versatility by starring in two distinct films: the science fiction adventure "Innerspace" and the neo-noir thriller "The Big Easy." This year highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres.
1987: Passing of William Rudy Quaid
In 1987, William Rudy Quaid, Dennis Quaid's father, passed away. This loss undoubtedly had a significant impact on Dennis' life and career.
1989: Channeling Jerry Lee Lewis in "Great Balls of Fire!"
Quaid's portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 biographical musical film "Great Balls of Fire!" showcased his musical talents and cemented his ability to embody real-life figures with charisma and depth.
1990: Finding Faith
Dennis Quaid became a Christian around 1990 after facing personal struggles with addiction.
1990: "Come See the Paradise"
Dennis Quaid starred in the romantic drama film "Come See the Paradise" in 1990, further diversifying his filmography with a compelling performance.
February 14, 1991: Marriage to Meg Ryan
Dennis Quaid and actress Meg Ryan exchanged vows on Valentine's Day in 1991.
1992: Birth of Jack Henry Quaid
Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan welcomed their son, Jack Henry Quaid, in 1992.
1996: Fantasy Adventure in "Dragonheart"
Dennis Quaid took on the lead role in the 1996 fantasy adventure film "Dragonheart." His performance added to his diverse filmography, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences in a range of genres.
1998: Double Duty in "The Parent Trap"
In 1998, Quaid starred in the remake of "The Parent Trap," playing the dual roles of twin sisters' father. The film's success further solidified his position as a bankable Hollywood star.
1999: Gridiron Glory in "Any Given Sunday"
Quaid delivered a powerful performance as an aging pro football quarterback in Oliver Stone's 1999 sports drama "Any Given Sunday." The film explored the world of professional football with intensity and realism.
June 28, 2000: Separation from Meg Ryan
Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan announced their separation on June 28, 2000, after six weeks of being apart.
2000: Navigating the Drug Trade in "Traffic"
In 2000, Dennis Quaid starred in Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed crime drama "Traffic," which explored the complexities of the drug trade. His performance added to the film's ensemble cast.
2000: Exploring Sci-Fi and Crime Drama
The year 2000 saw Dennis Quaid starring in two distinct films: the science fiction thriller "Frequency" and Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed crime drama "Traffic." This showcased his versatility and ability to deliver compelling performances in different genres.
July 2001: Divorce from Meg Ryan
Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan's divorce was finalized in July 2001.
October 2001: Relationship with Shanna Moakler
Dennis Quaid's relationship with model Shanna Moakler lasted from February to October 2001.
2002: Candid Interview on Cocaine Use
In a 2002 interview with Larry King, Dennis Quaid openly discussed his past struggles with cocaine addiction, providing context from the era when drug use was prevalent and cocaine was mistakenly perceived as harmless.
2002: From Baseball Diamond to Period Drama
In 2002, Quaid delivered memorable performances in both the sports drama "The Rookie," portraying former baseball pitcher Jim Morris, and the romantic period film "Far From Heaven." His nuanced portrayal of a closeted husband in the latter earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
2002: Critical Acclaim for "Far from Heaven"
Dennis Quaid's performance in the 2002 film "Far from Heaven" garnered him widespread critical acclaim. He received the New York Film Critics Circle Award, the Chicago Film Critics Association Award, the Online Film Critics Society Award, and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, a Phoenix Film Critics Society Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role.
July 4, 2004: Marriage to Kimberly Buffington
Dennis Quaid married Texas real estate agent Kimberly Buffington on July 4, 2004, at his ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana.
2004: A Year of Diverse Roles
Dennis Quaid had a busy year in 2004, starring in a range of films including the thriller "Cold Creek Manor," the survival drama "Flight of the Phoenix," the war film "The Alamo," the romantic comedy "In Good Company," and the disaster film "The Day After Tomorrow." This demonstrated his versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles.
2005: Houston Astros DVD Narration
Following the Houston Astros' victory in the 2005 National League Championship, Dennis Quaid, a devoted fan of the team, provided the narration for their commemorative DVD release.
2005: Top Golfer Recognition
In 2005, Dennis Quaid was recognized for his golfing skills when Golf Digest magazine named him the top golfer among Hollywood celebrities.
2005: Family Fun in "Yours, Mine & Ours"
In 2005, Quaid starred in the family comedy "Yours, Mine & Ours," showcasing his ability to entertain audiences of all ages. The film's success further solidified his appeal as a versatile actor.
2006: Satirical Commentary in "American Dreamz"
Quaid starred in the political satire "American Dreamz" in 2006, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to portray characters caught in absurd situations.
November 8, 2007: Birth of Twins
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington welcomed their fraternal twins on November 8, 2007, in Santa Monica, California. The twins were born via a surrogate.
November 18, 2007: Medical Error Involving Twins
On November 18, 2007, Dennis Quaid's ten-day-old twins were mistakenly given a dangerously high dosage of heparin at the hospital.
May 2008: Congressional Testimony on Medical Errors
In May 2008, Dennis Quaid and his then-wife Kimberly testified before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about a medical error involving their twins.
2008: Action and Drama Collide
Dennis Quaid starred in two high-profile films in 2008: the political action thriller "Vantage Point" and the sports drama "The Express: The Ernie Davis Story." These roles highlighted his ability to command attention in both action-packed sequences and emotionally resonant scenes.
2009: The Special Relationship
In 2009, Dennis Quaid received acclaim and award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, for his portrayal of U.S. President Bill Clinton in the HBO film "The Special Relationship." The film also starred Michael Sheen as Tony Blair and Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton.
2010: Presidential Portrayal in "The Special Relationship"
Quaid's performance as President Bill Clinton in the 2010 HBO film "The Special Relationship" earned him critical acclaim and nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award.
2010: Chasing Zero: Winning the War on Healthcare Harm
Dennis Quaid co-produced and narrated the documentary "Chasing Zero: Winning the War on Healthcare Harm," which premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2010, raising awareness about preventable medical errors.
2011: Cutting Loose in "Footloose"
Dennis Quaid joined the cast of the 2011 remake of the musical drama "Footloose." His presence added to the film's intergenerational appeal.
March 2012: Initial Divorce Filing
Kimberly Buffington filed for divorce from Dennis Quaid in March 2012.
April 2012: Quaid Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
In April 2012, Dennis Quaid was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, the University of Houston. This recognition celebrated his successful acting career and contributions to the entertainment industry.
April 26, 2012: Divorce Filing Withdrawn
Kimberly Buffington initially filed for divorce from Dennis Quaid in March 2012, but her attorney withdrew the divorce papers on April 26, 2012.
October 2012: Separation and Legal Separation Filing
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington decided to separate again in October 2012, and Buffington filed for legal separation.
November 30, 2012: Divorce Filing by Dennis Quaid
After a period of separation, Dennis Quaid filed for divorce from Kimberly Buffington on November 30, 2012, in California.
2012: High Stakes in "Playing for Keeps"
In 2012, Quaid starred in the romantic comedy-drama "Playing for Keeps." The film explored themes of love, family, and second chances.
2012: Vegas TV Series
Dennis Quaid took on the role of Sheriff Ralph Lamb in the CBS TV drama series "Vegas" in 2012.
2012: Surfing the Healthcare Tsunami: Bring Your Best Board
Dennis Quaid continued his advocacy for patient safety with the release of his second documentary, "Surfing the Healthcare Tsunami: Bring Your Best Board," which aired on the Discovery Channel in 2012.
September 2013: Divorce Dismissal
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington reconciled, leading to the dismissal of their divorce proceedings in September 2013.
2013: Vegas TV Series
Dennis Quaid continued to play the role of Sheriff Ralph Lamb in the CBS TV drama series "Vegas" in 2013.
2015: Guest Appearances
Dennis Quaid made notable guest appearances in 2015, portraying Lucky Luciano in "Drunk History" and taking on roles as a Chief and a Judge in "Inside Amy Schumer."
2015: Uncovering the "Truth"
Dennis Quaid took on a role in the 2015 historical drama "Truth," which delved into the controversy surrounding a 2004 "60 Minutes" report on George W. Bush's military service.
June 28, 2016: Divorce Announcement
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington announced their decision to divorce in a joint statement on June 28, 2016.
July 2016: Relationship with Santa Auzina
Dennis Quaid began dating model Santa Auzina in July 2016 following his separation from Kimberly Buffington.
2016: The Art of More
From 2015 to 2016, Dennis Quaid played the character Samuel Brukner in the Crackle series "The Art of More."
2017: A Dog's Purpose
Dennis Quaid starred in the heartwarming film "A Dog's Purpose" in 2017, playing the role of Ethan Montgomery. The film celebrates the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.
2017: Fortitude
In 2017, Dennis Quaid took on the role of Michael Lennox in the British television series "Fortitude."
March 2018: Reagan Biopic Announcement
In March 2018, director Sean McNamara confirmed that Dennis Quaid would portray President Ronald Reagan in the upcoming biopic "Reagan," marking Quaid's second time playing a U.S. president.
April 27, 2018: Divorce Finalization
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington's divorce was finalized on April 27, 2018.
2018: Quaid's Political Stance
During a 2018 interview with the New York Post, Dennis Quaid revealed his political stance as an Independent, stating that he had voted for candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties. He also shared his belief that Ronald Reagan was his preferred president.
October 21, 2019: Engagement to Laura Savoie
Dennis Quaid announced his engagement to Laura Savoie on October 21, 2019.
2019: End of Relationship with Santa Auzina
Dennis Quaid's relationship with model Santa Auzina ended in 2019.
2019: Midway
In 2019, Dennis Quaid delivered a powerful performance as Vice Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey in the war drama film "Midway."
2019: Soaring to New Heights in "Midway"
Quaid starred in the 2019 war film "Midway," which depicted the pivotal World War II Battle of Midway. His portrayal added to the film's historical drama.
2019: Reagan Biopic Anticipated Release
The biopic "Reagan," featuring Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, was initially slated for a summer 2019 release but experienced production delays.
2019: Goliath
Dennis Quaid appeared in the Amazon Prime legal series "Goliath" in 2019, portraying the character Wade Blackwood.
April 2020: Quaid Praises Trump's Pandemic Response
In April 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Dennis Quaid expressed his approval of President Donald Trump's handling of the situation, describing him as "involved." This statement came despite Quaid's previous assertion that he was not politically aligned with any particular party.
May 2020: Reagan Biopic Production Delay
The filming of the biopic "Reagan," starring Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, was initially scheduled to commence in May 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2, 2020: Marriage to Laura Savoie
Dennis Quaid and Laura Savoie married on June 2, 2020, in Santa Barbara, after postponing their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 10, 2020: The Pet Show Podcast Premiere
Dennis Quaid entered the world of podcasting with the launch of "The Pet Show with Dennis Quaid and Jimmy Jellinek." The first episode premiered on July 10, 2020.
2022: Venturing into "Strange World"
In 2022, Dennis Quaid lent his voice to the animated science fiction adventure film "Strange World." His participation added to the film's cast of notable actors.
2023: Strange World and The Hill
Dennis Quaid lent his voice to a leading role in the Walt Disney Animated film "Strange World" in 2023. That same year, he also starred in the sports drama "The Hill."
2023: On the Frontier in "Lawmen: Bass Reeves"
In 2023, Dennis Quaid portrayed Deputy US Marshal Sherrill Lynn in the Paramount+ western series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves." This role showcased his ability to embody characters in historical settings.
August 30, 2024: Reagan Biopic Release
The biopic "Reagan," in which Dennis Quaid portrays President Ronald Reagan, is scheduled for theatrical release on August 30, 2024, after facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.