Dennis Quaid Gets Emotional Recalling 'Parent Trap' Premiere Moment With Natasha Richardson and Queen Elizabeth

Natasha Richardson will forever be remembered as Elizabeth James to Dennis Quaid's Nick Parker. Quaid, who is now 70 years old, recently reminisced about some of his most memorable moments in an interview with We. One of the photos he shared was a heartwarming picture of him and Richardson at the 1998 London premiere of their popular movie, The Parent Trap.

When reflecting on meeting Queen Elizabeth II, Dennis Quaid emotionally shared with Us that besides the queen, the first thing he noticed was Natasha Richardson. It touched him deeply because he remembered her as a beautiful person. He also mentioned how Richardson and Liam Neeson, who were married from 1994 to 2009, had two beautiful sons, Micheál, 28, and Daniel, 27.

Sadly, Richardson passed away at the age of 45 in 2009 after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a skiing accident.

Fans of The Parent Trap would love to see Quaid and the original cast reunite for a sequel. However, Quaid mentioned that making a second film without Richardson wouldn't feel right. He expressed, "We can't do a Parent Trap 2 because no one could ever replace her. She was a special human being."

Quaid and Richardson once stood together while meeting Queen Elizabeth at the film's premiere in London. Quaid looked sharp in a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie and white dress shirt, while Richardson looked lovely in a white short-sleeved dress with lace details. She added a touch of '90s flair with bejeweled butterfly clips in her hair. Queen Elizabeth was elegant in a glittering gold gown with a lace top and silk bottom.

Dennis Quaid Chokes Up Looking Back at Parent Trap Premiere Pic With Natasha Richardson Queen Elizabeth

Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson Getty Images

Meeting the royal was a great honor for Quaid, even though he wasn't feeling his best at the time. He mentioned that he had his first cold sore in years, which he attributed to stress. However, he didn't let it dampen his experience.

Despite the cold sore, Quaid had a pleasant encounter with Elizabeth, who passed away at the age of 96 in September 2022. Quaid even mentioned that the Queen of England reminded him of his own mother, which he found to be a wonderful comparison.

Quaid attended the film’s U.K. premiere with his ex-wife Meg Ryan. He shares son Jack, 31, with Ryan, 62, and 16-year-old twins, Thomas and Zoe, with his ex-wife Kimberly Buffington.

While Quaid enjoys spending time with his family, he couldn't convince his kids to join him on the golf course during the filming of his new movie, The Long Game. “Zoe is an athlete and excels in volleyball and any sport she tries. Maybe now is the perfect time to encourage her as she is 16,” he shared with Us. “I also want to involve my son in it and have those special father/son moments. He is a talented athlete too. Both of them are really skilled athletes.”

Dennis Quaid Chokes Up Looking Back at Parent Trap Premiere Pic With Natasha Richardson Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II, Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid Ken Goff/Getty Images

Quaid stars as Frank Mitchell in The Long Game, a film based on the true story of a group of Mexican-American caddies who overcome segregation to become golf champions. Released on April 12, this film is the first production from Quaid’s company, Bonniedale, named after his mother’s middle name.

“I believe people don’t just watch movies to see things, but to feel things. This film offers hope,” Quaid expressed. “My goal is for audiences to be entertained and to see a reflection of themselves in the characters, as everyone can find a personal connection in this story.”

The Long Game is in theaters now.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Dennis Quaid's heartfelt reminiscence about Natasha Richardson and their encounter with Queen Elizabeth II is a touching tribute to a beloved actress and a cherished memory. Quaid's emotional recollection of Richardson's beauty and grace, as well as his profound respect for the late Queen, underscores the lasting impact she had on his life. It is evident that Richardson's absence is deeply felt by Quaid and her memory continues to be honored through the legacy of their work together.

Quaid's dedication to his family and his passion for his craft are also evident in the article. His desire to share his love of golf with his children and his commitment to creating meaningful films that resonate with audiences speak to his character and his commitment to both his personal and professional life. The release of "The Long Game," a film that tells the inspiring story of Mexican-American caddies, is a testament to Quaid's belief in the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire.