Discovering Dennis Quaid's Method: Balancing Characters On and Off Screen

Dennis Quaid, 70, has learned that it's important to keep work at work. Before portraying pianist Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire!, Quaid shared with We that he used to immerse himself in his character for days.

I spent a year preparing for this role by practicing the piano for 12 hours a day. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, especially with the support of my new movie, The Long Game. The piano is truly something else, and the way he played was truly athletic. Lewis was undeniably one of the greatest piano players ever.

Lewis bravely shared his battles with alcohol and cocaine before his passing at his Mississippi home in October 2022 at the age of 87.

After appearing as a musician in a film, Quaid himself entered rehab for cocaine addiction, which he has jokingly called "cocaine school" in past interviews. While in recovery, he tied the knot with Meg Ryan in 1991 and welcomed their son, Jack Quaid, now 31. The couple later divorced in 2001. (Quaid also has twins, Thomas and Zoe, 16, with his ex-wife Kimberly Buffington.)

A valuable lesson Quaid took away from his treatment is the importance of not letting work consume your entire life.

Quaid mentioned that he learned in cocaine school that he can't bring it home, so he advises letting go of stuff.

One aspect of Lewis' character that Quaid struggles to shake off is his ability to still play the piano. He finds it to be a positive aspect of portraying the character.

Dennis Quaid Learned How to Shake His Characters Off At Home After Portraying Jerry Lee Lewis

Dennis Quaid in ‘Great Balls of Fire,’ 1989. Cover Images

Quaid has been able to maintain his successful career in Hollywood, thanks in part to his return to his Christian faith which has played a key role in his sobriety.

When Quaid was offered the chance to star in The Long Game, a film based on the inspiring true story of five Mexican-American teenagers who overcame challenges to win the Texas State High School Golf Championship, he enthusiastically accepted the opportunity.

"I believe that when people go to the movies, it's not just to see things, but to feel things. That's why there is hope in this film," Quaid expressed about the family-friendly movie. "My main goal is for them to have a good time while watching. I also hope they can see a part of themselves from when they were younger. Everyone can find something to connect with in this film."

Even after celebrating his 70th birthday on April 9, Quaid is still looking forward to what the future holds for him, both personally and professionally in Hollywood.

Married to Laura Savoie since 2020, The Parent Trap actor reflects on his life and feels thankful.

He shares, "Life becomes simpler as you age. You learn to appreciate it more because of the experiences you've had. You don't get as stressed about things and can think, 'This too shall pass.' The happy moments become even more special. I cherish each day now more than ever. Honestly, I've never been happier."

The Long Game is in theaters now.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi 

Editor's P/S:

Dennis Quaid's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, as depicted in this article, is both inspiring and relatable. Quaid's realization that it's crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance resonates with many who may struggle with the temptation to immerse themselves excessively in their careers. His candid account of his struggles with addiction and the lessons he learned in recovery serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and prioritizing one's well-being.

Moreover, Quaid's reflections on his faith and the power of storytelling in film offer insights into the transformative power of hope and inspiration. His belief that movies have the ability to evoke emotions and connect people on a deeper level highlights the importance of art and entertainment in shaping our lives. As Quaid approaches a new chapter in his life, his contentment and gratitude serve as a testament to the resilience and growth that can accompany aging and the pursuit of meaningful connections.