Exploring Dennis Quaid's Career Peaks, From His Cowboy Days with Kevin Costner (Exclusive)

Dennis Quaid started his acting career in 1975 and has had a successful journey since then. One of his memorable moments was working as a cowboy with Kevin Costner.

Reflecting on his favorite acting partners, the 70-year-old Quaid was amazed by how youthful he and Costner, now 69, looked in the photos from the 1994 film Wyatt Earp. "I really love that movie," Quaid shares exclusively in the latest issue of We. "It was a fantastic experience."

The actor shared that he had to shed 44 pounds for the role. He fully immersed himself in the character to accurately portray Doc Holliday, a man suffering from tuberculosis, who was also a gunman and gambler. Costner played Wyatt Earp alongside him.

Dennis Quaid s Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

Dennis Quaid and Kevin Costner are in the movie 'Wyatt Earp'. They starred in it. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Quaid reveals that he used to consume 1,000 calories daily. He mentions that he would burn off 600 calories by using the StairMaster to maintain his slender physique.

Throughout his career, Quaid has had the opportunity to work with many iconic costars, including the late Natasha Richardson. Costner was just one of the many talented actors he collaborated with.

Below, Quaid shares some of his coolest Hollywood memories and takes us down memory lane, giving us an inside look at his experiences in the industry.

Sick But Not Starstruck

Dennis Quaid Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

Quaid remembers meeting Queen Elizabeth II and Natasha Richardson at the premiere of The Parent Trap in London in 1998. He had a cold sore that day, the first one since he was 12 years old. Quaid thinks it may have been due to the stress of the event, as he hasn't had one since.

It was a great honor to shake hands with the queen, but what caught Quaid's attention in the regal photo was Richardson, who portrayed his ex-wife, Elizabeth James, in the Disney movie.

He gets emotional as he recalls, "It chokes me up because she was such a beautiful person." (Richardson tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 45, more than a decade after the film was released. She died due to a skiing accident that caused a traumatic brain injury.)

There’s No Crying in Football

Dennis Quaid Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

Dennis Quaid and James Woods starred in the movie ‘Any Given Sunday.’ Getty Images

Quaid, who portrayed quarterback Jack “Cap” Rooney in the 1999 film, remembers the sports shoot with costar James Woods. He admits to wincing after missing a putt but describes the experience as really fun.

The Emmy nominee confesses: “The hits and everything I got on there… I [thought] for sure somebody was going to get seriously hurt, and nobody ever did.”

The Presidential Effect

Dennis Quaid Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

US President Bill Clinton waves to the media as golfing partner Dennis Quaid checks his coffee, 26 February 2000 in Alexandria, Virginia. MARIO TAMA/AFP via Getty Images

Quaid had the opportunity to play golf with former president Bill Clinton in 2000, which he describes as a memorable experience. He noted that Clinton was a skilled golfer and even joked that if he wasn't president, he might have outplayed Quaid on the golf course.

Prior to their golf game, Quaid, accompanied by his then-wife Meg Ryan and their son Jack, attended a state dinner hosted by Clinton. During the dinner, Clinton extended an invitation for Quaid to stay at the White House for the weekend. This offer allowed Quaid to explore the White House grounds freely, creating a unique and special experience for the actor.

Exploring on My Own

I explored everywhere on my own. I even went down to the basement and saw the tunnel. Visiting the Oval Office was a memorable experience for me. It felt special to walk around there all by myself.

Dennis Quaid Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

Dennis Quaid and his son Jack pose at Quaid’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 2005. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Quaid was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, describing it as a very meaningful moment. His eldest child, Jack, was there with him to share in the celebration.

Almost two decades later, Quaid returned to his star on the iconic street with his youngest son, Thomas, during the premiere of The Long Game.

Exploring Together

"We went to see it and captured some photos," Quaid shares with Us. He mentions that his wife, Laura Savoie, accompanied him during the visit in 2024. Quaid, who shares twins Thomas and Zoe with his ex-wife Kimberly Buffington, tied the knot with Savoie in June 2020.

Dennis Quaid Recalls Meeting Queen With Natasha Richardson Career Highs

Jay Hernandez and Dennis Quaid in ‘The Long Game.’ Universal Pictures/YouTube

Quaid's new production company, Bonniedale, has released its first movie titled The Long Game. The film, currently showing in theaters, follows the story of five Mexican-American caddies in 1955 who decide to build their own golf course in Texas to improve their skills.

In a recent interview with Us, Quaid expressed his growing passion for acting as he ages. He looks ahead to the future, embracing his role as a seasoned actor and a parent. Quaid emphasizes that his love for acting is not driven by a desire for fame or success, but simply by his genuine enjoyment of the craft.

The father of three believes that life becomes easier as you get older. He mentions that with age, you learn to appreciate and enjoy life more because of the experiences you've gone through.

Recently celebrating his milestone birthday, Quaid feels like he is just beginning. He expresses that he has never been happier in his life. He is grateful for his beautiful wife and cherishes every day, feeling incredibly fortunate.

For more on Quaid’s career watch the exclusive video above — and pick up the latest issue of We, on newsstands now.

Editor's P/S:

Dennis Quaid's journey as an actor is a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft. His notable collaborations with iconic actors like Kevin Costner and Natasha Richardson highlight his versatility and ability to bring depth to his characters. Quaid's behind-the-scenes anecdotes, from shedding weight for roles to meeting prominent figures like Queen Elizabeth II and former President Bill Clinton, offer a glimpse into the unique experiences that have shaped his career.

Quaid's reflections on his past and present, including his recent milestone birthday, reveal a seasoned actor who embraces the aging process with grace and gratitude. His love for acting, which transcends fame or success, and his appreciation for the journey itself, provide inspiration to aspiring and veteran actors alike. Quaid's positive outlook and contentment in his personal life serve as a reminder to focus on the present and cherish the experiences that make life truly meaningful.