Dennis Quaid has realized a lesson that it’s finest to depart your performing gigs on set.
Earlier than taking up the function of pianist Jerry Lee Lewis within the 1989 movie Nice Balls of Hearth!, Quaid, 70, solely recalled to Us Weekly that he would spend days targeted on his character.
“I had a 12 months to organize for this function and so I sat on the piano for 12 hours a day for a 12 months, which is straightforward if you happen to’re on cocaine,” he shared with Us on Friday, April 12, whereas supporting his new film The Lengthy Recreation. “The piano is one thing else. And he’s, he’s one of many biggest piano gamers ever, ever. It’s so athletic the way in which he performs. And what a man.”
Lewis was open about his struggles with alcohol and cocaine earlier than his demise at his Mississippi residence in October 2022. He was 87.
After portraying the musician on the massive display screen, Quaid himself checked into rehab – or “cocaine college” as he’s referred to it in previous interviews – for cocaine dependancy. Throughout his preliminary restoration, the actor married Meg Ryan in 1991 and had their son, Jack Quaid, 31. The pair divorced in 2001. (Quaid can be dad to twins Thomas and Zoe, 16, with ex-wife Kimberly Buffington.)
One factor he realized from remedy is you’ll be able to’t have work lead your full life.
“Can’t deliver it residence,” Quaid stated. “Cocaine college taught me that. So that you’ve bought to let go of stuff.”
There may be one component of Lewis’ character that Quaid can’t appear to shake. “The nice a part of taking part in him is that I nonetheless play piano,” he stated, “and continued.”
Dennis Quaid in ‘Nice Balls of Hearth,’ 1989. Cowl Photographs
He’s additionally been capable of proceed his profitable profession in Hollywood. A return to his Christian religion has been an important a part of Quaid’s sobriety.
When given the chance to star in The Lengthy Recreation and give attention to the true-life story of 5 Mexican-American youths who triumphed in opposition to all odds of their pursuit of a Texas State Excessive College Golf Championship trophy, Quaid couldn’t say no.
“I don’t suppose individuals go to the films to see issues. They go to really feel issues and there may be hope on this movie,” Quaid shared concerning the family-friendly flick. “I would like them to be entertained, primary. And I would like them to see themselves after they had been youngsters or no matter. All people has an expertise that they will relate to on this film.”
Days after celebrating his seventieth birthday on April 9, Quaid stays enthusiastic about his future each at residence and in Hollywood.
Scott Moore/Shutterstock Dennis Quaid and Laura Savoie’s relationship has been met with adversity over time, however they’ve solely come out stronger. Quaid had been married 3 times previous to assembly Savoie when she was a 26-year-old Ph.D. pupil on the College of Texas in 2019. The actor was married to P.J. Soles from 1978-1983 […]
Married to Laura Savoie since 2020, The Dad or mum Entice actor appears round at his life and is stuffed with gratitude.
“Life actually will get simpler as you get by,” he defined. “You get pleasure from it extra since you’ve been via issues earlier than and so that you don’t get so emotionally labored up about it and you can say, ‘Effectively, that is coming and it’s going to go.’ Then the nice occasions are simply nice. I actually respect each day. I’ve by no means been happier to let you know the reality.”
The Lengthy Recreation is in theaters now.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
