How Dennis Quaid Learned to Shake off His Characters at Home

Dennis Quaid has learned the lesson that it’s best to leave the acting gigs on set.

Before he took on the role of pianist Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 film Big fire balls!Quaid, 70, exclusively recalled Us weekly that he would spend days focusing on his character.

“I had a year to prepare for this role, so I sat at the piano 12 hours a day for a year, which is easy to do when you’re on cocaine,” he shared Us on Friday, April 12, while supporting his new film The long game. “The piano is something different. And he is one of the greatest piano players of all time. It’s so athletic the way he plays. And what a guy.”

Lewis spoke openly about his problems with alcohol and cocaine before he died at his home in Mississippi in October 2022. He was 87 years old.

After portraying the musician on the big screen, Quaid himself checked into rehab for cocaine addiction – or “cocaine school” as he called it in previous interviews. During his initial recovery, the actor got married And Ryan in 1991 and had their son, Jack Quaid31. The couple divorced in 2001. (Quaid is also the father of twins Thomas and Zoe, 16, with his ex-wife Kimberly Buffington.)

One thing he learned from treatment is that you can’t let work dictate your entire life.

“I can’t bring it home,” Quaid said. “That’s what the cocaine school taught me. So you have to let things go.”

There’s an element of Lewis’ character that Quaid can’t seem to shake. “The good thing about playing it is that I still play the piano,” he said, “and continued.”

He was also able to continue his successful career in Hollywood. Returning to his Christian faith was a crucial part of Quaid’s sobriety.

If you get the opportunity to play along The long game and focusing on the true story of five Mexican-American teenagers who triumphed against all odds in their quest for the Texas State High School Golf Championship trophy, Quaid couldn’t say no.

“I don’t think people go to the cinema to see something. They feel things and there is hope in this film,” Quaid shared about the family-friendly film. “I want them to be entertained, more than anything. And I want them to see themselves when they were kids or whatever. Everyone has an experience that they can relate to in this film.”

Days after celebrating his 70th birthday on April 9, Quaid remains excited about his future at home and in Hollywood.

Married to Laura Savoie since 2020, The parent trap The actor looks around his life and is full of gratitude.

“Life really does get easier as you get along,” he explained. “You enjoy it more because you’ve been through things and you don’t get so emotionally upset about it and you could say, ‘Well, this is coming and it will pass.’ Then the good times are just great. I really appreciate every day. I’ve never been happier to tell you the truth.”

The long game is now in the cinema.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi