Jack Quaid is steadily carving out his unique path in Hollywood, following the legacy of his famous parents, Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. The 32-year-old actor has two major movies on the horizon — the psychological thriller Companion, set for release this January, and the action-packed Novocaine, debuting only two months later. Though Quaid is up for discussing these projects, he prefers not to reveal too much about the twists and turns awaiting audiences.
“It’s a movie best enjoyed when you go in as blind as possible,” Quaid shares, dissuading fans from delving too deeply before watching Companion. While he’s keeping the plot under wraps, he’s open about the challenges he faced playing Nathan Caine, a man who cannot feel pain, in Novocaine. “It was one of the hardest I’ve ever worked on, just simply with my body in this movie,” he admitted, showcasing not just his physicality but the emotional depth behind such roles.
Quaid embodies the unexpected hero — “I think I’m kind of an unlikely person to be an action hero,” he asserts. Yet his unique portrayal is precisely what makes the film intriguing. Audiences will see him “kicking ass” but not in the way one would typically expect from action films. He explains, “I don’t think anyone expects me to be kicking ass, and I kick ass in a very specific way.” His character, suffering from congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, faces the world differently, enhancing the challenge of his performance.
Despite the busy press tours for his films and his upcoming work on the fifth and final season of The Boys, Quaid approaches his career with humility and gratitude. He admits feeling “exceptionally lucky” to collaborate with talented actors such as Sophie Thatcher, Megan Suri, and Rupert Friend on Companion. Each experience, he says, adds to his growth as both an actor and as a person, stating, “I’ve discovered a lot about myself during the process.”
Raised by two icons of the industry, Quaid attributes part of his success to the reassurance his parents provided throughout his career decision. “A lot of people would assume I wanted to do this because both my parents did,” he notes. “The biggest benefit I have, among many, is they were proof it was possible to make a living as an actor.” Though initially hesitant about their son’s choice — knowing how tough the industry can be — they eventually provided their support. “They understood what it meant to be an actor,” he says, expressing gratitude for their encouragement.
Looking back at his upbringing, Quaid feels his parents set the standard for the life he aspired to achieve. He expresses, “They weren’t initially super psyched about it, but they understood and were very supportive.” For Quaid, this backing has been invaluable, counteracting the self-doubt faced by many aspiring actors. “I had to find the love of this before I did it,” he says, emphasizing the passion behind his work.
Quaid reflects on the nature of the entertainment industry, including the anxiety actors often experience. “There’s always this sense of self-doubt: ‘Maybe I won’t be able to do this,’” he shares. He also acknowledges the imposter syndrome experienced when beginning to find success. “After some success, it’s like, ‘Well, maybe I don’t deserve this.’”
Through these doubts, he continues to strive, affirming, “You’re allowed to have a little bit of confidence, but you have to back it up with hard work.” His determination to improve and succeed fuels his passion for acting, allowing him to forge his identity apart from his renowned lineage.
Jack Quaid also hankers for more comedic roles, expressing his desire for more heartfelt, silly comedies to make their way back to the screens. “I want to be part of more good, silly comedies with heart,” Quaid asserts, framing his aspirations boldly. He cites the rarity of such genres today, noting, “We don’t really have as much these days.” Quaid forges connections with such material, believing it brings people together.
Wrapping up, Quaid remains optimistic about the future, feeling thankful for the opportunities he’s been afforded and the lessons learned along the way. He cannot help but embrace humor when describing himself: “You know who I am at my core? You go by a used car dealership and you see the wacky, waving, inflatable arm, flailing, tube man…that is me at my core,” he says with laughter. His self-awareness, combined with his dedication to honing his craft, surely sets him on the path to continue making waves, both as the son of legends and as a rising star standing on his own two feet.
