‘I’m No Longer Reaching for Anything Like I Did in My 20s’

Dennis Quaid is one of Hollywood’s most cherished actors. From Innerspace (1987) to The Parent Trap (1998) and the upcoming Reagan (2024), he has captivated audiences for decades. Recently celebrating his 70th birthday, Quaid sat down with TODAY’s Al Roker to discuss entering this new chapter of his life.

Quaid, who turned 70 in April, shared that while he’s in a content and healthy place, it’s also a peculiar feeling. He reflected on his father, William R. “Buddy” Quaid, who passed away at 63. Quaid noted the strangeness of surpassing the age his father reached.

“My dad died at 63, so I didn’t have an example of it [turning 70],” Quaid explained. “I turned 63, and about six months later, I woke up in the middle of the night, realizing I was older than my dad had ever been.”

Quaid wasn’t sure Roker would relate, but it was clear he did. “My dad died at 69, and I always felt bad he didn’t make 70,” Roker shared. “It’s a very strange feeling to get past the point your father did.”

Shifting topics, Quaid admitted he couldn’t fully appreciate fame at the peak of his career. Starting in the mid-1970s, it wasn’t until his 1979 role in Breaking Away that he rose to stardom. “I was so in the middle of it and on my way to somewhere that it was hard to appreciate,” Quaid said. “If anything, I would have told myself back then, ‘Hey, take it easy.’”

Quaid also discussed his battle with addiction, particularly with cocaine. He used it to fill a void inside himself. However, as he moves into this new phase of life, he’s focused on appreciating the finer things.

While actively pursuing his film and TV career, Quaid also released an album in 2023 titled Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners. This project signifies a shift in how he approaches his career and personal life.

Although Quaid has entered his 70s only a few months ago, he has some advice for others facing similar milestones. “It’s important when you reach every decade, you have to make goals for yourself,” Quaid advised. “Just, you know, ‘let this go’ and ‘let that go,’ because there’s nothing to be done about it.”

Quaid is embracing this new decade with a relaxed attitude and advises others to do the same. Adjusting to a new era can be intimidating, but Quaid remains unafraid.

For those nearing or already in their 70s, Quaid had some encouraging words. “Welcome, and strap in and step it up… it’s the new boot camp,” he laughed.

Source: TODAY