Ten fun facts about Dennis Quaid

Fact 1
First gaining widespread attention in the 1980s, his career rebounded in the 1990s after he overcame an addiction to drugs and an eating disorder.

Fact 2
Some of his notable credits include Breaking Away, The Long Riders, The Right Stuff, Enemy Mine, Great Balls of Fire!, The Big Easy, Far from Heaven, The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow, Traffic, Vantage Point, Footloose, Frequency, Wyatt Earp, The Parent Trap, Soul Surfer, Playing for Keeps and Innerspace.

Fact 3
In 2009, Quaid guest starred in an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, playing Mr. Krabs’ grandfather, Captain Redbeard.

Fact 4
He portrayed U.S. President Bill Clinton, alongside Michael Sheen as Tony Blair and Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton, in the 2010 film The Special Relationship.

Fact 5
In 2012 and 2013, Quaid played Sheriff Ralph Lamb in the CBS TV drama series Vegas.

Fact 6
For his role in Far from Heaven (2002), he won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.

Fact 7
He is the younger brother of actor Randy Quaid.

Fact 8
It was during his time at Bellaire High School that he developed the nickname “Dennis Quand”, (a combination of “Quaid” and “Bond”) in relation to his obsession with the 007 film character and was regularly referred to by this name.

Fact 9
Known for his grin, Quaid has appeared in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Fact 10
Quaid was also the guest star of a season 2 episode of Muppets Tonight (1997).