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111 Top Quotes By Dennis Quaid That Will Make You Go Hmm…

Famous As: American Actor Best Known for His Dramatic & Comedic Roles
Born On: April 9, 1954
Born In: Houston, Texas, United States
Age: 69 Years

Actor Dennis Quaid, best known for portraying dramatic and comedic roles since the late 1980s, unwittingly became a patient-safety advocate after his ten-day-old twins were mistakenly administered a high dosage of heparin, for which he had filed a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. He subsequently produced a series of documentaries about preventable medical errors. In an article that he co-wrote, he argued that sharing patient stories had a positive influence in motivating change in healthcare. He also donates the proceeds from the annual golf tournament, the Dennis Quaid Charity Weekend, to support local children's charities. Here are some of his quotes from his speeches, interviews, and media appearances. He often talks about children, acting, life, relationships, politics, and religion.

I found that you don't have to do drugs to have a great time. Music is a great drug on its own.

I found that you don't have to do drugs to have a great time. Music is a great drug on its own.

Dennis Quaid
I don't have a grand strategy for my career. I just look for good material, and good stories. I look for good scripts.

I don't have a grand strategy for my career. I just look for good material, and good stories. I look for good scripts.

Dennis Quaid
You have to have the ability to remake yourself. Whatever that is. Every several years... Every five to 10 years.

You have to have the ability to remake yourself. Whatever that is. Every several years... Every five to 10 years.

Dennis Quaid
If you're going to stick around in this business, you have to have the ability to reinvent yourself, whether consciously or unconsciously.

If you're going to stick around in this business, you have to have the ability to reinvent yourself, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Dennis Quaid
I've done so many movies that when I see them I don't really watch them.

I've done so many movies that when I see them I don't really watch them.

Dennis Quaid
I'd love to do a golf movie. I turned down Don Johnson's role in 'Tin Cup.' I regret that.

I'd love to do a golf movie. I turned down Don Johnson's role in 'Tin Cup.' I regret that.

Dennis Quaid
I've always considered myself a character actor. That's the way I was trained, really.

I've always considered myself a character actor. That's the way I was trained, really.

Dennis Quaid
I try to be eclectic in my choice of films. If I've done anything that's intentional in my career, it's to try to do as many different types of characters and as many different types of genres of movies that I can.

I try to be eclectic in my choice of films. If I've done anything that's intentional in my career, it's to try to do as many different types of characters and as many different types of genres of movies that I can.

Dennis Quaid
'Legion' was a lot of fun to shoot. It was a real unique apocalypse scenario that takes place in a diner out in the desert. Very much like a drive-in B-movie, but in a good way.

'Legion' was a lot of fun to shoot. It was a real unique apocalypse scenario that takes place in a diner out in the desert. Very much like a drive-in B-movie, but in a good way.

Dennis Quaid
My family is the most important thing in the world to me, too, before anything else.

My family is the most important thing in the world to me, too, before anything else.

Dennis Quaid
That's what is great about what I do, going from one job to the other.

That's what is great about what I do, going from one job to the other.

Dennis Quaid
What is great about art and artists is that we get to ask the questions, even though we may never know the answers.

What is great about art and artists is that we get to ask the questions, even though we may never know the answers.

Dennis Quaid
I'm not really a pitcher; I just play one in the movies.

I'm not really a pitcher; I just play one in the movies.

Dennis Quaid
Certainly I'm a Christian first and foremost. But I do believe in religious tolerance and finding the commonality between all of us. I think that's how we're all going to come together.

Certainly I'm a Christian first and foremost. But I do believe in religious tolerance and finding the commonality between all of us. I think that's how we're all going to come together.

Dennis Quaid
If we never felt sorrow, we'd never recognize bliss.

If we never felt sorrow, we'd never recognize bliss.

Dennis Quaid
Back then, people were throwing their underwear onstage. I remember taking eight pairs of my own underwear to the cleaners and getting only four back.

Back then, people were throwing their underwear onstage. I remember taking eight pairs of my own underwear to the cleaners and getting only four back.

Dennis Quaid
Surfing is like golf: You're always battling, and it keeps knocking you down. There are a lot of wipeouts. But when you stay with it and catch that wave, you really taste it. It's magic.

Surfing is like golf: You're always battling, and it keeps knocking you down. There are a lot of wipeouts. But when you stay with it and catch that wave, you really taste it. It's magic.

Dennis Quaid
It's as predictable as the sun rising in the morning. Every time Barack Obama's poll numbers rise you can be certain he's done something else to weaken the country. He's empowered a base that loathes American excellence.

It's as predictable as the sun rising in the morning. Every time Barack Obama's poll numbers rise you can be certain he's done something else to weaken the country. He's empowered a base that loathes American excellence.

Dennis Quaid
I love politics, but I wouldn't want to be involved in it. Too little money, too much work! I don't really have the personality for that.

I love politics, but I wouldn't want to be involved in it. Too little money, too much work! I don't really have the personality for that.

Dennis Quaid
Horseracing and ranch horses are two different animals. You're getting race horses out and running and running them. It can be really problematic. A thoroughbred's very delicate.

Horseracing and ranch horses are two different animals. You're getting race horses out and running and running them. It can be really problematic. A thoroughbred's very delicate.

Dennis Quaid
Clinton knew how to get things done. He was battling the Republicans, and then he basically took a lot of their agenda and made it his own. That's what Obama's not doing.

Clinton knew how to get things done. He was battling the Republicans, and then he basically took a lot of their agenda and made it his own. That's what Obama's not doing.

Dennis Quaid
I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. I grew up in Houston. Gordo Cooper was my favorite astronaut.

I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. I grew up in Houston. Gordo Cooper was my favorite astronaut.

Dennis Quaid
It's about... my only strategy I've ever had in my career is to do as many different types of roles as possible, as many different types of genres. It keeps the fire in my belly.

It's about... my only strategy I've ever had in my career is to do as many different types of roles as possible, as many different types of genres. It keeps the fire in my belly.

Dennis Quaid
I was a late bloomer. I tried out for the football team, and I got locked off the field. That's how I wound up in drama.

I was a late bloomer. I tried out for the football team, and I got locked off the field. That's how I wound up in drama.

Dennis Quaid
Going to the golf course every day for work? That's a good job.

Going to the golf course every day for work? That's a good job.

Dennis Quaid
A lot of people that I started out with, I don't know where they are. I guess it takes tenacity to still be doing this, and luck, but I've been very blessed.

A lot of people that I started out with, I don't know where they are. I guess it takes tenacity to still be doing this, and luck, but I've been very blessed.

Dennis Quaid
I would like to work with Todd Phillips of 'The Hangover'. I would like to do more comedies; it would be a lot of fun. No actors in particular. I don't consciously seek out things to do.

I would like to work with Todd Phillips of 'The Hangover'. I would like to do more comedies; it would be a lot of fun. No actors in particular. I don't consciously seek out things to do.

Dennis Quaid
Movies usually find me, but I'm open to anything.

Movies usually find me, but I'm open to anything.

Dennis Quaid
I love to work. I actually enjoy it now more than I did when I was in my 20s. I don't know why, but I'm just grateful.

I love to work. I actually enjoy it now more than I did when I was in my 20s. I don't know why, but I'm just grateful.

Dennis Quaid
If I've done anything intentional about my career, is that I really have not - I've chosen to try to do as many different types of things as possible. That's really what I like to do.

If I've done anything intentional about my career, is that I really have not - I've chosen to try to do as many different types of things as possible. That's really what I like to do.

Dennis Quaid
Family is the most important thing in life, period.

Family is the most important thing in life, period.

Dennis Quaid
Your partner has to live with the best and the worst part of you, and they're affected by it.

Your partner has to live with the best and the worst part of you, and they're affected by it.

Dennis Quaid
You don't bad-mouth your ex or anything like that. The key is your kid knowing that both parents still love him and are there for him.

You don't bad-mouth your ex or anything like that. The key is your kid knowing that both parents still love him and are there for him.

Dennis Quaid
It's great to get paid for what you love doing most. To enjoy your work. And to follow that. It's important.

It's great to get paid for what you love doing most. To enjoy your work. And to follow that. It's important.

Dennis Quaid
I'm not really a pitcher; I just play one in the movies.

I'm not really a pitcher; I just play one in the movies.

Dennis Quaid
I was a really avid bowler when I was a teenager. I had about a 210-220 average. I had blisters on my fingers.

I was a really avid bowler when I was a teenager. I had about a 210-220 average. I had blisters on my fingers.

Dennis Quaid
My real-life athletic career was not very much. I played Little League baseball.

My real-life athletic career was not very much. I played Little League baseball.

Dennis Quaid
I love being a dad. Basically it's the most gratifying, rewarding relationship in life. But, at the same time, it certainly is the most challenging.

I love being a dad. Basically it's the most gratifying, rewarding relationship in life. But, at the same time, it certainly is the most challenging.

Dennis Quaid
I directed a movie back in the '90s which had calf roping in it, and I got into it quite a bit back then.

I directed a movie back in the '90s which had calf roping in it, and I got into it quite a bit back then.

Dennis Quaid
'Legion' was a lot of fun to shoot. It was a real unique apocalypse scenario that takes place in a diner out in the desert. Very much like a drive-in B-movie, but in a good way.

'Legion' was a lot of fun to shoot. It was a real unique apocalypse scenario that takes place in a diner out in the desert. Very much like a drive-in B-movie, but in a good way.

Dennis Quaid
When I choose a movie, I'll ask myself: 'Is this a movie I want to see?'

When I choose a movie, I'll ask myself: 'Is this a movie I want to see?'

Dennis Quaid
I owe the little formal education I got to my drama teacher, Mr. Pickett, who got us to read Shakespeare, Moliere, and other classics.

I owe the little formal education I got to my drama teacher, Mr. Pickett, who got us to read Shakespeare, Moliere, and other classics.

Dennis Quaid
I have a ranch in Montana, but it's not a real working ranch. I've always liked the outdoors. I come from Texas. My grandfather was a farmer; that's as close as I come.

I have a ranch in Montana, but it's not a real working ranch. I've always liked the outdoors. I come from Texas. My grandfather was a farmer; that's as close as I come.

Dennis Quaid
For many years, I was obsessed about what I was eating, how many calories it had, and how much exercise I'd have to do.

For many years, I was obsessed about what I was eating, how many calories it had, and how much exercise I'd have to do.

Dennis Quaid
I look for a good story. Usually the best stories are the ones that are unbelievably true. 'Soul Surfer' is one of those stories.

I look for a good story. Usually the best stories are the ones that are unbelievably true. 'Soul Surfer' is one of those stories.

Dennis Quaid
Playing Bill Clinton is really, probably, the scariest time of my career.

Playing Bill Clinton is really, probably, the scariest time of my career.

Dennis Quaid
I have always done my own stunts, and I have been in hundreds of fights in films, but I have never been in a fist fight outside the movies.

I have always done my own stunts, and I have been in hundreds of fights in films, but I have never been in a fist fight outside the movies.

Dennis Quaid
I love doing independent films, but it's very hard to make a living that way.

I love doing independent films, but it's very hard to make a living that way.

Dennis Quaid
I love politics, but I wouldn't want to be involved in it. Too little money, too much work!

I love politics, but I wouldn't want to be involved in it. Too little money, too much work!

Dennis Quaid
Wall Street has come to America's heartland, really. The only thing missing are the skyscrapers, you know?

Wall Street has come to America's heartland, really. The only thing missing are the skyscrapers, you know?

Dennis Quaid
When I get a script, it's the only time that I get to be an audience member with the first-time experience of that movie. That's the first and only time.

When I get a script, it's the only time that I get to be an audience member with the first-time experience of that movie. That's the first and only time.

Dennis Quaid
I still have my original love for acting. That's why I feel so lucky. I think that's what sustains me in the sort of leaner times.

I still have my original love for acting. That's why I feel so lucky. I think that's what sustains me in the sort of leaner times.

Dennis Quaid
I don't see how it's a risky thing to take a great part with a great director and a great script. That, to me, is not really a dangerous, risky proposition. It's actually a really good choice.

I don't see how it's a risky thing to take a great part with a great director and a great script. That, to me, is not really a dangerous, risky proposition. It's actually a really good choice.

Dennis Quaid
I really want to see the Cubs in the World Series. I really do.

I really want to see the Cubs in the World Series. I really do.

Dennis Quaid
I used to eat a lot of fish, but I've been shying away from it because of the mercury thing. I eat more beef and chicken now.

I used to eat a lot of fish, but I've been shying away from it because of the mercury thing. I eat more beef and chicken now.

Dennis Quaid
I'm lucky. I have a high metabolism, so I pretty much eat anything and everything.

I'm lucky. I have a high metabolism, so I pretty much eat anything and everything.

Dennis Quaid
Golf is meaningless, but it means so much.

Golf is meaningless, but it means so much.

Dennis Quaid
I'd love to do a golf movie. I turned down Don Johnson's role in 'Tin Cup.' I regret that.

I'd love to do a golf movie. I turned down Don Johnson's role in 'Tin Cup.' I regret that.

Dennis Quaid
Surfing is like golf: You're always battling, and it keeps knocking you down. There are a lot of wipeouts. But when you stay with it and catch that wave, you really taste it. It's magic.

Surfing is like golf: You're always battling, and it keeps knocking you down. There are a lot of wipeouts. But when you stay with it and catch that wave, you really taste it. It's magic.

Dennis Quaid
I found golf late in life, in 1990. I took some lessons and struggled. Then one day, I hit a drive that was so crisp and clean, with no vibration. There's no feeling like it. I was hooked.

I found golf late in life, in 1990. I took some lessons and struggled. Then one day, I hit a drive that was so crisp and clean, with no vibration. There's no feeling like it. I was hooked.

Dennis Quaid
When I watch a movie that I've been in, I'm watching it, but I usually remember what I was doing at that time, what was going on in my life.

When I watch a movie that I've been in, I'm watching it, but I usually remember what I was doing at that time, what was going on in my life.

Dennis Quaid
I would like my kids to follow their bliss.

I would like my kids to follow their bliss.

Dennis Quaid
I didn't play football in school, but I've been a fan of football all my life. I have a fair understanding of it. Doing movies about it really helps because you know what makes them work and what doesn't.

I didn't play football in school, but I've been a fan of football all my life. I have a fair understanding of it. Doing movies about it really helps because you know what makes them work and what doesn't.

Dennis Quaid
Everybody just wants to be famous first, and then maybe learn how to act.

Everybody just wants to be famous first, and then maybe learn how to act.

Dennis Quaid
I'm an idol of cinema? Oh, wow.

I'm an idol of cinema? Oh, wow.

Dennis Quaid
I like acting and being a musician. It's like comparing apples and oranges. But I really like my day job. I've always played music since I was 12, and I guess I always will.

I like acting and being a musician. It's like comparing apples and oranges. But I really like my day job. I've always played music since I was 12, and I guess I always will.

Dennis Quaid
One thing I've really never had a problem with was memorizing lines. Most of the time I don't memorize the lines until we're on the set shooting the scene.

One thing I've really never had a problem with was memorizing lines. Most of the time I don't memorize the lines until we're on the set shooting the scene.

Dennis Quaid
I went out for the football team but, you know, I was too small. That's how I wound up in drama.

I went out for the football team but, you know, I was too small. That's how I wound up in drama.

Dennis Quaid
I've always considered myself a character actor. That's the way I was trained, really.

I've always considered myself a character actor. That's the way I was trained, really.

Dennis Quaid
I really love doing what I do, being an actor. It's the greatest. You can do it until you die.

I really love doing what I do, being an actor. It's the greatest. You can do it until you die.

Dennis Quaid
I always wanted to be an astronaut.

I always wanted to be an astronaut.

Dennis Quaid
I've never really sought out publicity.

I've never really sought out publicity.

Dennis Quaid
I love being a dad, and I'm good at it. Kids teach you about life, like how not to focus on yourself so much.

I love being a dad, and I'm good at it. Kids teach you about life, like how not to focus on yourself so much.

Dennis Quaid
Certainly I'm a Christian first and foremost. But I do believe in religious tolerance and finding the commonality between all of us. I think that's how we're all going to come together.

Certainly I'm a Christian first and foremost. But I do believe in religious tolerance and finding the commonality between all of us. I think that's how we're all going to come together.

Dennis Quaid
If you're going to stick around in this business, you have to have the ability to reinvent yourself, whether consciously or unconsciously.

If you're going to stick around in this business, you have to have the ability to reinvent yourself, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Dennis Quaid
You don't have to be alone with your thoughts anymore. You don't have to process anything. You can call up someone to do something to instantly make you sort of feel better.

You don't have to be alone with your thoughts anymore. You don't have to process anything. You can call up someone to do something to instantly make you sort of feel better.

Dennis Quaid
That's what is great about what I do, going from one job to the other.

That's what is great about what I do, going from one job to the other.

Dennis Quaid
My interpretation of a strong director is someone who knows their story. That's what directors are, they're storytellers because they're directing where your focus is going to be as an audience.

My interpretation of a strong director is someone who knows their story. That's what directors are, they're storytellers because they're directing where your focus is going to be as an audience.

Dennis Quaid
I've done so many movies that when I see them I don't really watch them.

I've done so many movies that when I see them I don't really watch them.

Dennis Quaid
I was made to be a perfectionist at everything I did. Everything was more important than what I wanted.

I was made to be a perfectionist at everything I did. Everything was more important than what I wanted.

Dennis Quaid
I love acting and making your own luck. You have to recreate yourself, I guess. Although, I don't know how.

I love acting and making your own luck. You have to recreate yourself, I guess. Although, I don't know how.

Dennis Quaid
I have a resistance to change in things that I feel comfortable with and that I'm used to.

I have a resistance to change in things that I feel comfortable with and that I'm used to.

Dennis Quaid
I could never hold a job for more than three months, which works out well because that's how long a movie shoots.

I could never hold a job for more than three months, which works out well because that's how long a movie shoots.

Dennis Quaid
Sometimes in movies, I still have to be the hero, but it's not all that important to me anymore.

Sometimes in movies, I still have to be the hero, but it's not all that important to me anymore.

Dennis Quaid
In my early teen years, I wanted to become a vet. That was my plan. I worked as a veterinarian's assistant for a couple of summers.

In my early teen years, I wanted to become a vet. That was my plan. I worked as a veterinarian's assistant for a couple of summers.

Dennis Quaid
You go to Main Street, and Wal-Mart is coming to town and kicking out all the mom and pop stores. All the people that were in the mom and pop stores are now working for Wal-Mart.

You go to Main Street, and Wal-Mart is coming to town and kicking out all the mom and pop stores. All the people that were in the mom and pop stores are now working for Wal-Mart.

Dennis Quaid
God is the only way you're going to make it in life, the glue that holds everything together.

God is the only way you're going to make it in life, the glue that holds everything together.

Dennis Quaid
Jesus himself talked about prayer and meditation. Anything that brings you closer to the Lord, what's wrong with that?

Jesus himself talked about prayer and meditation. Anything that brings you closer to the Lord, what's wrong with that?

Dennis Quaid
I want to work with great people. Great people really make you better.

I want to work with great people. Great people really make you better.

Dennis Quaid
When you break up, your whole identity is shattered. It's like death.

When you break up, your whole identity is shattered. It's like death.

Dennis Quaid
Families need a spiritual bond with one another and with God. God is the only way you're going to make it in life, the glue that holds everything together.

Families need a spiritual bond with one another and with God. God is the only way you're going to make it in life, the glue that holds everything together.

Dennis Quaid
What they will do is, you know the tabloids. They'll take one element of a story that may be true and they'll build everything around it. Take a picture and invent a story around it.

What they will do is, you know the tabloids. They'll take one element of a story that may be true and they'll build everything around it. Take a picture and invent a story around it.

Dennis Quaid
There are three things being a celebrity is good for: raising money for charity, dinner reservations and tee times.

There are three things being a celebrity is good for: raising money for charity, dinner reservations and tee times.

Dennis Quaid
I always want to find the best burger in town.

I always want to find the best burger in town.

Dennis Quaid

When I was in my mid-20s, I traveled a lot around the world, and the question I had for everyone I talked to was, 'What is your conception of God?' I found that everybody basically felt the same: God is within and without. He's in everything.

Dennis Quaid

Athletes are sort of part of the community at large. They have to be dedicated to what they do, and go through lots of peaks and valleys. And there's a lot of training that goes into their careers. It's a struggle. Very dramatic.

Dennis Quaid

It's hard for two actors to be together. Take the traveling, for instance. It winds up being a long distance relationship, all the time, because one's working here and one's working there, or one's staying at home and one's off someplace else.

Dennis Quaid

I try to be eclectic in my choice of films. If I've done anything that's intentional in my career, it's to try to do as many different types of characters and as many different types of genres of movies that I can.

Dennis Quaid

In aviation they have auto pilot and color radar and a lot of other instrumentation that is a backup for pilots. It's really brought the incidents of plane crashes way down. Same thing ought to happen in the medical industry, I think.

Dennis Quaid

I spent a weekend in the White House with President Clinton, back in '99, I guess. We played golf and just hung out and talked on many subjects. I saw him several times subsequently in L.A. He's the smartest man I ever met, a great politician. Everybody was star struck around him.

Dennis Quaid

I guess I could say I'm an actor, which I am, but that sounds like I'm putting down being a movie star, which, let's face it, is what I've become to many people. For myself, I'm a guy who was very insecure from about age 14 until the day I hit my 30th birthday.

Dennis Quaid

I've had varying luck with comedy in the past, but I'd really like to give that another go. I don't know if I'd chase down a part, but if the right thing came along I could certainly see myself stepping into that zone.

Dennis Quaid