Known for essaying a plethora of roles in the American movie industry, Dennis Quaid became famous for portraying Mike in 1979`s Breaking Away. He then oscillated between dramatic and comedic roles, appearing in films like The Long Riders (1980), All Night Long (1981), The Right Stuff (1983), and The Big Easy (1987). His career saw a downslide as he was battling drug addiction and an eating disorder. With the 1999 film Any Given Sunday, he redeemed his faltering career and afterward starred in films like Far from Heaven (2002), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Vantage Point (2008), Legion (2010), and Beneath the Darkness (2012).

Early Life
Born Dennis William Quaid to a real estate agent, Juanita Bonniedale and an electrician, William Rudy Quaid, Dennis Quaid is the younger sibling of actor the famous actor Randy Quaid. Raised a Baptist, the actor studied drama, Mandarin Chinese, and dance, as a part of his curriculum at Bellaire High School. For graduation, Quaid enrolled at the University of Houston, but dropped out before completing his course, to pursue a career in the world of glamor.

Personal Life
Dennis Quaid first tied the knot with actress P. J. Soles in 1978. But the nuptial didn`t last long and the couple got a divorce in 1983. Love knocked on the door again when he married actress Meg Ryan. Both fell in love during the shoot of their film D.O.A. They have a son named Jack Henry. Unfortunately for them, differences started seeping in soon and they mutually separated, divorcing in 2001, due to "irreconcilable reasons". In 2004, Dennis married 32-year-old Texas real estate agent Kimberly Buffington. Their twins were born on twins on November 8, 2007 - Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace. The twins were mistakenly given an adult dosage of heparin at the hospital and Quaid has since sued for negligence as well as filed a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Luckily, the children survived the overdose.

Movie Career
Post doing forgettable roles in movies like I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), Our Winning Season (1978), and The Seniors (1978), Dennis Quaid rose to prominence with the movie Breaking Away, which released in 1979. Directed by Peter Yates, the coming of age comedy-drama received the Golden Globe Award for Best Film, with appreciation pouring in for Quaid from all the quarters.

He then appeared in a few flops like The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981) and Jaws 3-D (1983), before starring in the critically acclaimed epic historical drama film The Right Stuff, where his portrayal of Gordon Cooper, received a nod from audience and critics, alike. In 1987, he received the Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Male for essaying Det. Remy McSwain in the crime drama The Big Easy.

In the late 80s and early 90, the actor`s career lost steam as he was constantly struggling to fight his cocaine addiction and the eating disaster- anorexia nervosa. During this period, he appeared in films like Great Balls of Fire! (1989), Postcards from the Edge (1990), Come See the Paradise (1990), and Something to Talk About (1995). The films failed to leave any impact on the audience and Quaid`s personal issues started affecting his career hugely. His followed this up with averagely successful big-budget such as Dragonheart (1996), Gang Related (1997), Switchback (1997), and Savior (1998).

In 1999, he saved his career by starring in Oliver Stone`s sports drama Any Given Sunday. The movie co-starring Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, and James Woods was a commercial blockbuster and ended Quaid`s spell of giving flop films. In December 2002, Quaid was named Best Supporting Actor by the New York Film Critics Circle for his role in Todd Haynes` Oscar contender, Far From Heaven. Two years later, Quaid starred as legendary Lone Star maverick Sam Houston in The Alamo with Billy Bob Thornton.

He, subsequently featured in movies like Vantage Point (2008), Legion (2010), Footloose (2011), Beneath the Darkness (2012), Playing for Keeps (2012), and At Any Price (2012). His 2017 release includes the comedy-drama A Dog`s Purpose. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, the movie along with Dennis Quaid stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, Juliet Rylance, John Ortiz, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Peggy Lipton, and Josh Gad in important roles. His 2019 releases include The Intruder and Midway.