One thing convinced Dennis Quaid to accept the role of President Ronald Reagan in "The Reagan Show."
Dennis Quaid found inspiration to portray Ronald Reagan during a fateful trip to the 'Western White House.'
Dennis Quaid agonized over the idea of portraying President Reagan.
Six years ago, when he was first offered the role of the 40th president of the United States in a biopic about Reagan's life, the Emmy Award-winning actor questioned his decision to play the part.
Quaid revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that he didn't say no or yes because of fear. He added that Reagan was his favorite president and was recognized globally, similar to Muhammad Ali.
It was a terrifying prospect since everyone recognized his appearance and voice.
"I didn't want to impersonate him and instead wanted to understand his true character, so I delayed my response."
Quaid learned the true nature of Reagan through his visit to Reagan's Southern California ranch.
As Quaid drove through a private gate after traversing 5 miles of the worst road in California, he realized that Reagan was a humble man.
"He was not wealthy, and he possessed a humility that defined him," Quaid stated. "I could sense this quality in him. They preserved his 'Western White House' after his death, which was bought by his friends. His and Nancy's clothing were still in the closet, untouched."
The small 1,100-square-foot home with "two single beds that were zip-tied together" to make one king-sized bed in one of the rooms of the modest two-bedroom house left Quaid impressed.
He observed that the remote controls resembled those from the '80s, when it was necessary to use three remote controls to operate the TV.
"He was the great communicator and all that. But I didn't want to do an impersonation of him. I wanted to really kind of get to the core of who he was as a person. So, I put off saying yes." — Dennis Quaid
"After seeing the land's work, I knew it was him and felt it. That's when I said 'Yes, I'll do this' because I found a way in."
Quaid was determined to discover all he could about the actor from Dixon, Illinois, who became a sensation in Hollywood, but later devoted his life to public service after leaving the US Army Air Forces in 1945.
Quaid stated that he spoke with individuals who were close to Reagan and knew him well. They all agreed that there was a private, unknowable aspect to Reagan that could not be penetrated, even by Nancy, the great communicator.
"He was not a rich man, and there was a humility about him that was kind of the bedrock of who he was." — Dennis Quaid
I believe that his faith played a role in his decision to visit a place where he had a personal connection with his maker. This belief served as his guiding light throughout his life. As a president and governor of California, he governed based on principles rather than popular trends or changes in the wind.
DENNIS QUAID APPRECIATES PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN'S SKILL IN GOVERNING ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLES.
"Despite being in the minority, those principles were his guide to winning the Cold War against the Soviets."
Regan's "humanness" and her struggle like all of us inspired Quaid.
"We share two commonalities: a sunny disposition and being actors. I believe Reagan felt like a failure as an actor and never reached the desired level of success."
Reagan never had the opportunity to move beyond B-movies at Warner, he stated.
"I believe he became first vice president and then president of the Screen Actors Guild as a means of entering politics, which was crucial to his purpose."
Interview with Dennis Quaid on Ronald Reagan's communication skills.
"Be cautious when asking God for something, as he may grant it to you, but in a way that you didn't anticipate."
The ensemble cast includes Quaid, Jon Voight, Penelope Ann Miller, and David Henrie.
Tickets are available starting July 4. "Reagan" hits theaters nationwide on Aug. 30.
entertainment
You might also like
- 'Million Dollar Listing' star predicts that over 70% of Palisades residents will not return after the devastating LA fires.
- Kelly Osbourne criticizes celebrities for exploiting the LA fires for personal gain in a harsh speech.
- A heated legal battle between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively has been sparked by Justin Baldoni.
- Renowned British actress Joan Plowright, who was married to Laurence Olivier, has passed away at the age of 95.
- Actor Sam Elliott, known for his role in 'Dr. Quinn,' reflects on the Palisades Fire and its similarities to the aftermath of Hiroshima.