In a recent interview on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, actor Dennis Quaid opened up about his past marriage to actress Meg Ryan, stating that he has no regrets about their nearly decade-long relationship, despite the challenges they faced. Quaid, now 70, shared his reflections on the impact of their combined fame, personal struggles, and the value of their relationship in his life, particularly their son, Jack Quaid, who has become a prominent actor.
Quaid and Ryan were married from 1991 until their split in 2000. The actor explained that during their marriage, Ryan’s fame surged, especially following her iconic role in When Harry Met Sally, which coincided with a period when Quaid was struggling with substance abuse and entering rehab. He admitted that Ryan’s rise to stardom created tensions, though he always recognized her immense talent. “When I met Meg, I was here as far as the career thing, and she was here, and then it just went like that,” Quaid remarked during the interview, indicating the shift in their respective career trajectories.
Despite the challenges posed by the changing dynamics in their professional lives, Quaid emphasized that he holds no ill feelings. “I don’t regret anything about my marriage to Meg,” Quaid told Wallace, describing Ryan as “a great, sweet person” and attributing their relationship’s lasting legacy to their son, Jack Quaid, now 32, who has gained widespread recognition for his roles in The Boys and Oppenheimer. Quaid expressed pride in his son, stating that Jack’s career might even eclipse both of his parents’ achievements.
Quaid and Ryan’s divorce followed years of media speculation, fueled by reports of infidelity on both sides. Ryan’s alleged affair with Proof of Life co-star Russell Crowe made headlines, though Ryan later clarified in a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey that Crowe was not the reason for the dissolution of her marriage. “It was never about another man,” she said, attributing the split to deeper issues in their “unhealthy” relationship. Ryan also disclosed in a separate interview that Quaid had not been faithful during their marriage, a revelation that she learned more about after their divorce.
Quaid has since addressed these difficulties, noting that he did feel overshadowed by Ryan’s career during their marriage. In a 2018 interview, he stated, “I have to admit it, I actually did feel like I disappeared.” This period became a learning experience for the actor, one that shaped his personal growth.
While Ryan chose not to remarry, Quaid moved on, marrying twice after his split with Ryan. He wed real estate agent Kimberly Buffington in 2004, with whom he shares two children. Their marriage ended in 2018. In 2020, Quaid married Laura Savoie, a Ph.D. student. Quaid’s continued reflections on his marriage to Ryan demonstrate his maturity and growth, even as he maintains a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned from their relationship.
During the interview with Wallace, Quaid touched on his personal challenges during the 1990s, a time when he was battling addiction and undergoing treatment. He acknowledged that his struggles played a role in the strain on their marriage, which, combined with the pressures of public life, led to their eventual separation. Yet, he emphasized that he and Ryan were able to maintain a respectful relationship post-divorce, with their focus always being on raising their son, Jack.
Today, Quaid remains an active figure in Hollywood, recently starring in the biopic Reagan, which explores the life of former President Ronald Reagan. His conversation with Wallace was part of the film’s promotional tour, though the discussion veered into personal territory, leading Quaid to reflect on his past with both clarity and candor.
The story of Quaid and Ryan’s marriage is a reminder of the pressures that public figures often face when balancing fame, personal struggles, and relationships. Both actors have moved on in their respective lives, with Ryan focusing on her family and occasional acting roles, while Quaid continues to maintain a busy schedule in Hollywood.
Quaid’s acknowledgment of the complexity of their relationship, coupled with his positive outlook on the outcome, reflects a man who has come to terms with the past, while also embracing the successes of both his ex-wife and their son. “We got Jack out of it,” Quaid concluded, expressing a father’s pride and a deep sense of fulfillment.
