Randy Quaid

Randy Quaid is an American actor known for his versatile and often eccentric performances across film and television. He first gained significant attention for his role in the acclaimed 1973 film The Last Detail, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His career spans over five decades, featuring memorable roles in major studio comedies like National Lampoon's Vacation and acclaimed dramas such as Brokeback Mountain. Quaid's later years have been marked by a series of high-profile legal issues and his departure from the United States.

Early life and education

Randall Rudy Quaid was born in Houston, Texas, to a family of modest means. He is the older brother of fellow actor Dennis Quaid, with whom he would later collaborate professionally. Quaid developed an interest in acting during his youth and pursued his education at the University of Houston, where he studied drama. His early theatrical work in Texas eventually led him to seek opportunities in California, following a path similar to other aspiring actors of his generation.

Career

Quaid's breakthrough came with his portrayal of a young sailor in Hal Ashby's The Last Detail, a performance that brought him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. He subsequently built a prolific career, often playing memorable supporting characters. He starred as the hapless cousin Cousin Eddie in the popular National Lampoon's Vacation series, a role he reprised multiple times. His filmography includes diverse projects such as The Midnight Express, The Missouri Breaks opposite Marlon Brando, and Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show. On television, he earned a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the television film LBJ: The Early Years and received an Emmy Award nomination for his role in the miniseries Gore Vidal's Lincoln. In the 2000s, he delivered a critically praised performance as a rancher in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain.

Personal life

Quaid has been married twice, first to real estate agent Ella Jolly and later to filmmaker Evi Quaid, who has frequently collaborated with him on various projects. He has one child from his first marriage. In the late 2000s, Quaid and his wife became subjects of significant media attention due to their unconventional behavior and statements regarding the Hollywood film industry. The couple has resided in several locations, including California, Texas, and, following their legal troubles, Canada and Vermont.

Legal issues

Beginning in 2009, Quaid and his wife faced a series of arrests and criminal charges in Santa Barbara, primarily related to allegations of defrauding an innkeeper and vandalism at a property they had previously owned. These incidents initiated a long-running legal saga. The couple subsequently sought refugee status in Canada, claiming they were fleeing from a mysterious group they called "Hollywood Star Whackers" whom they alleged were targeting them. Their asylum claim was denied by Canadian authorities. In 2016, they were arrested in Montreal for outstanding warrants in the United States but avoided extradition. They later settled in the Northeastern United States.

Filmography

A selected list of his notable film and television appearances includes: * The Last Detail (1973) * Breakout (1975) * The Missouri Breaks (1976) * National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) * The Wraith (1986) * Parents (1989) * Texasville (1990) * Kingpin (1996) * The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) * Brokeback Mountain (2005) * Goya's Ghosts (2006)

Category:American film actors Category:American television actors Category:1950 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from Houston Category:University of Houston alumni