Dennis Quaid: Playing Ronald Reagan Was the Scariest Role of My Life | Ep 225 | The Glenn Beck Podcast
Aug 31, 2024
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In this candid conversation, Dennis Quaid, the acclaimed actor known for his versatile roles, opens up about the daunting experience of portraying Ronald Reagan. He shares the profound impact of visiting Reagan's ranch and how it helped him embrace the role. Quaid reflects on his personal struggles with addiction and the transformative power of faith. The discussion touches on America's future, the importance of community, and the nostalgic legacy of Reagan, while Quaid reveals his musical talent in an impromptu piano performance.
Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Ronald Reagan challenged him deeply due to his admiration, making it his scariest role yet.
Quaid believes personal relationships and community connections are essential for mending America and fostering a hopeful future.
Deep dives
Dennis Quaid's Connection to Ronald Reagan
Dennis Quaid discusses the profound impact Ronald Reagan had on his life and career. Portraying Reagan in the film 'Reagan' posed a unique challenge for Quaid, who felt a deep admiration for the former president. He shares how Reagan was not only his favorite president but also a significant figure in his formative years, shaping his political views and beliefs. Quaid reflects on a memorable childhood experience with his father, who passionately supported Reagan, which further solidified Quaid's connection to him.
The Journey Through Addiction and Faith
Quaid opens up about his struggles with addiction, specifically his past cocaine use during the turbulent 1970s. He explains the phases of addiction, describing it as starting with fun, evolving into fun with problems, and ultimately leading to problems that take over one's life. His journey to recovery began with a stay in rehab, where he discovered the role of spirituality in overcoming addiction. Quaid emphasizes the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which played a vital role in his journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Cultural Reflections and America's Challenges
The conversation delves into current societal issues, paralleling them with historical struggles faced by America. Quaid and the host express concern about the resurgence of communism and the fading love for the country in popular culture, drawing comparisons to the challenges encountered during Reagan's time. They ponder whether a cultural renewal, similar to the 'morning in America' Reagan once spoke of, is possible in today’s climate. This reflection leads to a discussion about the changing political landscape and the need for common sense and decency in leadership.
The Importance of Personal Relationships
Both speakers emphasize the significance of personal relationships in navigating life's challenges, relating this idea to the love story of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Quaid notes that this kind of relationship may seem unrealistic in today's society, marked by a consumer culture and a lack of authentic connections. They reflect on their own experiences of finding supportive partnerships, contrasting them with the current depictions of relationships in popular media. As they discuss the journey to cultivate genuine connections, they highlight the hope for a renaissance of meaningful relationships based on authenticity and mutual respect.
When actor Dennis Quaid was approached to play Ronald Reagan in the new movie "Reagan," he almost didn’t take the role. "Fear went up my spine," he tells Glenn on a special episode of "The Glenn Beck Podcast." "He’s probably my biggest hero, in a way." As the two sit surrounded by beautiful mountains at Glenn’s ranch in Idaho, Quaid explains how a visit to Reagan’s own ranch property was what finally convinced him to accept the part. "I GOT Reagan there. You can feel him." Quaid reveals what made Reagan such a formidable — yet loved — president and whether or not America will ever see a similar leader again. They dive into Quaid’s past struggles with addiction, the dangers of fame, and how he eventually developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that pulled him through it all. Plus, Quaid provides hope for our nation’s future, from the ability of RFK Jr. to bridge Democrat and Republican Party lines and signs the world is "turning right side up again" to his belief that mending America starts with one small step at a time: "I think it starts at home, in our relationships with our friend [and] local community." They discuss how COVID replicated a kind of "spiritual revolution," the spread of communism, and how Quaid learned piano from Jerry Lee Lewis himself — which Quaid then demonstrates in an impromptu performance. So is Quaid concerned for the nation’s future? Or is he steadfast — like Reagan — in his belief in the American people? He tells Glenn that he’s an optimist and that "people are yearning for a return to common sense and decency."
Special thank-you to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for helping to provide footage of the 40th president.
Note: The new movie "Reagan" is a sponsor of "The Glenn Beck Program."
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