Who are Jack Quaid's parents? 'Oppenheimer' actor had 'slightly abnormal' upbringing as nepo baby

Jack Quaid is one of the 'nepo babies' in Hollywood, which refers to individuals who have followed their famous parents' footsteps into the industry
UPDATED JUL 16, 2023
Jack Quaid is the son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan (Frazer Harrison/Dan Callister/Getty Images)
Jack Quaid is the son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan (Frazer Harrison/Dan Callister/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jack Quaid is all geared up for his upcoming movie 'Oppenheimer' by Christopher Nolan, scheduled to be released on July 21. 'The Boys' star, however, is one of the "nepo babies" in Hollywood, which refers to individuals who have followed their famous parents' footsteps into the entertainment industry.

Recently, Quaid claimed that he didn't fully grasp the uniqueness of his upbringing and family dynamic while growing up as the child of renowned actors. In an interview with People, the 31-year-old actor shared that his childhood felt relatively normal because many of his friends were also from families working in the entertainment industry. "I grew up with friends who also had parents in the industry, so it didn't really feel different," he said. 

Who are Jack Quaid's parents?

Jack Quaid is the son of two well-known actors, Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. Dennis has had a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films such as 'The Parent Trap,' 'The Day After Tomorrow,' and 'The Rookie.' He has received critical acclaim for his performances and has established himself as a versatile actor in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Actors Jack Quaid (L) and Dennis Quaid attend the Armani and Cinema Society Screening of Sony Pictures Classics'
Jack Quaid with his father Dennis Quaid (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Meg Ryan is also a highly regarded actress known for her roles in romantic comedies such as 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'Sleepless in Seattle,' and 'You've Got Mail.' She became one of the most beloved and recognizable actresses of the 1990s, known for her charming and relatable on-screen presence.

Meg Ryan attends the amfAR Gala Los Angeles 2021 on November 04, 2021 in West Hollywood, California.
Meg Ryan ( Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

'I will thank them until the day I die'

Quaid, whose on-screen debut came in 2012’s 'The Hunger Games', said, "You grow up, and you realize that's a pretty unique thing, that not one but two of your parents are actors. You don't realize that things are slightly abnormal until later." Throughout his career, Quaid's parents have maintained a hands-off approach regarding his professional pursuits. Despite their own successful careers in the entertainment industry, they have allowed Jack the freedom to navigate his own path and make his own choices. "They don’t really give me advice. I’ve never asked them, 'How should I perform this scene?'" he said, adding that the way Hollywood works now is "so much different that it worked back then for them."

Quaid expressed gratitude to his parents for providing him with a childhood that encouraged him to explore his passions and interests. He has described himself as a "gigantic superhero nerd" and credits his upbringing for allowing him to fully embrace his love for franchises like 'Star Trek' and 'Superman'. "I will thank them for that until the day I die," he said. "Now I get to actually live in these worlds, and that’s just been such a joy."

RELATED TOPICS OPPENHEIMER

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television after he roasted host Nate Bargatze
Sep 15, 2025
Kevin Hart doesn't appreciate paparazzi’s question after viral video of him hosting Diddy’s party resurfaces
Apr 6, 2025
Diddy’s childhood friend Tim Patterson claims Janice Combs’s wild parties often involved pimps, homosexuals, and other adult activities
Apr 6, 2025
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in 1994, but she initially thought the King of Pop was a creep—and we totally get why
Apr 6, 2025
Riley Keough opens up about the Presley family curse in a candid interview while on tour for her book, 'From Here to the Great Unknown'
Apr 5, 2025
Natalie Morales hits back after her interview with Seth Meyers is removed from all platforms due to a revealing outfit
Apr 5, 2025
"Babyface, can you believe she wants me to dress like a girl?" Michael Jackson told a producer.
Apr 2, 2025
Sofia Vergara also dished out on why she doesn't ever want to play Modern Family's Gloria again
Apr 2, 2025
"It took more and more to get high, and I honestly don't know when your body decides it can't deal with it anymore," Lisa Marie Presley wrote.
Apr 1, 2025
A family member's last-minute intervention saved Michael Jackson from the 9/11 tragedy—here’s what happened
Apr 1, 2025