Randy Quaid's Five-Decade Career

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Introduction
Quaid's Family and Early Life
Breakout Role in 'The Last Detail'
Randy Quaid's Portrayal of President Lyndon Johnson
Randy Quaid (Photos)
Quaid's Awards and Honors
Quaid's Extensive Filmography Highlights
Randy Quaid (Videos)
Randy Quaid's Marriages and Relationships
Randy Quaid's Legal Troubles and Arrests
Randy's Recent Acting Projects
Closing Thoughts on Quaid

Randy Quaid's Five-Decade Career

Curated by

cdteliot

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Randy Quaid, an Academy Award-nominated American actor, is known for his versatile performances in both dramatic and comedic roles across film and television. With a career spanning over five decades, Quaid has garnered critical acclaim for his work in films like "The Last Detail" and "Brokeback Mountain," as well as his portrayal of iconic characters such as Cousin Eddie in the "National Lampoon's Vacation" series.

Quaid's Family and Early Life

en.wikipedia.org

Randy Quaid was born on October 1, 1950, in Houston, Texas, to Juanita Bonniedale "Nita" (née Jordan), a real estate agent, and William Rudy Quaid, an electrician

. He grew up in Bellaire, Texas, a small city surrounded by Houston, and in southwest Houston

. Quaid attended Pershing Middle School and Bellaire High School, where he first took a drama class on a whim and quickly became captivated by acting

. He continued his studies at the University of Houston's School of Theatre and Dance

. Randy is the older brother of actor Dennis Quaid, with whom he has had a strained relationship, reportedly due to a bad real estate deal in Montecito, California

. Quaid's ancestry includes English, Scots-Irish, and Cajun roots, and he is a third cousin of cowboy movie star Gene Autry

5 sources

Breakout Role in 'The Last Detail'

rottentomatoes.com

Randy Quaid's breakout role came with the 1973 film "The Last Detail," directed by Hal Ashby and based on the novel by Darryl Ponicsan. Quaid played the character Larry Meadows, a young, naive sailor sentenced to eight years in a New Hampshire prison for a petty crime. His portrayal of Meadows, who is escorted by two seasoned Navy lifers played by Jack Nicholson and Otis Young, was both poignant and humorous, highlighting Quaid's ability to balance comedy and drama effectively

. Quaid's performance in "The Last Detail" earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor

. The film itself was noted for its raw and authentic depiction of military life, with director Hal Ashby allowing the cast to explore their characters deeply, resulting in a unique and memorable dramedy

. The screenplay by Robert Towne was also highly praised, contributing to the film's success and its lasting impact on 1970s cinema

. "The Last Detail" was not only a significant milestone in Quaid's career but also a film that showcased his talent to a broader audience, setting the stage for his future successes in Hollywood.

5 sources

Randy Quaid's Portrayal of President Lyndon Johnson

imdb.com

Randy Quaid's portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1987 television film "LBJ: The Early Years" is one of the most acclaimed performances of his career. Quaid's depiction of Johnson, spanning the years 1934 to 1963, earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor capable of embodying complex historical figures

. The film traces Johnson's rise from a young congressman to his assumption of the presidency, highlighting his political acumen and personal struggles. Critics praised Quaid for his ability to capture Johnson's larger-than-life personality and nuanced political maneuvering, with some noting that his performance was so convincing it felt like watching a documentary

. This role not only showcased Quaid's dramatic talents but also his dedication to bringing authenticity to his characters, making it a standout in his extensive filmography.

5 sources

Randy Quaid (Photos)

emmys.com

fandango.com

rottentomatoes.com

Quaid's Awards and Honors

Randy Quaid has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, reflecting his talent and versatility as an actor. Below is a summary of his most notable accolades:

Year	Award	Category	Result	Work
1974	Academy Award	Best Supporting Actor	Nominated	The Last Detail
1974	Golden Globe	Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture	Nominated	The Last Detail
1975	BAFTA Award	Best Supporting Actor	Nominated	The Last Detail
1984	Primetime Emmy	Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special	Nominated	A Streetcar Named Desire
1987	Primetime Emmy	Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special	Nominated	LBJ: The Early Years
1988	Golden Globe	Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television	Won	LBJ: The Early Years
2005	Primetime Emmy	Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie	Nominated	Elvis
2006	Golden Globe	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television	Nominated	Elvis
2009	Vancouver Film Critics Circle	Best Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film	Won	Real Time

Quaid's career highlights include winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson in "LBJ: The Early Years" and receiving an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Last Detail"

5 sources

Quaid's Extensive Filmography Highlights

Randy Quaid has had a prolific career in film, spanning over five decades with a diverse range of roles in both mainstream and independent films. Below is a summary of his notable filmography:

Year	Title	Role
1971	The Last Picture Show	Lester Marlow
1973	The Last Detail	Larry Meadows
1975	Breakout	Hawk
1976	The Missouri Breaks	Little Tod
1978	Midnight Express	Jimmy Booth
1983	National Lampoon's Vacation	Cousin Eddie
1989	National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation	Cousin Eddie
1996	Independence Day	Russell Casse
1996	Kingpin	Ishmael
2005	Brokeback Mountain	Joe Aguirre
2006	Goya's Ghosts	King Carlos IV
2008	Real Time	Rubin
2009	Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach	Coach Lew Tuttle
2018	All You Can Eat	Big Ed

Quaid's filmography showcases his versatility, from his early breakout role in "The Last Detail" to his memorable performances in comedies like "National Lampoon's Vacation" and blockbusters such as "Independence Day"

5 sources

Randy Quaid (Videos)

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Randy Quaid's Marriages and Relationships

nypost.com

Randy Quaid's first marriage was to former model Ella Marie Jolly on May 11, 1980, with whom he had a daughter, Amanda Marie, born in 1983. The couple separated in 1986 and divorced in 1989

. Quaid met Evi Motolanez in December 1987 on the set of "Bloodhounds of Broadway," and they married on October 5, 1989, at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California

. The couple has had multiple wedding ceremonies, including one in Hollywood near Quaid's favorite hotel and Walk of Fame star, and another in Toronto, Canada, after they became refugee claimants

. Their relationship has been marked by legal troubles, including arrests for unpaid hotel bills and charges of conspiracy and burglary

5 sources

Randy Quaid's Legal Troubles and Arrests

cbc.ca

In September 2009, Randy Quaid and his wife, Evi, were arrested for allegedly defrauding the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara by failing to pay a hotel bill exceeding $10,000

. Despite their claims of having settled the bill, the couple faced felony charges and were released on bail

. The legal battles continued into 2010, with the couple repeatedly failing to appear in court, resulting in additional warrants for their arrest

. In April 2010, Evi Quaid accepted a plea deal on a misdemeanor offense, leading to the dismissal of felony fraud charges against both

. Later that year, the Quaids were charged with squatting and vandalizing a property they previously owned in Montecito, California, further complicating their legal troubles

5 sources

Randy's Recent Acting Projects

tvinsider.com

After nearly a decade away from acting, Randy Quaid returned to the screen with a role in the 2018 film "All You Can Eat," also known as "Weight"

. Despite the film's low budget and limited release, it marked Quaid's re-entry into the industry after years of legal and personal troubles

. The movie was screened at a few film festivals before being released straight to video and video on demand (VOD)

. Since then, Quaid has not announced any new projects, and his options for returning to a mainstream acting career remain limited due to his tarnished reputation and ongoing legal issues

5 sources

Closing Thoughts on Quaid

Randy Quaid's career, while marked by significant achievements, has also been overshadowed by numerous controversies and legal troubles. In recent years, Quaid and his wife, Evi, have made headlines for their erratic behavior and legal issues, including allegations of defrauding a Santa Barbara hotel and squatting in a property they previously owned in Montecito, California

. These incidents have led to multiple arrests and court appearances, further complicating Quaid's public image. Quaid's claims of a "Star Whacker" conspiracy, where he alleges that a secret group in Hollywood is targeting celebrities like Heath Ledger and David Carradine, have been widely dismissed as outlandish and have contributed to his reputation for eccentricity

. Despite these controversies, Quaid's talent as an actor remains undisputed, with memorable performances in films such as "The Last Detail," "Brokeback Mountain," and "Independence Day"

. As an award-winning actor, Quaid has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson in "LBJ: The Early Years" and an Academy Award nomination for "The Last Detail"

. His contributions to both film and television have left a lasting impact, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. In the 21st century, Quaid's career has been less active, with fewer roles in theater and film. However, his legacy as a talented and acclaimed actor endures, despite the personal and legal challenges he has faced. As he continues to navigate his complex life, Quaid's body of work remains a testament to his skill and resilience as an actor.