You Don’t Know Jack. But You Will Soon.

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As Jack Quaid, I’ve navigated the wacky and unpredictable world of Hollywood with a good dose of humor and resilience. Growing up with acting legends like my father, Randy Quaid, and grandfather, Jason Stacy, has certainly been a unique experience. The spotlight was always shining somewhere in our family, but it’s been up to me to find my own path.

Avoid questioning Jack Quaid regarding the complex plot of his forthcoming film, “Companion,” as he prefers not to discuss it. Instead, he suggests, “This movie is best experienced if you approach it with minimal prior knowledge.

Speaking of his recent action movie, “Novocaine”, the 32-year-old actor – the son of renowned actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan – might spend quite a while discussing the difficulties he encountered in portraying a character who lacks the sensation of pain.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Quaid shares that the role of Nathan Caine in the movie was exceptionally challenging as it required intense physical exertion. He finds his character to be an unusual fit for an action hero, which is what makes the film intriguing for him. After all, he says, nobody anticipates him to perform such stunts, but he certainly does them in a unique manner within that movie.

Regardless of the numerous high-profile film releases in his near future, such as “Companion” in January, “Novocaine” in March, and “Heads of State” soon to come, Quaid considers himself incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with so many gifted actors and gained self-insight during the experience.

Here, Quaid openly discusses his upbringing within the entertainment world alongside his well-known parents, advises against viewing the upcoming trailer for the next “Companion” series, shares insights on portraying a character devoid of pain in “Novocaine”, previews the fifth and concluding season of “The Boys”, and touches on various other topics.

Given that your parents were in the acting profession, can you explain how this upbringing influenced the actor you’ve become? Also, at what point did you decide you too wanted to pursue a career in acting like them?

Many people might presume that my choice to pursue acting stems from the fact that both my parents were actors, but that assumption would be incorrect. Instead, what my parents provided me with was invaluable proof that it’s possible to earn a living as an actor. I attended drama school, and many of my fellow students shared similar stories – they expressed their desire to become actors, only to face discouragement from their families. However, when I told my parents about my aspirations, they accepted it without hesitation. They recognized the challenges ahead but were ultimately supportive, which is something I’m extremely thankful for.

To be honest, my driving force behind pursuing this was… I can’t imagine how I could have endured the mental rigors of the entertainment world if I didn’t genuinely cherish what I was doing. If fame or influence were my main motivations, I would have left this field a long time ago. It was essential for me to discover the passion for it before diving in.

As you prepare for a bustling year that lies ahead, you’ll find the psychological thriller “Companion” being released in January. What was it that first attracted you to this project?

I found the script to be one of the finest pieces I’ve ever come across. Director Drew Hancock did an exceptional job in crafting this intriguing tale that kept me guessing throughout. The story is incredibly relevant and resonant. Just like the series The Boys, it grabbed my attention instantly, leaving me eager to be a part of it. Upon meeting with Drew, I felt compelled to join the project, exclaiming, “If you want me, I’m yours! This is incredible!” I’m grateful that I got the opportunity because it was truly one of the most rewarding acting experiences for me. The cast in this film is outstanding, and I feel fortunate to have worked alongside Sophie Thatcher, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage, and Rupert Friend. It was like a dream team that I got to witness at work. I’m excited for viewers to see it. I would strongly advise them to minimize their research about the movie before watching. It is best experienced when viewed with minimal prior knowledge. So if you’ve already decided to watch it, avoid any trailers or additional information as much as possible. If you’re still undecided, go ahead and watch it, and make your own decision based on that experience.

Do you tend to prefer certain movie genres, and are there any genres you haven’t explored yet that you’d be interested in working on in the future?

I have a strong affection for suspenseful stories, and “Companion” undoubtedly falls into that category. On the other hand, “Novocaine” is more of an action-packed film, which was both enjoyable to produce and incredibly demanding on my physical abilities. It was one of the most taxing projects I’ve ever undertaken, primarily due to the demands placed on my body in that movie. … I find myself an unconventional choice for an action hero, which is what makes “Novocaine” intriguing to me. I doubt anyone anticipates me to be delivering powerful blows, but I do so in a unique way in that film. The character I play suffers from CIPA, a real genetic disorder where the individual is insensitive to pain and has no sweat glands. Essentially, their nervous system prevents them from feeling pain, and it’s not necessarily advantageous. Many people with this condition don’t live past 25 because they could accidentally harm themselves without realizing it. They have to liquidize their meals and consume them through a straw to avoid biting their tongue. So, it can be quite terrifying. The story revolves around a character who is initially sheltered and living in a protective bubble, using that vulnerability to shield someone he cares about. It’s fascinating to participate in action scenes where I don’t feel pain and struggle not to show any discomfort because, naturally, one would react to being hit repeatedly, but I don’t display such reactions in this movie. Thus, the challenge was quite engaging.

What type of genre I’d like to explore further is none other than pure, unadulterated comedy, a genre that seems less prevalent these days. I yearn for the times when simple, goofy comedies with genuine emotion were abundant. It’s not that there aren’t any currently, but I crave more of them and aspire to be part of one myself.

Are you prepared for the conclusion of The Boys with its fifth and last season, and do you believe this is the appropriate moment to conclude the show?

It seems fitting that we conclude with season five since we’re wrapping up on our own accord rather than being abruptly canceled. The showrunner had always planned for a five-season run, and I’ve been keeping this under wraps [laughs]. I find it satisfying when endings are deliberate, and the fifth season of ‘The Boys’ promises to be chaotic, messy, and intense. There’s a strong possibility that many characters might meet their end. I can hardly wait to see how everything unfolds!

What does your perfect day off look like?

When it comes to choosing an answer, nothing could be more uninteresting. I find great pleasure in spending my days lazing around at home, doing absolutely nothing, if you can believe it. I enjoy taking strolls, and yes, I consider myself quite the walker. My lifestyle is straightforward. Living in L.A., I still make a point of going for a walk every day. It helps me clear my mind. Occasionally, I like to go jogging. Other than that, you’ll find me lounging in my living room, engrossed in video games or simply doing nothing. I do try to be a bit more productive at times – writing is one of my passions. I’m currently working on pitching a project and am writing a screenplay. My interests in the entertainment industry extend beyond acting. I’m part of a sketch comedy group, and we perform live whenever possible. However, when it comes to days off, I think I’m just resting. In my own way, I’m quite a simple creature.

It sounds like you’re trying to make L.A. walkable.

To be quite straightforward, that’s what I aim for. I believe I’m blazing new trails and it would certainly make me happy if my efforts were recognized in that regard [Chuckles]!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to help get to where you are today? 

Many actors often grapple with self-doubt and anxiety, both before and after achieving some level of success. This is often accompanied by feelings of imposter syndrome, where they question their worthiness despite their accomplishments. However, it’s important to recognize that one is at least competent enough for the role. A healthy dose of confidence should be maintained, but it must always be supported by hard work.

If you had to describe what makes Jack Quaid, Jack Quaid, what would you say? 

At my very essence, I’m like the quirky, waving inflatable tube man you see at used car dealerships. I don’t think I’m overly complex, more like a guy caught up by the wind with an abundance of limbs – it’s a bit funny, isn’t it? [Laughs]

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2024-12-27 18:55