Why were Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid not happy with their son pursuing an acting career? Explored

American actor and director Meg Ryan is known for her appearances in a string of popular romantic comedies in the 1980s and 1990s. She was married to fellow Hollywood A-lister Dennis Quaid from 1991 until 2001. During their marriage, the couple welcomed a son named Jack Quaid, on April 24, 1992.

With two successful Hollywood actors for parents, Jack spent a lot of time on film sets as a kid. This experience helped instill a love of storytelling in him. He studied at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for three years before embarking on an acting career.

As per Jack, upon learning of his acting plans, both Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid were worried that their son would be subjected to the same level of scrutiny and judgment they faced in their careers.

They also keenly understood the struggles involved in the cut-throat world of show business and hence, were initially not happy with his decision to pursue acting.

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Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid supported Jack eventually

Jack Quaid as seen in an Instagram picture from May 2023 (Image via Instagram/@jack_quaid)

During his interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 27, 2024, Jack shared how his parents reacted after learning about his interest in acting. He said they weren't "super psyched about it" at the beginning, but came around to it eventually.

"With my parents, I told them I wanted to be an actor and they understood what that meant. They weren’t initially super psyched about it because they knew how tough it was for them, so they were like, 'Oh jeez, of course we have another one'. But ultimately they understood and were very supportive, so that I’m super grateful for."

Jack insisted that he got into acting due to his love for the craft, adding that it's the only way he can "survive(d) mentally in the entertainment industry." Also, seeing both his parents having successful careers spanning decades gave him the confidence that he could do the same.

His father, Dennis Quaid, appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show on October 13, 2020, and praised his son for wanting to carve his own path. He revealed that Jack refused to take his help and booked his own agent at the start of his career:

"My agent wanted to represent him and he said no I want to do it on my own. And then of course he gets an agent on his own and his first movie is Hunger Games. Then he gets in (Martin) Scorsese’s Vinyl on television, which was the hottest show there was. Now he’s doing The Boys, which is the hottest thing on streaming. It’s a great show."

In the past, Jack has been called a 'nepo baby' due to his privileged background, which he has acknowledged.

His mother, Meg Ryan, however, defended her son from the title, telling Glamour Magazine in November 2023, that the label is "dismissive of his work ethic, his gifts, and how sensitive he is to the idea of his privilege."

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Unlike Meg Ryan, Jack has found success in dramatic roles

Meg Ryan's son Jack Quaid as seen in an Instagram picture from July 2022 (Image via Instagram/@jack_quaid)

At the age of 20, Jack Quaid bagged his first acting role in the 2012 dystopian thriller The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson in lead roles. He played Marvel, a member of the competitive tribute from the wealthy District 1 in the movie.

His other film appearances include Scream, Scream VI, Logan Lucky, Rampage, Oppenheimer, etc.

Jack found success on television, playing Clark Morelle in the period drama, Vinyl. He gained prominence by playing the vigilante Hughie Campbell in the satirical superhero series The Boys on Prime Video.

Additionally, he voiced the role of Clark Kent / Superman in My Adventures with Superman, Brad Boimler in Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Richie Rich in Harvey Girls Forever!

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