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“Extra” special correspondent Alecia Davis spoke to Dennis Quaid about his role as Ronald Reagan in the new biopic “Reagan”.
Dennis called it “one of my most amazing acting experiences,” said Dennis: “I think I was 30 when he was in office and I learned a lot about the man playing him. The access we had was pretty amazing when we were filmed at the Reagan Ranch, which is not a tourist attraction and was left exactly as he and Nancy left it. “
Dennis noted that the ranch still contains clothing and furniture that belonged to Ronald and Nancy. He added, “If he was filming scenes there that actually happened there, the production has been blessed by the family and it’s not just a one-sided piece, it’s really about who he was.”
Quaid said of what he found out about his “favorite” president: “I learned that he was not a rich man. I always thought it was him, but when I go up to the Reagan Ranch you’ll realize how humble he actually was … The house itself is maybe almost like a one bedroom house, about 1,200 square feet. They had a king-size bed, but it was two single beds that were zipped together. It was just a beautiful place. You could really feel him up there. “
Dennis, who lives in Nashville, also spoke about his music and touring. He remembered his childhood and said, “I got my first guitar when I was 12 that my grandfather bought me and you know Johnny Cash was my first musical hero … Johnny Cash was the inspiration, and it became very related to acting because songwriting and making music tell stories, and that’s what acting is. “
About his songwriting process, Dennis said, “I make music that has influenced me in my life.”
In addition to writing songs, Dennis plans to work with some of his famous country friends. He said: “Jamey [Johnson]will do a bit. I already have Tanya Tucker and Kris Kristofferson. I’m talking to Billy Ray Cyrus. “
Quaid was thrilled that he was going “city to city” for his tour, which is new to him, he explained, “because I’ve been in the movies where you go to a city and stay there for two or three months . “
Dennis will also appear in his 14th sports film, American Underdog, based on Kurt Warner’s football career. What excites him about these films? He said, ‘You are very dramatic.’
Dennis also spoke to “Extras” Billy Bush, who recently found some golf balls that belonged to the actor. Regard!