Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

Ahead of the premiere of the biopic "Reagan," star Dennis Quaid shares his thoughts on the former president's impact, his views on modern politics, and Hollywood's disconnect from small-town values.

Standing on the steps of Ronald Reagan's boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois, Dennis Quaid, who portrays the former president in the upcoming biopic "Reagan," shared his admiration for Reagan's humble roots and lasting influence.

"Humble is the description because that's how I felt," Quaid said, reflecting on his visit to the Western White House. "He was a humble man."

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

Quaid spoke about Reagan's impact on his own life, noting that the former actor-turned-politician's connection to small-town America resonated deeply with him.

"You come here, and it's a beautiful house," Quaid said after touring Reagan's childhood home. "This architecture is the example of that period of America. The whole town reminds me of, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life' in a way. You can really feel those values."

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

Quaid also found Reagan's humility at his ranch, Rancho del Cielo, where he witnessed the former president's hands-on approach to daily life.

"You could just feel it in his deeds and in the places where he dwelled," Quaid said. "He mowed all that grass, he really worked along those fences and dug that pond himself."

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

Despite his Hollywood fame, Quaid expressed concern about the disconnect between the entertainment industry and small-town values.

"Well, there are so many people in Hollywood that are from places like this," he said. "And, you know, there's a lot of great people in Hollywood too. There's a lot of churches in Hollywood, and you know where to find them. I think Hollywood has created its own rap since the movies it makes or whatever, but it seems to have forgotten these hometown values."

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

"I feel like Hollywood today - they lost their audience, and they're trying to find them," he added.

Locals in Dixon expressed admiration for Reagan's character and values, which they hoped to see reflected in today's political scene.

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

"Growing up in this area, living in Rock Falls between his birthplace and his boyhood home, he’s always been my favorite president," said Becky Anderson.

Sara Ortgiesen, who marched in Reagan's inaugural parade, praised his "integrity," "morals," and conservatism.

Dennis Quaid Reflects on Reagan's Legacy and Today's Political Climate

Quaid echoed these sentiments, noting Reagan's ability to communicate effectively and govern with principle.

"He really was who he was," Quaid said. "There wasn't a lot of artifice to him. He really knew how to communicate well, he knew how to speak well. His ideas were American ideals. And they were principles, actually. That's how he governed and that's how he lived his life."

One of Reagan's enduring legacies was his fight against communism, a topic that Quaid explores in the film.

"Reagan won the Cold War," Quaid said. "Reagan also testified communists are trying to take over the unions in Hollywood, not just the actors union, but the set builders union and cameras union and writers, everything and make it all one thing."

"And Reagan fought that at the time," he continued. "And when he testified before Congress, he said that we ought to, as a nation, just go ahead and allow the communist party to come into the country and let them say their ideas and everything else because democracy can handle it. And it would sort itself out. Because people would see the common sense in things. He believed in common sense."

Quaid also reflected on the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, expressing gratitude that he survived.

"Well, I had the same reaction that I had when Reagan was shot," he said. "Thank God he survived it. Because the first thing I thought when Reagan got shot was remembering when Kennedy got shot, and it crippled our nation's spirit for some decades. It was Ronald Reagan who kind of actually brought that spirit back."

Quaid highlighted the importance of faith in his own life, something Reagan shared.

"It plays a large, large role in my life," Quaid said. "It is life and what's important goes way beyond being in movies or having a career. It's your faith. Important thing's like your family."

Quaid's portrayal of Reagan in the film "Reagan" brings to life the former president's legacy and his continued relevance in today's political landscape.