Jack Quaid reveals Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid’s initial hesitation about his acting career

Jack Quaid opens up about his parents’ initial reluctance toward his acting ambitions and their eventual support.

Jack Quaid, the son of Hollywood stars Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, recently shared insights into his parents' initial hesitation regarding his decision to pursue acting. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 27, the Boys star revealed that while his parents ultimately supported his ambitions, they were initially cautious.

“They weren’t initially super psyched about it because they knew how tough it was for them,” Jack explained. “They were like, ‘Oh jeez, of course we have another one.’ ” Despite their apprehension, Jack expressed gratitude for their eventual encouragement.

Jack, 32, emphasized that his passion for acting stemmed from his personal love for the craft, not just his parents’ legacy. “I don’t know how I would have survived mentally in the entertainment industry if I didn’t truly love what I did,” he said. “If I did this just to be a famous person or to have clout, I would’ve been done with this a long time ago.”

The Hunger Games actor noted that having two successful parents in the industry provided him with proof that a career in acting was possible. “That was the biggest benefit among many,” he said, reflecting on how many aspiring actors often face skepticism from their families.

Jack’s Hollywood journey began with his breakout role as Marvel in 2012’s The Hunger Games. He credits his unique upbringing—spending time on film sets with Ryan and Dennis—for nurturing his interest in acting.

Looking back, Jack acknowledges his immense privilege but stresses that his love for storytelling is what keeps him grounded in his career. “You don’t realize things are slightly abnormal until later,” he said of growing up with two famous parents.