Dennis Quaid's 2 Brothers: All About Randy and Buddy Quaid

Mar. 15, 2025

Dennis Quaid, Buddy Quaid and Randy Quaid.Photo:Aliah Anderson/WireImage; Jason Lowrie/BFA.com/Shutterstock; Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Aliah Anderson/WireImage; Jason Lowrie/BFA.com/Shutterstock; Erika Goldring/Getty Images

One thing to know aboutDennis Quaidand his brothers Randy Quaid and Buddy Quaid is that their Texas roots run deep.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s, all three Quaid brothers pursued careers in Hollywood. Randy’s name became synonymous withNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, following his comedic performance of Cousin Eddie. Dennis was also gaining notoriety, while Buddy was landing gigs on sitcoms likeSeinfield.

Nowadays, Randy and Buddy have stepped away from acting. While appearing on thePBD Podcast, Dennis briefly opened up about his complicated relationship with Randy, who he believes should get back into acting.

“Randy doesn’t like me to talk about what’s going on with him. All I can say is that I really love my brother, and I miss my brother,” Dennis said during the episode.

However, “Randy could have like a great third act,” he added. “I would love to see that. He’s one of the best actors [that we’ve] produced in this country.”

Here’s everything to know about Dennis Quaid’s brothers, Randy and Buddy, and their relationship with the beloved actor.

Dennis and Randy grew up in Texas

Dennis Quaid attends D23 Expo 2022 at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on September 09, 2022.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

“I grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s in Texas, and it was a great time to grow up in America,” Dennis said of his upbringing on theDiving in Deeppodcast. “I was rooted in the country life and way of thinking.”

Their dad owned his own business as an electrician, while their mom worked in real estate.

Randy was the first of his siblings to break into Hollywood

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation - 1989.Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Randy got his start in the ‘70s withMidnight Express, but some of his most recognized work came in the mid-80s and ‘90s throughMoving,Fool for Love,Independence Day,The PaperandFrankenstein. However, most fans know him as Cousin Eddie fromNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation(1989).

Buddy also had a brief stint in Hollywood in the late ‘90s, having starred in an episode ofSeinfeld.

Buddy and wife Marielle Lamy Quaid wed in 2010

The couple tied the knot on July 14, 2010. In honor of their 14th wedding anniversary, Mariellepenned a heartfelt tributeto Buddy on Instagram in 2024.

“14 years married to Buddy = Total Awesome-Sauce!” she wrote alongside a video montage of her and Buddy through the years. “Thanks Buddy for making life so stinkin' fun!! I don’t feel nearly mature enough to be married this long.”

Randy is estranged from his siblings

Randy Quaid speaks at MegaCon Orlando 2024 at Orange County Convention Center on February 02, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

Randy’s complicated past with the law has driven a wedge between him and his siblings. In the last decade, Dennis has refrained from speaking about his older brother publicly.

“I love my brother,” Dennis told PEOPLE in 2011. “That’s all I can say. I love my brother and I miss my brother. That’s all I’m going to say.”

Buddy now works in luxury real estate

Buddy Quaid.John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

In 2015, Buddy founded his own real estate team alongside wife Marielle.

A luxury branch of the Keller Williams Realty brand,The Quaid Groupspecializes in high-end real estate and off-market properties in Austin, Texas.

Most recently, Buddy sold Dennis’ 5,000-square-foot Lake Austin estate, which was equipped with three bedrooms, a bonus room, an in-service elevator and an outdoor entertainment space. It sold for $3.5 million.

Buddy and Marielle are actively involved in their community

The Quaid Group also hosts its own house concert series to support local artists.

Previous headliners have included singer-songwriter David Ramirez and country artistsTanya TuckerandBrandi Carlile.

Marielle is also a member of the Texas Women for the Arts organization.

source: people.com