Actor Dennis Quaid is speaking out about the political and cultural climate in Hollywood, saying the Democratic Party has shifted so far to the Left that longtime supporters no longer recognize it — and in some cases, feel pushed out altogether.
Quaid made the remarks during an appearance on “The Greg Laurie Show” podcast last week, where he reflected on how dramatically he believes the political landscape has changed.
“Things have gone so extremely, so far left right now,” Quaid said, responding to host Greg Laurie’s reference to a recent podcast conversation involving Bill Maher and Dana Carvey. Laurie recalled that Carvey had joked about telling friends in Hollywood he was a “Clinton Democrat” — only to be labeled a Nazi for it.
“You can’t do that,” Quaid replied, expressing disbelief at how political labels have shifted. He said that identifying as a Clinton-era Democrat today is treated by some as equivalent to being a “neo-con, on the right side or whatever.”
“What used to be, you can’t be anymore,” Quaid said, suggesting that traditional political identities have been upended.
Although he starred in the 2024 biopic Reagan and has voiced admiration for conservative figures, Quaid emphasized that he does not consider himself a Republican. Instead, he described himself as “a common-sense independent” who leans “more conservative in my head.”
“I’m just for common sense, is really what I am,” he added.
The conversation also turned to President Donald Trump. Laurie described Trump as “very personable, incredibly funny, a good listener, and [a] surprisingly approachable person.”
Quaid agreed with that assessment, calling Trump “surprisingly approachable and very funny. And really genuine.” He added, “He wouldn’t be president if he wasn’t genuine. The people who voted for him, they know that he has their best interests at heart, that he is a genuine person.”
The actor said he has been struck by Trump’s stamina and presence. “I’ve never seen anybody with that kind of energy,” Quaid said. “People say that about me, but he’s really got a lot of energy.”
Beyond partisan politics, Quaid framed the current moment as something larger. “We’re going through a spiritual revolution,” he said later in the interview. “I’m not talking Republican and Democrat … but I am talking about those two coming together.”
Quaid’s political commentary follows the release of Reagan, in which he portrayed former President Ronald Reagan. The film drew attention in 2024 for the wide gap between audience reactions and critical reviews.
When promoting the movie, Quaid encouraged viewers to reflect on America’s past and future. “If you were born before 1985, you’ll be able to remember how great this country was,” he said. “And if you were born after 1985, you can see how great this country still can be.”
He also made no secret of his admiration for the late president, calling Reagan “my favorite president” shortly after the film premiered.
In an industry often dominated by left-leaning voices, Quaid’s remarks underscore the growing number of entertainers who say they feel politically homeless — and who are increasingly willing to speak publicly about it.
