How ‘Companion’ Lead, Jack Quaid, Set Himself Apart From His Hollywood Lineage

Jack Quaid is not just the son of Hollywood legends.

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Companion / Warner Bros. Pictures

Jack Quaid has quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, carving out his own path despite coming from acting royalty.

As the son of legendary actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, Jack was born into the world of entertainment. I mean, could you imagine Dennis and Meg as your parents?!

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His father, Dennis Quaid, is best known for a career spanning decades, featuring classic performances in films like The Right Stuff (1983), The Parent Trap (1998), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and Far From Heaven (2002).

His mother, Meg Ryan, was one of the most beloved actresses of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, starring in iconic romantic comedies such as When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You’ve Got Mail (1998). Her natural charisma and relatable charm cemented her as a star!

With such impressive Hollywood parents, it would have been easy for Jack Quaid to ride on their coattails and play the sweet heartthrob character. However, Quiad’s acting style is more witty, sinister, darkly comedic, and intense. He has consistently proved he is more than just romantic comedy Hollywood royalty.

Jack Quaid made his film debut in 2012 with a small but impactful role in The Hunger Games, where he played Marvel, a ruthless tribute from District 1.

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Jack Quaid’s real breakthrough came when he was cast as Hughie Campbell in The Boys (2019–present), Amazon Prime’s hit adaptation of the darkly comedic superhero comic series. Playing the everyman caught in a corrupt, super-powered world, Quaid’s performance was praised for its emotional depth, realness, intensity, and quirk.

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Quaid also played Richie Kirsch in Scream (2022), blending his comedic charm with sinister undertones.

Paramount Pictures

Though in a smaller role, Quaid was part of Christopher Nolan’s historical epic Oppenheimer (2023), which helped to solidify his presence in prestige and serious films.

His greatest performance to date is the 2025 sci-fi thriller Companion. In this film, Jack Quaid plays Josh, a man whose seemingly idyllic relationship takes a dark and unexpected turn.

Directed by Drew Hancock, Companion explores themes of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and the complexities of human relationships. The story centers on Josh and his girlfriend, Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher), who embark on a weekend getaway with friends at a remote lake house. The narrative takes a sinister twist when it’s revealed that Iris is not human but a highly advanced companion robot designed to fulfill Josh’s desires. This revelation forces both characters to confront the nature of their relationship and raises profound questions about control and self-determination.

With roles in major films, hit TV shows, and an ever-growing fanbase, Jack Quaid is not just the son of Hollywood legends—he is quickly becoming one himself and setting his own path in doing so.