The Boys Star Jack Quaid Comments on Nepo Baby Claims

Jack Quaid, the talented star of Prime Video’s hit superhero series The Boys, has openly acknowledged his status as a “nepo baby” in the entertainment industry. While the actor recognizes the privilege that comes from being the son of renowned actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, he also emphasizes the fact that hard work and determination have been equally vital in shaping his career.

In an interview with The Daily Beast‘s The Last Laugh podcast, Quaid discussed the discourse surrounding nepotism and though he agreed that he has some advantage, he also noted that it only tells half the story.

“I’m inclined to agree… I am an immensely privileged person, was able to get representation pretty early on, and that’s more than half the battle. I knew the door was open for me in a lot of ways that it’s just not for a lot of actors. And I’ve just tried to work as hard as I possibly can to prove that I deserve to walk through that door. So if that’s in the rom-com space, it’s got to be different enough, and I need to work my a– off.”

The Boys

Release Date

July 26, 2019

Seasons

4

Quaid’s journey in Hollywood began with a small but memorable role in The Hunger Games. As Marvel, the male tribute from District 1, he was a fierce competitor in the arena. But it was The Boys that catapulted Quaid to fame. His portrayal of the vigilante protagonist Hughie Campbell has captivated audiences, showcasing his versatility as an actor and solidifying his place in the industry.

The Path to Rom-Coms Seems Far Away for Quaid

Despite his mom being rom-com royalty who carved her own niche in Hollywood with iconic movies like When Harry Met Sally…, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, Quaid has consciously avoided the rom-com genre. He does have one romance film to his name – 2019’s Plus One – but that’s it. When asked about his, he humorously answered:

“It was a little bit of a conscious decision to not do it as much. It’s just got to be right, because, you know, my mom is the undisputed queen of rom-coms. So I can’t just get into that space, it’s got to be right. It’s got to be something that feels different enough from what she’s done. I’m not looking to take her place or anything.”

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Ryan has been a staunch defender of Quaid amid the nepotism claims. In an interview with Glamour in November, she praised her son and called out the criticism as being “dismissive of his work ethic, his gifts, and how sensitive he is to the idea of his privilege.” Quaid, who saw the interview as well, appreciated her for being protective and for not denying that he’s privileged:

“I think she’s just trying to say that, in her opinion, it undermines my talent. I don’t think it undermines my talent. I know that I work hard, and I know I’ve heard ‘no’ way more than I’ve heard ‘yes.’ But I also know that this industry is insanely hard to break into, and I had an easier time doing that than most. Both things can be true.”

Whether Jack Quaid eventually steps into the rom-com genre is uncertain, but we can definitely expect him to keep starring in exciting projects that highlight his range and allow him to soar on his own merits.