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Randy Quaid Biography

Birth Name:Randall Rudy Quaid

Birth Place:Houston, Texas, United States

Profession Actor, Composer, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Awarded a Vancouver Film Critics Circle award in 2009 for his work in "Real Time․"
  • Is a third cousin of cowboy screen legend Gene Autry
  • While a student at the University of Houston, he was discovered by director Peter Bogdanovich who cast him in "The Last Picture Show․"
  • Quote: "I love playing characters that are bigger than life and maybe have a darker side they present to the world․ Those are good characters․"
  • In 2010, he applied for refugee status in Canada after claiming that he was the target of plots to kill him in California
  • After seeing his Golden Globe nominated role in "In Last Flag Flying," director Milos Forman casted him as King Carlos IV in "Goya's Ghosts․"
  • Known for portraying larger-than-life characters who possess bizarre personalities
  • Sings on the soundtrack of the animated film "Home on the Range․"
  • Attended the same high school as actress Cindy Pickett
  • Was in contention for the role of Billy Bibbit in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest․"

Awards

  • 1974Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1974Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1975BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 1980Bronze Wrangler-Fictional Television Drama: winner
  • 1984Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
  • 1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
  • 1988Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 1988Peabody Award-Winner: winner
  • 1989Best Actor-: winner
  • 1990Independent Spirit Award-Best Male Lead: nominated
  • 1993Chainsaw Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2000Bronze Wrangler-Television Feature Film: winner
  • 2002Stinker Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2005ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
  • 2005Gotham Independent Film Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
  • 2005OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2005Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2005Satellite Award-Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 2006Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2006COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2006Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2006Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2009VFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film: winner
  • 2018Festival Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film: nominated
  • 2019Best Supporting Actor-Best Supporting Actor: nominated