X/@RandyRRQuaid
Randy Quaid sent a storm across the interwebs with a picture from Washington DC and its cryptic mention surrounding the death of a “big beautiful bill.” Maybe it’s too ironic a reference, considering the kind of roles he played in National Lampoon’s Vacation? In the picture he posted, he’s standing outside what looks like some kind of federal government building or institution, greasy all over, big sunglasses, and shirt unbuttoned-to less than respectable commentary.
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The picture spawned a lot of comparisons of Quaid to that legendary actor, Gene Hackman, along with comments that went something like: “Damn. Doesn’t Randy Quaid look like Gene Hackman before Gene died?” to which another responded, “My man is morphing into Gene Hackman!” The rest of the responses continued in that vein, shutting down any further discussion about Quaid’s original message relating to legislation.
Quaid’s reference about a “bill” passing, at least grew alienation, or skepticism. Some were asking what bill comes in particular to mind, the others sarcastically said: “Who is Bill? How big is he? Why are you gay?” While others clearly contradicted Quaid: “And then it didn’t. Nice try.” Support and scorn met this political post-an image of the deeply divided climate within the United States.
Several responses were alluding to Quaid’s best-known role of Cousin Eddie in Vacation. One wrote, “God bless you Randi…Cousin Eddie…Thank God you’re MAGA,” while another quoted, “the shitters full!” from Christmas Vacation. This sparked several comments in line with the bathroom-humor theme popping up through the whole thread.
The post did get some calls for Quaid to get back into acting: One comment read, “…We need you back in movies. Good to see you’re doing well!” Mentions of The Long Riders and Kingpin appeared in the thread as well, showing the generating impact of his work.
Not all responses were able to saddle up, though. Another told Quaid to “close up that shirt. Gross, dude,” while another reminded him with condescension that “you’re an actor…shhh until someone writes some words for you.” Recent two-sided reactions actually bring attention to Quaid’s lone polarization over the past years.
The thread took several weird turns, among them one user credited Quaid for saving the world from alien invasion (read: Independence Day), and another asked if the actor stayed at the Watergate Hotel. The unpredictability of the responses actually resonated quite well with Quaid’s own high-drama statements through the years.
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Approaching 73 years of age, Quaid is forever going to get people talking-one way or the other-for his acting legacy, his politics, or his, shall we say, interesting antics in the glare of the limelight. That DC photo and the flood of responses thereafter just prove that it is still on the lips of everyone, though insulation and meaning diverge wildly between nostalgia and mockery to great affection for his work. Especially those Gene Hackman comparisons: For all of his public fallout, Quaid is still a recognizable star who fascinates the public-even if many do not know what to do with him.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
