Actor Dennis Quaid Attends Son’s Graduation Amid Legal Proceedings
Actor Dennis Quaid recently attended his son Thomas’s high school graduation, marking an occasion that also brought him face-to-face with his ex-wife, Kimberly Buffington. This reunion comes just days after Quaid filed legal documents to terminate his child support obligations for their twins, Thomas and Zoe.
Quaid, 72, and Buffington, 54, welcomed twins Thomas and Zoe via surrogate in 2007. Following several periods of separation and reconciliation, the couple divorced in 2018. As part of their divorce settlement, Quaid was ordered to pay nearly $14,000 per month in child support.
Family Gathering at Prestigious School
The actor, reportedly worth an estimated $30 million, was seen posing with his 18-year-old twins, Thomas and Zoe, and his former partner at Oaks Christian School in Los Angeles. The prestigious institution has an annual tuition of $45,000.
Quaid appeared dapper in a navy suit, attending the ceremony with his current wife, Laura Savoie, 33. While Quaid and Buffington maintained a degree of separation throughout the event, Quaid was observed briefly tapping his ex-wife on the back. Savoie was seen enthusiastically embracing Zoe.
Buffington and Zoe were notably dressed in matching cream outfits, mirroring each other as they watched Thomas accept his diploma on stage. Quaid also took to the lectern to deliver a speech to the graduating class.
Child Support Modification Request
Last month, it was revealed that Quaid is seeking to end his monthly child support payments once both of his children receive their diplomas. The current arrangement includes a base payment of $13,750 per month, with provisions for increases should his earnings exceed a certain threshold.
With Zoe having graduated on May 23rd and Thomas’s graduation on June 3rd, Quaid aims to finalize the cessation of these payments. A hearing date for his Request for Order or Modification of Child Support has been scheduled for July 28th.
Quaid’s Personal Life and Career
Quaid has been married to his fourth wife, Laura Savoie, since 2020. Savoie is nearly four decades younger than Quaid and is one year younger than his eldest son, Jack Quaid, from his second marriage to Meg Ryan.
The actor maintains a busy professional schedule, with three films released this year, including the Netflix action thriller “War Machine.” He also has several upcoming projects, such as the film “The Florist” and an AMC series titled “Thunder Road,” where he portrays a NASCAR legend.
Quaid’s early career gained significant traction in 1979 with the coming-of-age film “Breaking Away.” He rose to further prominence in the 1980s with roles in “The Right Stuff,” “The Big Easy,” and “Great Balls of Fire!”
Past Struggles and Advice
In past interviews, Quaid has spoken candidly about his struggles with cocaine addiction during the 1980s, describing it as a near-daily habit. He recounted moments of intense personal struggle and a pivotal realization that led him to seek sobriety in 1990.
Following his recovery, Quaid explored various spiritual texts before returning to his Christian faith. He has also shared advice he offers his children as they navigate their own paths, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions and finding ways to be compensated for them, without imposing his own career choices upon them.
His eldest son, Jack, has followed in his parents’ footsteps and is an established actor, notably appearing in the Amazon series “The Boys.” Quaid has expressed pride in his children’s individuality and their chosen directions.
