The Parent Trap Cast Then And Now
Nancy Meyers’ The Parent Trap may not have been the original, but it won the hearts of a whole generation. And of course, it introduced the world to Lindsay Lohan. ’90s kids grew up debating whether they were a Hallie or an Annie, mastering that epic handshake, and wishing they had a cool nanny like Chessy. Now, over two decades later, the iconic movie and its cast are still just as lovable — even if they’ve changed a whole lot!
Dennis Quaid (Nick Parker)
Naturally, The Parent Trap wouldn’t be complete without its parents. Dennis Quaid took the role of Nick Parker, twins Annie and Hallie’s dad, and a well-to-do vineyard owner. Before the 1998 flick, he had made a name for himself in 1983’s The Right Stuff and 1989’s Great Balls of Fire. But for millions, his portrayal of this loving dad and ex-husband is still his most well-known.
No shortage of work
After The Parent Trap, Quaid continued to find plenty of work; in fact, his career soared. He starred alongside Al Pacino and Cameron Diaz in Any Given Sunday the following year. Then came The Rookie and Far From Heaven in 2002, earning him the Best Supporting Actor award from the New York Film Critics Circle.
Leading man
Quaid’s natural charm and rugged looks continued to earn him success throughout the 2000s — and a reputation as everyone’s favorite “dad crush.” He headlined later films, including 2004’s The Day After Tomorrow and The Alamo, as well as Vantage Point in 2008, and he appeared on the small screen in shows like Vegas, The Art of More, Fortitude, and Merry Happy Whatever.
A not-so-fairytale marriage
But Quaid’s personal life has been in the headlines as much as his on-screen accomplishments. In the 1990s he was married to fellow Hollywood star Meg Ryan, and onlookers believed they had one of the strongest marriages in Tinseltown. Then, however, they separated in 2000, an announcement that stunned their fans.
