Randy Quaid Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Actor’s Wealth
Randy Quaid is an American actor known for his versatile acting style and notable roles in both serious drama and light comedy. However, his net worth has been a topic of discussion in recent years. According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 2023, Randy Quaid’s net worth is estimated to be -$1 million.
Quaid’s financial troubles have been well documented in the media. He was once making millions per movie, but after Brokeback Mountain debuted, his behavior became increasingly bizarre. As a result, his career took a hit, and he lost all of his money. In fact, he is now worth negative $1 million, which is a significant drop from his previous net worth. Despite his financial struggles, Quaid remains a well-respected actor in the industry.
Early Life and Education
Randy Quaid was born on October 1, 1950, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Bellaire, Texas, where he attended Bellaire High School.
After graduating from high school, Quaid enrolled at the University of Houston, where he studied drama. It was during his time at the university that he was discovered by director Peter Bogdanovich, who cast him in his 1971 film, “The Last Picture Show.”
Quaid’s performance in “The Last Picture Show” earned him critical acclaim and launched his acting career. He went on to appear in over 90 films and television shows, including “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Independence Day,” and “Brokeback Mountain.”
Despite his success as an actor, Quaid has had numerous legal and financial troubles over the years. In 2010, he and his wife were arrested in Canada on charges of vandalism and were later granted refugee status in Canada. Quaid has also had a number of financial problems, including lawsuits over unpaid bills and taxes.
Overall, Quaid’s early life and education set the stage for his successful acting career, but his personal life has been marked by controversy and legal troubles.
Career Breakthrough
Randy Quaid’s career breakthrough came in the early 1970s when he appeared in several critically acclaimed films. He received his first major role in the film “The Last Detail” (1973), directed by Hal Ashby and starring Jack Nicholson. Quaid played the role of a young sailor named Larry Meadows, who is being taken to a naval prison by two petty officers.
In 1978, Quaid received critical acclaim for his role in the film “Midnight Express,” directed by Alan Parker. He played the character of Jimmy Booth, a fellow inmate of the protagonist Billy Hayes in a Turkish prison. Quaid’s performance earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Quaid’s next major role came in the film “Breakout” (1975), directed by Tom Gries. He played the character of Jay Wagner, a man who is wrongfully imprisoned in a Mexican jail and his wife hires a mercenary to help him escape.
In 1971, Quaid appeared in “The Last Picture Show,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich. He played the character of Lester Marlow, a mentally challenged high school student. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Quaid’s performance was highly praised.
Another notable film in which Quaid appeared was “Paper Moon” (1973), directed by Peter Bogdanovich. He played the role of Leroy, a man who tries to cheat a young girl named Addie out of her inheritance.
Overall, Randy Quaid’s career breakthrough came in the 1970s when he appeared in several critically acclaimed films such as “The Last Detail,” “Midnight Express,” “Breakout,” “The Last Picture Show,” and “Paper Moon.” His performances in these films earned him critical acclaim and established him as a talented actor in Hollywood.
Notable Roles and Achievements
Randy Quaid is a versatile actor known for his roles in both serious drama and light comedy. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable roles and achievements:
- Brokeback Mountain: In 2005, Quaid played Joe Aguirre in the critically acclaimed film Brokeback Mountain. The film won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, and Quaid received praise for his performance.
- Kingpin: In 1996, Quaid starred in the comedy film Kingpin, playing the character Ishmael. The film was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic.
- Independence Day: In 1996, Quaid played the character Russell Casse in the science fiction film Independence Day. The film was a box office success and received positive reviews from critics.
- National Lampoon’s Vacation: Quaid is perhaps best known for his role as Cousin Eddie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation film series. He appeared in four films in the series and his portrayal of the character has become iconic.
Quaid’s talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations. He was nominated for an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award for his role in The Last Detail in 1973. He also won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his portrayal of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson in the television film LBJ: The Early Years.
Overall, Quaid’s career has been marked by his ability to play a wide range of characters in both drama and comedy. His notable roles and achievements have cemented his place as one of the most talented actors in the industry.
Personal Life
Randy Quaid has been married twice. In 1980, he married Ella Marie Jolly and they had a daughter named Amanda. The couple divorced in 1989. A year later, in 1990, Quaid married Evi Motolanez. The couple does not have any children together.
Quaid and his wife have had several legal issues over the years. In 2009, they were arrested for paying $10,000 with an invalid credit card. The arrest also included his wife. A year later, he was charged with burglary. Quaid and his wife have been arrested on several other occasions.
In recent years, Quaid and his wife have been living in Canada. They have applied for refugee status in Canada, claiming that they fear for their lives in the United States.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Randy Quaid has been involved in numerous legal issues and controversies throughout his career. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Squatting: In 2010, Randy and his wife Evi Quaid were arrested for allegedly squatting in a guesthouse in California. They were charged with felony vandalism and later released on bail. They later fled to Canada to avoid prosecution.
- Fraud: In 2011, the couple was arrested in Vancouver for allegedly defrauding an innkeeper. They were released on bail and later applied for asylum in Canada, claiming that they were being targeted by a group of Hollywood “star whackers” who were responsible for the deaths of several celebrities.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: In 2014, Randy sued the producers of the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” for $10 million, claiming that they had used his image without his permission. The case was later dismissed.
- Lawsuits: Randy has been involved in several lawsuits throughout his career, including a lawsuit against his former lawyer for malpractice and a lawsuit against the Screen Actors Guild for allegedly mishandling his residuals.
- Court Dates: Randy has had numerous court dates over the years, including a court appearance in Vermont in 2015 for a misdemeanor charge of failing to appear in court on a previous charge.
- Arrests and Warrants: Randy has been arrested several times over the years, including for DUI, burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary. He has also had several warrants issued for his arrest.
- Criminal Enterprise: In 2010, Randy and his wife were charged with being part of a criminal enterprise that involved defrauding several people out of money. They were later released on bail.
- Conspiracy Theory: Randy has been vocal about his belief in various conspiracy theories, including the idea that a group of Hollywood “star whackers” is responsible for the deaths of several celebrities.
- Asylum in Canada: Randy and his wife were granted asylum in Canada in 2011, but their request for permanent residency was denied in 2013. They were later deported back to the United States.
Despite his legal issues and controversies, Randy Quaid remains a well-known actor and public figure.

Net Worth and Financial Issues
Randy Quaid’s net worth has been a topic of discussion for many years. According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be -$1 million. This means that he has more debts than assets, which is a significant financial issue.
Quaid’s financial issues can be traced back to his legal troubles with the IRS. In 2010, he and his wife Evi were arrested for burglary and criminal trespassing in Santa Barbara, California. The couple claimed that their property had been stolen and that they were trying to reclaim it. However, the charges were dropped, and they fled to Canada, where they sought asylum.
In 2015, Quaid and his wife were arrested again in Vermont, where they were accused of being fugitives from justice. They were charged with felony vandalism, and Quaid was also charged with a misdemeanor for failing to appear in court. The couple was released on bail, and their case was eventually dismissed.
Despite his legal troubles, Quaid has continued to work in the entertainment industry. However, his salary and earnings have not been enough to cover his debts, and his net worth has continued to decline. As of 2023, he is considered to be a millionaire in debt.
In conclusion, Randy Quaid’s net worth has been negatively impacted by his legal issues and financial troubles. While he has continued to work in the entertainment industry, his earnings have not been enough to offset his debts. As a result, he is currently worth -$1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Current Status
Randy Quaid is a former American actor who has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades. As of July 29, 2023, his net worth is currently estimated to be -$1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Despite his past success in the entertainment industry, Quaid’s financial situation has been in turmoil for several years.
In 2010, Quaid and his wife Evi were arrested for felony charges of burglary and vandalism after they were found living in a guesthouse of a property they previously owned. They were later released on bail and fled to Canada, where they were granted asylum and became Canadian citizens.
Since then, Quaid has made headlines for his bizarre behavior and conspiracy theories, including claiming that he and his wife were being targeted by a Hollywood star-whacking conspiracy and that he was being stalked by “Star Whackers.” In 2015, he was arrested in Vermont on a fugitive from justice charge related to the California case. He was later released and the charges were dropped.
Quaid has not acted in any films or television shows since 2014. His last acting credit was in the television movie “Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure.” However, he has made occasional appearances in reality TV shows and has been active on social media, where he has shared his political views and conspiracy theories.
In conclusion, Randy Quaid’s current status is that of a former actor with a negative net worth and a history of legal and personal troubles. While he has not acted in recent years, he has remained in the public eye due to his controversial behavior and conspiracy theories.