For acting veteran Dennis Quaid, taking on the role of former President Ronald Reagan was a daunting yet rewarding challenge. The actor, known for box office hits such as “The Rookie,” “Frequency” and “The Parent Trap,” jumped at the chance to pay tribute to his favorite president. As the film releases Friday, August 30, he has high marks for it.

“It’s my favorite (Dennis Quaid) movie,” Quaid said. “‘The Right Stuff’ was my favorite before that. So, it’s been 40 years, but it’s taken the top spot, because the experience I had while I was making it, and how I feel about the finished product.”

Quaid, who stars along with Penelope Ann Miller and Jon Voight, explained that Reagan’s larger-than-life public persona made the prospect of portraying him both exciting and intimidating.

“He’s my favorite president. And so recognizable in the world, like Muhammad Ali, you know, iconic, and everybody has an opinion of him,” Quaid said. “It took a while for me to say yes. I went to the Reagan ranch and visited there. As soon as it came through the gate, I could feel him there. I wanted to feel him as a person, beyond the public persona, and I could definitely feel him there. And that’s what I really signed on, that I could get there.”

The film shot in 2020, during Covid, and Quaid said it was a “long process with editing.” There were hundreds of shots to do in Europe, including framing the famous “Tear Down This Wall” speech in Berlin.

The actor’s rise to stardom in the early 1980s with films such as “Innerspace” and “Great Balls of Fire” coincided with Reagan’s presidency, but the two had never crossed paths. Quaid recalled a sighting years later on the greenway.

“I saw him in the like in the 90s. He was over at the LA Country Club. He was then on the next fairway. You know, this guy, I guess he was in. It was late 80s. By the time he could really hit the ball. He was an athlete.”

One aspect of Reagan’s life that Quaid was determined to capture was the former president’s deep faith, which was a central part of his identity.

“It was very personal to him, and it was, you know, it was just a very central part of who he was, so to you know, not include that would have been to have missed him altogether,” Quaid said.

The actor also discovered a more private side to Reagan, who was considered to be “The Great Communicator,” which surprised him during his research. ” That was something I had to get to know,” he said. “I think that’s where he reserved, that place for God, for Nancy, his mother, and maybe a few others, but it was a deep, kind of vulnerable place there that he protected,”

Despite Reagan’s political success and enduring legacy, Quaid has never aspired to follow in his footsteps and pursue elected office. When asked directly about political inclinations, he responded, “Only in the sense of ‘No thank you!’” I’m afraid I like my free time way too much for that. I can do more as a citizen.”

As Quaid reflected on his experience portraying one of America’s most beloved presidents, he is grateful for the opportunity to bring Reagan’s story to life on the big screen.

“It’s finally coming out and I’m really proud of it,” he said. “I think it’s a great time for it to release.”

“Reagan,” directed by Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer,” “The Miracle Season”) also stars Jon Voight, Penelope Ann Miller, Mena Suvari, Lesley-Anne Down, David Henrie, and Kevin Dillon. It releases Friday, August 30, 2024, in theaters from Rawhide! Pictures. The official synopsis follows:

From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding the world stage, “Reagan” is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds. Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent who followed Reagan’s ascent, “Reagan” captures the indomitable spirit of the American dream. Starring Dennis Quaid, prepare to be moved and inspired as REAGAN comes to life on August 30, 2024.

Watch the interview with Dennis Quaid below: