Actor Dennis Quaid has become the latest prominent voice to criticize conditions in Los Angeles, offering pointed commentary about the city's trajectory during an appearance at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 6.
The 72-year-old performer, who rose to fame in Hollywood during the late 1970s and resided in Los Angeles for decades, relocated to Nashville in 2020 with his wife, Laura Savoie. His recent remarks underscore growing frustrations among former California residents who have sought opportunities elsewhere.
"[L.A.] used to be such a great town and the '90s was nice," Quaid told Fox News at the music festival. "And then it's been kind of going downhill and I feel like people pay these taxes for no services is what it gets down to."
Despite establishing Nashville as his primary residence, the Parent Trap star maintained a home in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood. That property became part of the evacuation zone during the catastrophic wildfires that struck the region in January 2025. The fires, concentrated primarily in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas, destroyed more than 18,000 structures and claimed 31 lives.
The wildfire experience appears to have cemented Quaid's dissatisfaction with the city, though he expressed cautious optimism about its potential recovery. The actor highlighted systemic issues that the disaster brought into sharp relief, particularly regarding infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
"The fire happens and it kind of exposes all those things that go on that should have been taken care of," Quaid explained on Saturday, speaking to Fox News. "So people are — people are angry, half angry and they're half kind of feel like giving up, to tell you the truth."
The Emmy winner emphasized that his departure represents a broader demographic trend rather than an isolated decision. He noted that his frustrations mirror those of numerous other former residents who have abandoned the city in recent years.
"I'm just one of thousands who have left," Quaid said, speaking to Fox News. "And I don't know, I hope the town comes back. I really do."
He added, speaking to Fox News, "It used to be such a fantastic town. It was. It was a great community, too. And something's happened. People need to be inspired there."
The actor, who also pursues a music career, previously addressed his California departure in June 2021, one year after settling in Tennessee. Speaking to Franklin Lifestyle magazine, he articulated concerns about the state's regulatory environment and business climate.
"So many people are moving out of California because they just don't make it easy to live there," the Happy Face alum explained to Franklin Lifestyle magazine. "It's getting harder and harder to build something there."
Quaid, who married Savoie in June 2020, revealed that he had been traveling to Nashville over the preceding five years, gradually developing an affinity for the city. The Tennessee capital ultimately proved to be an ideal fit for the actor and his family, which includes son Jack, 34, whom he shares with ex-wife Meg Ryan, and twins Thomas and Zoe, 18, from his marriage to ex-wife Kimberly Buffington.
The actor's connection to Tennessee extends beyond recent preferences. His family history in the region provided additional motivation for the relocation.
"I just really like it here. I'm originally from Houston, Texas, and it just reminds me of where I grew up and the people I grew up knowing," he shared with Franklin Lifestyle magazine. "In fact, I have several cousins here. My grandfather came to Texas from Tennessee in 1903 in a covered wagon. So we're moving back now I guess."
Quaid's public criticism adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning Los Angeles's future, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating 2025 wildfires. His comments reflect concerns about municipal services, taxation, and quality of life that have driven population shifts from California to states like Tennessee and Texas in recent years.
The actor has also maintained properties in his home state of Texas and Montana over the years, demonstrating a long-standing preference for locations outside the traditional Hollywood sphere. His Nashville residence now serves as the primary home for him and Savoie as he continues his entertainment career while pursuing musical endeavors in Music City.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
