Randy Quaid and His Wife Evi's Marriage Is Marked by Controversies and Arrests

The Hollywood star who made $2.25 million for his riveting performance as Ishmael in 1996's "Kingpin" cannot be easily forgotten. However, in recent times, Randy Quaid's lifestyle, alongside that of his wife Evi Quaid, has been smudged in controversies and arrests. Find out when and how it all started.

In his heyday, Randy Quaid was a fantastic actor known for his comic roles. Truly, the Texas-born film star was much revered following his noteworthy features and awards.

Between 1970 and 2009, the versatile actor scored features in more than one hundred TV productions. He stumbled into fame after appearing in notable productions, including "The Last Detail."

Randy also racked up recognition following his appearances in "National Lampoon's Vacation," "Kingpin," "Midnight Express," and "Brokeback Mountain." But, unfortunately, the one-time Hollywood powerhouse is not mostly remembered for the awards and films under his belt.

Despite an overwhelming resume, what hits many headlines and minds of fans is his controversial lifestyle, including arrests and conspiracy theories, all of which are webbed around Randy Quaid's wife, Evi Quaid, and the one-time Hollywood heavyweight.

Before delving into the controversies, discover who Randy's other half is. Is she as famous as the movie star? And how long have they been together?

Randy Quaid's Wife, Evi, Is a Canadian-American Film Producer and Actress

Randy is not the only one with a notable profession in the family. His wife, Evi, is a Canadian-American film producer and actress. Unfortunately, during her childhood, she exhibited recalcitrant behaviors and was expelled several times from different schools. Consequently, her high school certificate was withheld for bad conduct.

However, it did not deter her from pursuing her dreams. The Canadian-American worked on visual arts projects which landed her a place in Helmut Newton's exhibitions in the US and Europe (Newton was a German-Australian photographer).

Despite the felony vandalism, forceful entry, and defrauding charges, the duo alleged that their migration to another country was out of fear.

Evi also developed an interest in film writing and directing. In 1998, the Toronto International Film Festival recognized her first feature-length film, "The Debtors."

Although it was ultimately banned from release, the film director set a standard for filmmakers by seeking legal protection against external interference.

While describing the eminence of her work, Piers Handling, former CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, commended the uniqueness. He quipped:

"Evi's directorial debut adopts the style and mannerisms of the screwball comedies of Hollywood's greatest era. However, Evi has fearlessly updated the formula."

Additionally, the film producer made a groundbreaking achievement. After Ida Lupino, Evi bagged a spot as the second woman in feature film history to direct her husband in a feature film.

Many Controversies Have Marked Randy and Evi Quaid's Marriage

The "The Last Detail" star met his wife in 1987 while filming "Bloodhounds of Broadway." Two years later, the duo said their wedding vows at the San Ysidro Ranch in California.

Following their marriage, they expanded their family, welcoming two kids, Charlotte and Kaki Quaid. The couple also carried on with their careers. But over the past decade, the couple has been involved in numerous controversies that have slowly tarnished their image.

In 2010, the duo was accused of causing damage worth $5000 to a property they previously owned in Santa Barbara. Rather than turn up in court to their defense, they fled to Canada, missing a court date in California.

Also, they were arrested for failing to sort out their expenses at a California hotel. As a result, the actress was forced to pay $10,500 for compensation and pleaded no contest to defrauding an innkeeper.

In 2009, the couple was nabbed on suspicion of burglary and entering a building without permission — this time, Evi resisted arrest.

Despite the felony vandalism, forceful entry, and defrauding charges, the duo alleged that their migration to another country was out of fear that they could be harmed in the US by a nefarious group they described as the "Hollywood 'Star Whackers.'" This led them to pursue protection under the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, first appearing in front of a panel.

Although the actor was denied residency in Canada and later arrested, only to be released on a $20,000 bail, he continued to live in the country without proper documentation. But in 2013, Randy was apprehended, and a deportation process began.

However, the couple did not hang on for long; they tried to return to the US but were arrested by US Customs officials in Vermont in 2015. Eventually, they were set free and allowed residency in the state, even though a warrant was served for their arrest in California.

Last year, following the heavy criticism against Gavin Newsom, California's governor, the actor announced his interest in the political position. Via a tweet per The Sun, he wrote:

"I'm seriously considering running for governor. The prosecutorial corruption in California (esp Santa Barbara & the Bell scandal) is rampant; and I promise that if elected I will clean up the District Attorney Offices throughout the state."

Before Evi, Randy Quaid Was Married to Ella Jolly

Ella Jolly was the first woman Randy said "I do" to. They married on May 11, 1980, and welcomed their first and only child three years later. But after six years of marriage, the couple separated, finalizing their divorce on August 24, 1989.

Like her ex-husband, Jolly is an accomplished woman in her field. She worked as a model for top designers and has maintained a low profile since her divorce from Randy.

Not much is known about why they split, but "The Early Years" star once revealed that he lacked commitment. While granting an honest interview with People, he recalled:

"I went through this delayed adolescent thing. I didn't want to be tied down to a family."

Indeed, their relationship took a downward slope in 1985, and Randy found solace with Evi, whom he dated for three years before marriage.

Although, since his second marriage, there have been a series of unending dramas involving the couple and the law, they have stayed committed to each other, sticking together like glue while working out their lives the best way they see fit.