Dennis Quaid's 39-Year Age Gap with Wife, Laura Savoie, 32, Ignites Heated Debate

The "Happy Face" star once called his wife "the light of my life," but that light has sparked a firestorm online, as their decades-wide age gap continues to fuel heated reactions across social media.

Dennis Quaid, 71, and his wife, Laura Savoie, 32, have now been married for five years. The couple tied the knot in the summer of 2020 after meeting the year prior at a business event.

At the time, Savoie was pursuing her second master's degree at the Texas McCombs School of Business, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Despite a nearly four-decade age difference, Quaid shared with Fox News Digital that he remains deeply content in his relationship. "My life is paradise," he said. "Every day is paradise with her. It really is."

The "Sovereign" actor also reflected on the significance of their bond. "It's the closest relationship I've ever had with anybody. Every day is paradise. What can I tell you? I don't know why God had waited so long to bring her, for her to come along, but [I'm] really glad he brought her into my life, or I walked into hers."

Quaid has previously addressed public attention surrounding their age difference. In a 2024 interview with Fox News Digital, he stated, "I haven't spoken out about the age difference of my wife. Other people have. But...I really don't think about it. She's got so much going on that, you know, I just don't notice it. She's just, she's the light of my life."

He emphasized that their relationship was unexpected but meaningful. "I wasn't looking for it, and she came along, and it's God put us together."

The actor first responded to public scrutiny back in 2019 after their engagement, telling The Guardian, "No, it doesn't really bother us. Everyone comes from the perspective of their own life and so I can't comment on the way they feel; I can't even get angry. I didn't go out looking for an age gap or someone really younger than me. I met her at a business event and then the relationship developed."

The "Reagan" star further added, "You have no control over who you fall in love with. I don't fall in love easy. But I can't let what a few people think control all that. I've been married three times and this is the final one, I know it is. I feel like I have a real partner in life."

While Quaid remains confident in his relationship, the 39-year age gap between him and his wife has stirred a range of reactions online, particularly on Facebook.

One person remarked, "When she was 1 he was 40 [sic]...." Another shared a more personal perspective, "My husband is 12 years older than I am. Neither of us have ever been happier than we are now. When you're adults age doesn't matter [sic]."

However, not all responses were supportive. One commenter wrote, "He could be her grandpa." Another added, "I love him as an actor but, disgusting, 39 year age gap. Ick [sic]."

Several others voiced similar discomfort. "Married his granddaughter [sic]," one person divulged. Another asked, "Can't he find a woman his own age, it's like he's marrying his daughters [sic]." Someone else pointed out, "his [sic] son is older than his wife."

Despite the criticism, some defended the couple. One person noted, "They benefit each other." Another mentioned, "Age is just a number when you're in love."

Quaid's personal life has seen several chapters before his marriage to Savoie. He was first married to actress P.J. Soles in 1978. The marriage ended after five years. In 1991, he wed actress Meg Ryan.

Their marriage lasted until 2001, and three years later, he married real estate broker Kimberly Buffington. Quaid and Buffington divorced in 2018.

Initially, Quaid and Savoie planned to marry in Hawaii. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans. On June 2, 2020, the couple eloped and held a private ceremony at a seaside resort in Santa Barbara, California, with only their pastor present as a witness.

Reflecting on the moment, Quaid told People at the time, "Just looking into her eyes, she was the most stunning bride."

Savoie shared a similar sentiment with the publication, saying, "I have never met someone who is so in love with life. It's like nothing can bring him down." She also revealed, "Just getting to do life with someone who lives that way is inspiring for me. It changes my perspective and it brings so much joy to every day."

Quaid described their connection as instant. "It was love at first sight," he said. "I just love who she is as a person. Her character, her intelligence, of course, her beauty. And her point of view of the world."

He echoed the idea that their age gap does not affect them, telling People, "There's just something timeless about us." Savoie also shared that she appreciates her husband's maturity, "like the wisdom that Dennis has."

She explained further, "We both had to go through things to be who we are now and who we are now was ready for each other."

Faith also played a central role in their bond. "We're both Christians, and right from the start God has always had a hand in the relationship," Quaid expressed. "I think that's where the real strength comes from."

Despite ongoing public debate over their age gap, Dennis Quaid and Savoie continue to focus on their relationship, maintaining that mutual respect, shared values, and faith are at the core of their bond.