Who Is Thomas Boone Quaid? All You Need to Know About Dennis Quaid’s Son

Thomas Boone Quaid is best known as the son of Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid and real estate agent Kimberly Buffington, but his life story goes far beyond his famous family name. Born on November 8, 2007, in Santa Monica, California, Thomas entered the world alongside his twin sister, Zoe Grace Quaid, through gestational surrogacy after his parents faced several miscarriages. His early life was marked by both joy and challenge when, just days after birth, he and his sister survived a life-threatening medical accident involving a hospital medication error.
Despite this terrifying start, Thomas made a full recovery, becoming a symbol of strength and hope for his family. As he grows up, he enjoys a private, balanced life away from the spotlight, surrounded by love and support from his parents and siblings. This Thomas Boone Quaid biography explores his inspiring journey—from his miraculous survival and family bonds to his upbringing and the quiet, grounded life he leads today as Dennis Quaid’s son.
Quick Bio: Thomas Boone Quaid
Early Life and Birth Story
Thomas Boone Quaid was born on November 8, 2007, in Santa Monica, California, alongside his twin sister, Zoe Grace Quaid. Their birth was a joyful moment for their parents, Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington, who had faced multiple miscarriages before turning to gestational surrogacy. This made their arrival deeply emotional and meaningful for the family. Both twins were born healthy, with Thomas weighing about six pounds at birth. Dennis and Kimberly expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to become parents after years of struggle. Growing up, Thomas was surrounded by love and care in a nurturing home. His early years were shaped by his parents’ efforts to give him a normal and private childhood despite his father’s fame. The story of his birth stands as a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of challenges.
The Heparin Medical Crisis
Just days after birth, Thomas and Zoe faced a terrifying medical emergency that made national headlines. While being treated for minor infections at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the newborn twins were accidentally given 1,000 times the correct dose of the blood thinner Heparin—a dangerous overdose that could have been fatal. Instead of 10 units, they were each administered 10,000 units, which caused internal bleeding risks. The hospital immediately responded, providing emergency blood transfusions and round-the-clock monitoring. Thankfully, both twins made a full recovery without long-term damage. The ordeal deeply affected Dennis and Kimberly, who later sued the hospital and worked to raise awareness about medication safety. This tragic error led to the creation of The Quaid Foundation, which advocates for safer hospital practices and better labeling on drugs. The incident turned into a powerful lesson on medical accountability and showed the resilience of the Quaid family in the face of near tragedy.
Family Background
Thomas Boone Quaid was born into a family known for both fame and deep family values. His father, Dennis Quaid, is a successful actor with a long Hollywood career, while his mother, Kimberly Buffington, is a respected real estate agent from Texas. Thomas has a twin sister, Zoe Grace Quaid, and an older half-brother, Jack Quaid, from Dennis’s previous marriage to actress Meg Ryan. Despite being part of a well-known family, Thomas’s parents have always focused on giving their children a grounded and private upbringing. Family life revolves around love, shared traditions, and mutual respect, with both Dennis and Kimberly emphasizing the importance of humility. Their blended family maintains strong ties, with Jack being actively involved in his younger siblings’ lives. This sense of unity and balance helps Thomas experience normalcy, even while growing up in a family that lives partly in the spotlight.
Thomas Boone Quaid Father: Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid, born on April 9, 1954, in Houston, Texas, is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, known for his versatility across genres. His career spans over four decades, featuring hit films like The Right Stuff, The Parent Trap, The Day After Tomorrow, and The Rookie. Beyond acting, Dennis is also a musician and writer, admired for his natural charm and authenticity. Despite his fame, fatherhood remains his proudest role. The medical crisis involving his twins profoundly impacted him, inspiring his mission to promote hospital safety and patient rights. Dennis has spoken openly about how the experience reshaped his priorities, making family his central focus. He continues to co-parent Thomas and Zoe with care and balance, working to ensure their lives remain as normal and fulfilling as possible. For Thomas, Dennis is not just a Hollywood star but a devoted father and role model.
Thomas Boone Quaid Mother: Kimberly Buffington

Kimberly Buffington is a successful real estate professional based in Austin, Texas, and the mother of Thomas and Zoe. Born on October 17, 1971, she has built an impressive career working with Buffington Signature Homes, a well-known family business. Kimberly’s calm and composed nature has played a major role in shaping her children’s upbringing. Known for her strength and warmth, she balanced her professional life with her responsibilities as a mother, maintaining stability even during difficult times. After divorcing Dennis in 2018, she continued to co-parent peacefully, ensuring that Thomas and Zoe have the love and support of both parents. Kimberly avoids the media spotlight and leads a private life focused on her children and career. Her steady guidance has helped Thomas grow up with empathy, respect, and strong family values.
Thomas Boone Quaid Siblings: Zoe Grace and Jack Quaid
Thomas shares an unbreakable bond with his twin sister, Zoe Grace Quaid, who was born just minutes apart from him in 2007. The two have shared nearly every major experience in life—from their dramatic birth to their early medical recovery. Zoe, like Thomas, leads a private life, focusing on her studies and enjoying family time. Their older half-brother, Jack Quaid, born in 1992 to Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, is an accomplished actor known for his roles in The Hunger Games and The Boys. Despite the age difference, Jack maintains a loving and protective relationship with his younger siblings. The Quaid family, though blended, stays closely connected, often spending holidays and family gatherings together. Thomas’s relationships with Zoe and Jack highlight a home built on love, understanding, and enduring support.
The Impact of the Medical Crisis
The medical accident that occurred shortly after Thomas’s birth forever changed the Quaid family’s perspective on healthcare. The incident motivated Dennis and Kimberly to take meaningful action beyond their personal recovery. In response, they founded The Quaid Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting patient safety awareness and reducing medical errors. The event also contributed to major reforms in how hospitals label and handle high-risk medications like Heparin. Dennis became a spokesperson for The Patient Safety Movement Foundation, working to prevent similar tragedies. For Thomas, this part of his story symbolizes resilience and hope—his survival became a reason for lasting change in the medical system. While the event was traumatic, it ultimately led to positive improvements that have helped protect other families across the nation.
Education and Growing Up
Thomas Boone Quaid’s parents have always prioritized education and a sense of normalcy in their children’s lives. Though his exact school details are private, it’s known that Thomas attends a respected institution in the United States. He is described as a bright and curious student who enjoys learning and participates in extracurricular activities. His parents’ goal has been to ensure he grows up grounded despite being part of a celebrity family. With guidance from both Dennis and Kimberly, Thomas has been encouraged to pursue academics, creativity, and community involvement equally. His childhood reflects balance, discipline, and warmth—qualities that define his parents’ approach to parenting.
Interests and Personality
Thomas Boone Quaid is known to be curious, kind, and thoughtful. While not much about his personal life is public, he is said to enjoy creative hobbies such as music and photography, reflecting the artistic background of his family. Like his father, he shows an interest in storytelling and creativity, though he keeps his passions private. Those close to him describe him as polite, grounded, and mature for his age. Thomas’s calm and introspective nature mirrors his mother’s personality, while his humor and charm are inherited from his father. Despite being part of a well-known family, Thomas values privacy and prefers a quiet, balanced lifestyle that allows him to grow independently and confidently.
Parents’ Marriage and Divorce
Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington married in July 2004 in a private ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. Their marriage was marked by love, shared values, and mutual respect, especially during the birth and recovery of their twins. However, after years of growing apart due to Dennis’s demanding work schedule and long filming commitments, the couple decided to separate. Their divorce was finalized in 2018, handled with grace and cooperation. Despite the end of their marriage, Dennis and Kimberly remain devoted co-parents, ensuring that Thomas and Zoe’s happiness comes first. Their ability to maintain peace and mutual respect serves as an example of healthy co-parenting after separation.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity children, Thomas Boone Quaid lives a quiet life, carefully protected from media attention. Both Dennis and Kimberly have made it a priority to shield their twins from public scrutiny. Thomas does not have public social media accounts, and his appearances in the media are minimal. The family occasionally attends public events, but these moments are rare and respectful of their privacy. This conscious decision allows Thomas and Zoe to experience a normal upbringing focused on personal growth, education, and real-world experiences instead of fame.
Financial Background and Lifestyle
Although Thomas Boone Quaid does not have a personal net worth due to his young age, he enjoys a comfortable lifestyle thanks to his parents’ success. His father, Dennis Quaid, has an estimated net worth of around $30 million, earned through decades of acting and producing. His mother, Kimberly Buffington, is also financially stable due to her successful real estate career. Despite their wealth, both parents emphasize humility and moderation, raising their children to appreciate hard work and simplicity. The Quaid family’s lifestyle reflects comfort without extravagance.
Family Legacy and Public Perception
The Quaid family has long been admired for their talent, resilience, and authenticity. From Dennis’s celebrated Hollywood career to Jack’s growing success as an actor, the family represents both artistic excellence and personal strength. Thomas and Zoe, though young, are seen as symbols of hope and perseverance after surviving a near-fatal medical incident. Public perception of the family is largely positive, as they are respected for maintaining privacy and dignity. The Quaids’ legacy extends beyond entertainment, encompassing advocacy, family values, and a dedication to helping others.
Future Outlook
As Thomas Boone Quaid approaches adulthood, his future is full of promise. Whether he chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps in acting, explore creative fields, or build a completely different career, he will do so with the unwavering support of his family. His upbringing has given him the tools to navigate life with integrity, confidence, and compassion. The combination of strong parental guidance and a grounded home life will likely shape Thomas into a thoughtful and successful young man. Whatever path he chooses, the world will watch with admiration as the Thomas Boone Quaid story continues to unfold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Boone Quaid’s life story is one of strength, love, and hope. Born through surrogacy on November 8, 2007, in Santa Monica, California, Thomas and his twin sister, Zoe, faced a terrifying medical crisis as newborns but survived through quick medical care and their parents’ determination. Their miraculous recovery not only saved their lives but also inspired lasting change in hospital safety through their father’s advocacy. Growing up with the love and support of his parents, Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington, Thomas has enjoyed a peaceful and private upbringing away from fame. His story reflects how a family’s unity and faith can overcome even the hardest challenges. As he steps into adulthood, Thomas carries with him the lessons of resilience, compassion, and courage, showing that the true measure of strength lies not in fame, but in perseverance and the quiet power of family love — the heart of the Thomas Boone Quaid biography.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Thomas Boone Quaid?
Thomas Boone Quaid is the son of actor Dennis Quaid and real estate professional Kimberly Buffington. Born in 2007, he is known for surviving a serious medical accident as an infant. Despite his famous background, he lives a private and grounded life with his family.
2. When and where was Thomas Boone Quaid born?
Thomas was born on November 8, 2007, in Santa Monica, California, USA. He was welcomed into the world through gestational surrogacy after his parents faced multiple miscarriages. His twin sister, Zoe Grace Quaid, was born the same day.
3. What happened to Thomas Boone Quaid as a baby?
Shortly after birth, Thomas and his twin sister received an accidental overdose of the blood thinner Heparin at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The twins were given 1,000 times the correct dose but miraculously survived after emergency treatment and close medical care.
4. Who are Thomas Boone Quaid’s siblings?
Thomas has a twin sister named Zoe Grace Quaid and a half-brother, Jack Quaid, from his father’s previous marriage to actress Meg Ryan. Despite the age differences, all three siblings share a close and supportive bond within their blended family.
5. Who are Thomas Boone Quaid’s parents?
His father, Dennis Quaid, is a veteran Hollywood actor known for movies like The Parent Trap, The Right Stuff, and The Day After Tomorrow. His mother, Kimberly Buffington, is a successful real estate agent from Austin, Texas.
6. How old is Thomas Boone Quaid now?
As of 2025, Thomas Boone Quaid is 17 years old. He is currently focused on his education and enjoys a private teenage life, far from the constant attention that often comes with having celebrity parents.
7. What is Thomas Boone Quaid doing now?
Thomas is still in school and has not yet started a public career. He spends most of his time with family and close friends, maintaining a quiet lifestyle. His parents continue to protect his privacy and encourage a normal upbringing.
8. What is Thomas Boone Quaid’s legacy or impact?
Thomas’s survival from the Heparin overdose inspired his parents—especially Dennis Quaid—to advocate for patient safety in hospitals. Their efforts helped raise national awareness and led to changes in medication labeling and healthcare protocols to prevent similar mistakes.



