If you ever find yourself in an on-air crisis, there’s only one person you want in your corner – Dennis Quaid. The veteran actor is set to star in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video On a Wing and a Prayer, based on the true story of a man who takes over a twin-engine plane after the pilot dies mid-flight.
Quaid plays the heroic Doug White, who finds himself in unimaginable circumstances when a pilot suffers a fatal heart attack while flying. Carrying his wife and his two daughters on board, Doug is in command of the plane despite having no experience flying it. It’s a lot of work, but Doug knows his family’s lives depend on it.
The movie, in which Jesse Metcalfe plays the pilot who assists Doug on the ground and Heather Graham plays Terri, Doug’s wife and eventual co-pilot, is a testament to the strength of human bravery and resiliency. Although the chances of the Whites surviving were incredibly slim, Doug remained optimistic.
What makes this story so incredible is the fact that it is true. The real Doug and Terry White were traveling to Louisiana after their brother’s funeral in Florida in 2009. That’s when the pilot had a fatal heart attack mid-air. With no one else to turn to, Doug piloted a twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air 200 and did whatever it took to protect his family.
It is a story that reminds us of the human spirit that stands on the brink of adversity. We have a choice when everything goes wrong. Either give up or fight. Doug White chose to fight and became a hero as a result.
Spotlight on Communication
The necessity of cooperation and communication during crisis situations is also emphasized in the movie. A reminder that occasionally breaking the rules is the best course of action comes from the air traffic controller who went against protocol to connect Doug with Cory, the pilot who provides him with step-by-step guidance from his home in Connecticut.
On a Wing and a Prayer is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of Doug White is sure to inspire audiences around the world, and the real-life story behind the film is a testament to the power of the human spirit. So if you ever find yourself in a midair crisis, just remember – if Dennis Quaid can’t save you, no one can.
Written by Brian Egeston, known for his work on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, On a Wing and a Prayer is produced by a team of industry veterans, including Roma Downey, Autumn Bailey-Ford, and Karl Horstmann.
The film is based on the incredible true story of Doug and Terri White, who found themselves in an impossible situation when their pilot suffered a fatal heart attack mid-flight.
The reason behind Egeston’s script creation was his flight instructor’s demonstration of the significance of having communication skills with air traffic control by playing White’s real flight recording. This incident motivated Egeston to contact White with the intention of producing a film based on his story.
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What It Intales
Downey, a producer known for her work on Touched by an Angel, was immediately drawn to the White family’s tale of survival.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories that deal with ordinary people who find themselves in exceptional situations and overcome the odds,” Downey said in a statement. “It’s a wonderful, uplifting story with a triumphant ending, and a great thrill for all of us to tell.”
On a Wing and a Prayer promises to be a thrilling and uplifting film, reminding audiences of the power of the human spirit in times of crisis. The film premieres on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, and with a team of talented filmmakers and an inspiring true story, it’s sure to be a must-watch for audiences around the world.
Quaid
Quaid is an American actor popular for his dynamic performances in a wide range of film genres. With a career spanning over four decades, Quaid has established himself as a versatile and accomplished actor, equally adept at dramatic and comedic roles.
Early Life and Career:
He was born on April 9, 1954, in Houston, Texas. He was raised in a family of four siblings and was raised primarily by his mother after his parents divorced. Quaid attended Bellaire High School in Houston and later transferred to Paul W. Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas, where he was involved in drama and played in a band.
Quaid began his acting career in the 1970s with small roles in films like “Crazy Mama” and “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.” In 1979, he gained critical acclaim for his performance in “Breaking Away,” a coming-of-age film about four friends from working-class families who dream of becoming professional cyclists. Quaid’s portrayal of the rebellious and charismatic Mike that led him to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
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Career Highlights:
Throughout the 1980s, Quaid continued to build his career with a string of successful films, including “The Right Stuff” (1983), “Enemy Mine” (1985), and “Innerspace” (1987). In 1989, he received another Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of a high school baseball coach in “The Big Easy.”
In the 1990s, Quaid showcased his range as an actor with performances in a variety of films, from the romantic comedy “The Parent Trap” (1998) to the sci-fi thriller “Frequency” (2000). He received critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his portrayal of the troubled husband in “Far from Heaven” (2002).
In recent years, Quaid has continued to work steadily in film and television, including roles in “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004), “Footloose” (2011), and the TV series “The Art of More” (2015-2016). He also earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of President George W. Bush in the TV movie “The Special Relationship” (2010).
Personal Life:
Quaid has been through four marriages and has a total of three children. His initial marriage was with actress P.J. Soles in 1978 which lasted for two years before they separated. In 1991, he married actress Meg Ryan and the couple had a son, but their marriage ended in 2001. In 2004, Quaid married real estate agent Kimberly Buffington, with whom he has two children. The couple divorced in 2018. Quaid married his current wife, Laura Savoie, in 2020.
Photo: EW
