Randy Quaid Austin, Texas — Hollywood Veteran Returns With Barr

Randy Quaid is back on television, teaming up with Roseanne Barr in a new comedy series filmed in Austin, Texas. The show, called “Meemaw,” gives Quaid his most substantial scripted role in years, after a career that once included some of Hollywood’s biggest films. He plays opposite Barr, who stars as the matriarch of a family preparing for her granddaughter’s bat mitzvah.

Quaid became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors through hits like “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Kingpin,” and “Independence Day.” But after that run, his acting work slowed dramatically. His last released film was the 2024 holiday comedy “The Christmas Letter,” where he reunited with Chevy Chase. “Meemaw” now places him back in the spotlight, alongside Barr.

Barr’s granddaughter in the series is played by social media personality Indy Bugg. Barr has praised Bugg’s talent, saying she expects audiences to notice her right away. The show also features Drea de Matteo, Omar Gooding, and Doug Jones, with guest appearances from Jon Lovitz, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Kim Congdon.

For Barr, “Meemaw” is her first major scripted project since ABC canceled the “Roseanne” revival in 2018. That cancellation followed a racist comment she posted about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett. Barr later apologized, but the network stood by its decision. Now, she says “Meemaw” is about using comedy to bring families together, even when they disagree.

The series is independently financed, with no distributor or release date yet announced. That makes the project a gamble, but it also gives Barr and Quaid room to shape the show without network interference. The pairing of two performers with such different career paths adds intrigue to the project.

Austin has become a major production center, and “Meemaw” adds to the city’s growing list of film and television projects. The Texas capital’s creative energy makes it a fitting location for a series that mixes family comedy with cultural commentary.

For Quaid, “Meemaw” is more than just another role. It’s a chance to reintroduce himself to audiences who remember his work from some of Hollywood’s most beloved films. And with Barr leading the way, the series offers a surprising new chapter for two entertainers who have both faced long stretches away from mainstream television.