"He's a really nice guy and insanely funny," says actor Allen Evangelista, who recalls how Quaid spent his downtime tossing tennis balls to his costars. "Everyone was just trying not to laugh when he would improvise. He's really down to earth ... just a cool guy to work with."

That image is a far cry from what the actor �" who even brought charm to the National Lampoon's Vacation series' repulsive character, Cousin Eddie �" is known for these days. Quaid, 58, and his wife Evi, 45, were arrested in Marfa, Texas, on Sept. 24 for allegedly running out on a $10,000 hotel bill at the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif., last June.