
Ronald Reagan
Born 1911 · Age 114
American actor and politician; 40th president of the United States (1981–1989). Rose from radio and film acting to SAG leadership, California governorship, and two-term presidency; key figure in modern American conservatism and the Cold War's end.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Tampico, Illinois
Ronald Wilson Reagan born to Nelle Clyde Wilson and Jack Reagan in Tampico, Illinois.
Family settled in Dixon, Illinois
After moves around Illinois, the Reagan family settled in Dixon, which Reagan later called his hometown.
First job — lifeguard at Lowell Park
Summer job as a lifeguard on the Rock River; credited with saving dozens of lives during summers in Dixon.
Entered Eureka College
Began studies at Eureka College (majors: economics and sociology); participated in drama and football.
Graduated Dixon High School
Active in drama, football, student government; served as student body president.
Graduated Eureka College (BA)
Received Bachelor of Arts in economics and sociology; served as student body president.
Hired as radio sports announcer at WOC (Davenport, Iowa)
Began career in radio broadcasting; later moved to WHO in Des Moines to broadcast Chicago Cubs games remotely.
Moved to WHO radio (Des Moines) as chief sports announcer
Gained wide regional recognition by recreating play-by-play Cubs games using teletype reports.
Enlisted in U.S. Army Reserve (Cavalry)
Joined the Army Reserve as a private in the Reserve Cavalry Corps (later commissioned officer).
Screen test at Warner Bros. (discovered)
While with the Chicago Cubs spring training in California, took a screen test leading to a Warner Bros. contract.
Signed seven-year contract with Warner Bros.
Became a contract player for Warner Bros.; launched film career.
Promoted to Second Lieutenant (Reserve)
Advanced in Army Reserve ranks while beginning film work.
Film debut — Love Is on the Air
First credited motion picture appearance, beginning a multi-decade film career.
Married Jane Wyman
Married fellow actor Jane Wyman (they later divorced in 1949).
Breakout role — Knute Rockne, All American
Portrayed George Gipp (the 'Gipper'), boosting national recognition.
Birth of daughter Maureen
Maureen Reagan born (first biological child).
Called to active duty (WWII)
Reported for active duty and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces public-relations/film unit producing training films.
Promoted to First Lieutenant
Promotion while serving in the Army Air Forces film unit.
Promoted to Captain (Army)
Attained rank of Captain during wartime service.
Adopted son Michael (birth/adoption)
Michael Reagan adopted (born 1945) by Ronald and Jane Wyman.
Discharged from military service
Left active duty as a Captain after WWII; returned to film career.
Elected President of Screen Actors Guild (1st tenure)
Elected to lead SAG in a special election; dealt with labor disputes and anti-communist pressures.
Testified before House Un-American Activities Committee
Appeared as a friendly witness and gave names of actors he believed to be communist sympathizers.
Divorce finalized from Jane Wyman
Divorce after a turbulent marriage; remained close to children.
Left Warner Bros.; expanded film work as freelancer
Ended long-term Warner Bros. relationship; went on to appear in many more films (total eventual film count: 53).
Married Nancy Davis
Married Nancy Davis (Nancy Reagan), who later influenced political shift to conservatism.
Began hosting General Electric Theater
Host and spokesman for General Electric; toured GE plants delivering pro-business speeches.
Filmed Hellcats of the Navy with Nancy Reagan
Only film in which Ronald and Nancy Reagan appeared together.
Elected SAG president (2nd tenure)
Re-elected SAG president; secured residuals/pension arrangements for TV airings of theatrical films.
Dropped by GE and changed party registration to Republican
GE ended his role; officially changed political party registration from Democrat to Republican.
Delivered 'A Time for Choosing' (Goldwater speech)
Televised speech for Barry Goldwater that launched Reagan's national political career and raised ~USD 1 million for Goldwater.
Published autobiography 'Where's the Rest of Me'
Published an early autobiography and remained active in television (Death Valley Days host) and political speaking.
Announced candidacy for Governor of California
Launched campaign stressing limited government and law-and-order themes.
Elected Governor of California (landslide)
Defeated incumbent Pat Brown with ~57% of the vote to Brown's 42%.
Signed Mulford Act (gun control)
Signed California's Mulford Act prohibiting public carrying of firearms; reaction to Black Panther copwatch activities.
Inaugurated Governor of California
Took office as 33rd Governor of California; began implementing fiscal and law-and-order policies.
Ran in 1968 Republican presidential primaries (unsuccessful)
Sought delegates and served as a spoiler/compromise candidate but Nixon secured nomination.
Reelected Governor of California
Won a second term as governor; campaigned on welfare reform and property tax relief.
Announced 1976 presidential candidacy
Formally launched campaign for the 1976 Republican nomination against incumbent Gerald Ford.
Narrowly lost 1976 Republican nomination to Gerald Ford
Contested delegate battle ended with Ford 1,187 to Reagan 1,070 at the Kansas City convention.
Announced candidacy for 1980 Republican nomination
Launched campaign criticizing federal government and promising tax cuts, smaller government, and stronger defense.
'Nashua debate' — 'I am paying for this microphone!' moment
High-profile debate with George H. W. Bush that improved Reagan's standing and helped swing the primary.
Won Republican nomination (Detroit convention)
Formally nominated; selected George H.W. Bush as running mate.
Elected 40th President of the United States
Defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter; electoral victory 489 to 49; ~51% of the popular vote.
Inaugurated as President
Sworn in as 40th U.S. President; inaugural address emphasized government rollback ('government is the problem').
Release of 52 American hostages in Iran
Iran released American hostages the day Reagan was inaugurated, ending the 444-day Iran hostage crisis.
Assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr.
Shot and seriously wounded outside the Washington Hilton; recovered and discharged from hospital April 11, 1981.
Signed Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981
Major tax-cut package implementing core elements of 'Reaganomics' (supply-side tax reductions).
Signed Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA)
Major 1982 tax increase intended to reduce deficits; one of multiple times Reagan adjusted taxes during presidency.
Announced Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Proposed a space-based missile defense system, reshaping Cold War strategic debate.
Ordered invasion of Grenada
U.S. forces intervened to protect American citizens and restore order; action drew international attention.
Reelected President in landslide
Defeated Walter Mondale; received ~59% of the popular vote and carried 49 states (Reagan 525 electoral votes, Mondale 13).
Met Mikhail Gorbachev — Geneva Summit (first major summit)
First summit with new Soviet leader Gorbachev; began a series of negotiations that reduced tensions.
Bombing of Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon)
U.S. air strikes in response to Libyan-sponsored terrorism; major foreign-policy action of first term.
Reykjavik Summit with Gorbachev
High-profile summit that made major arms-control progress though talks initially faltered over SDI.
Iran-Contra affair becomes public
Revelation of secret arms sales to Iran and diversion of funds to Nicaraguan Contras; led to investigations and the Tower Commission.
Signed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
Historic arms control agreement with the Soviet Union to eliminate intermediate-range missiles in Europe.
Left office — Presidential term ended
Completed two terms; succeeded by Vice President George H. W. Bush; left office with reduced inflation and long economic expansion but larger national debt.
Announced Alzheimer's diagnosis
Publicly revealed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which curtailed an active post-presidential public life.
State funeral and national remembrance
Bipartisan outpouring of sentiment and a state funeral honoring his life and presidency.
Died in Los Angeles, California
Passed away on June 5, 2004; later interred at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Key Achievement Ages
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