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Ronald Reagan

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.

Total Events
61
Career Span
93 years
Peak Net Worth
$20,000,000

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Life & Career Timeline

1911Age 0

Born in Tampico, Illinois

Ronald Wilson Reagan born to Nelle Clyde Wilson and Jack Reagan in Tampico, Illinois.

2/6/1911Source
Confidence
100%
1920Age 9

Family settled in Dixon, Illinois

After moves around Illinois, the Reagan family settled in Dixon, which Reagan later called his hometown.

12/6/1920Source
Confidence
95%
1926Age 0

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.

1/1/1926Source
Confidence
90%
1928Age 0

Entered Eureka College

Began studies at Eureka College (majors: economics and sociology); participated in drama and football.

1/1/1928Source
Confidence
95%
1928Age 0

Graduated Dixon High School

Active in drama, football, student government; served as student body president.

6/1/1928Source
Confidence
95%
1932Age 0

Graduated Eureka College (BA)

Received Bachelor of Arts in economics and sociology; served as student body president.

6/1/1932Net Worth: $100Source
Confidence
95%
1932Age 0

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.

12/1/1932Net Worth: $200Source
Confidence
90%
1933Age 0

Moved to WHO radio (Des Moines) as chief sports announcer

Gained wide regional recognition by recreating play-by-play Cubs games using teletype reports.

4/1/1933Net Worth: $500Source
Confidence
90%
1935Age 24

Enlisted in U.S. Army Reserve (Cavalry)

Joined the Army Reserve as a private in the Reserve Cavalry Corps (later commissioned officer).

2/27/1935Net Worth: $800Source
Confidence
95%
1937Age 26

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.

3/15/1937Net Worth: $2,000Source
Confidence
95%
1937Age 26

Signed seven-year contract with Warner Bros.

Became a contract player for Warner Bros.; launched film career.

4/20/1937Net Worth: $5,000Source
Confidence
90%
1937Age 26

Promoted to Second Lieutenant (Reserve)

Advanced in Army Reserve ranks while beginning film work.

4/27/1937Net Worth: $7,500Source
Confidence
90%
1937Age 26

Film debut — Love Is on the Air

First credited motion picture appearance, beginning a multi-decade film career.

6/7/1937Net Worth: $7,500Source
Confidence
95%
1940Age 28

Married Jane Wyman

Married fellow actor Jane Wyman (they later divorced in 1949).

1/26/1940Net Worth: $15,000Source
Confidence
95%
1941Age 0

Breakout role — Knute Rockne, All American

Portrayed George Gipp (the 'Gipper'), boosting national recognition.

1/1/1941Net Worth: $30,000Source
Confidence
90%
1941Age 29

Birth of daughter Maureen

Maureen Reagan born (first biological child).

1/14/1941Net Worth: $20,000Source
Confidence
95%
1942Age 31

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.

4/19/1942Net Worth: $35,000Source
Confidence
95%
1943Age 31

Promoted to First Lieutenant

Promotion while serving in the Army Air Forces film unit.

1/14/1943Net Worth: $36,000Source
Confidence
90%
1943Age 32

Promoted to Captain (Army)

Attained rank of Captain during wartime service.

7/22/1943Net Worth: $38,000Source
Confidence
95%
1945Age 34

Adopted son Michael (birth/adoption)

Michael Reagan adopted (born 1945) by Ronald and Jane Wyman.

3/18/1945Net Worth: $50,000Source
Confidence
95%
1945Age 34

Discharged from military service

Left active duty as a Captain after WWII; returned to film career.

12/9/1945Net Worth: $80,000Source
Confidence
95%
1947Age 36

Elected President of Screen Actors Guild (1st tenure)

Elected to lead SAG in a special election; dealt with labor disputes and anti-communist pressures.

3/10/1947Net Worth: $90,000Source
Confidence
98%
1947Age 36

Testified before House Un-American Activities Committee

Appeared as a friendly witness and gave names of actors he believed to be communist sympathizers.

10/25/1947Net Worth: $95,000Source
Confidence
98%
1949Age 38

Divorce finalized from Jane Wyman

Divorce after a turbulent marriage; remained close to children.

6/28/1949Net Worth: $90,000Source
Confidence
95%
1952Age 0

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).

1/1/1952Net Worth: $150,000Source
Confidence
90%
1952Age 41

Married Nancy Davis

Married Nancy Davis (Nancy Reagan), who later influenced political shift to conservatism.

3/4/1952Net Worth: $120,000Source
Confidence
98%
1954Age 43

Began hosting General Electric Theater

Host and spokesman for General Electric; toured GE plants delivering pro-business speeches.

9/26/1954Net Worth: $200,000Source
Confidence
95%
1957Age 0

Filmed Hellcats of the Navy with Nancy Reagan

Only film in which Ronald and Nancy Reagan appeared together.

1/1/1957Net Worth: $250,000Source
Confidence
90%
1959Age 48

Elected SAG president (2nd tenure)

Re-elected SAG president; secured residuals/pension arrangements for TV airings of theatrical films.

11/16/1959Net Worth: $300,000Source
Confidence
95%
1962Age 0

Dropped by GE and changed party registration to Republican

GE ended his role; officially changed political party registration from Democrat to Republican.

1/1/1962Net Worth: $350,000Source
Confidence
95%
1964Age 53

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.

10/27/1964Net Worth: $400,000Source
Confidence
95%
1965Age 0

Published autobiography 'Where's the Rest of Me'

Published an early autobiography and remained active in television (Death Valley Days host) and political speaking.

1/1/1965Net Worth: $450,000Source
Confidence
90%
1966Age 0

Announced candidacy for Governor of California

Launched campaign stressing limited government and law-and-order themes.

1/1/1966Net Worth: $500,000Source
Confidence
95%
1966Age 0

Elected Governor of California (landslide)

Defeated incumbent Pat Brown with ~57% of the vote to Brown's 42%.

11/1/1966Net Worth: $550,000Source
Confidence
95%
1967Age 0

Signed Mulford Act (gun control)

Signed California's Mulford Act prohibiting public carrying of firearms; reaction to Black Panther copwatch activities.

1/1/1967Net Worth: $600,000Source
Confidence
90%
1967Age 55

Inaugurated Governor of California

Took office as 33rd Governor of California; began implementing fiscal and law-and-order policies.

1/2/1967Net Worth: $600,000Source
Confidence
98%
1968Age 0

Ran in 1968 Republican presidential primaries (unsuccessful)

Sought delegates and served as a spoiler/compromise candidate but Nixon secured nomination.

1/1/1968Net Worth: $650,000Source
Confidence
90%
1970Age 0

Reelected Governor of California

Won a second term as governor; campaigned on welfare reform and property tax relief.

11/1/1970Net Worth: $700,000Source
Confidence
95%
1975Age 64

Announced 1976 presidential candidacy

Formally launched campaign for the 1976 Republican nomination against incumbent Gerald Ford.

11/20/1975Net Worth: $800,000Source
Confidence
95%
1976Age 0

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.

8/1/1976Net Worth: $900,000Source
Confidence
90%
1979Age 68

Announced candidacy for 1980 Republican nomination

Launched campaign criticizing federal government and promising tax cuts, smaller government, and stronger defense.

11/13/1979Net Worth: $1,000,000Source
Confidence
90%
1980Age 69

'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.

2/23/1980Net Worth: $1,100,000Source
Confidence
90%
1980Age 69

Won Republican nomination (Detroit convention)

Formally nominated; selected George H.W. Bush as running mate.

7/16/1980Net Worth: $1,200,000Source
Confidence
95%
1980Age 69

Elected 40th President of the United States

Defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter; electoral victory 489 to 49; ~51% of the popular vote.

11/4/1980Net Worth: $1,500,000Source
Confidence
98%
1981Age 69

Inaugurated as President

Sworn in as 40th U.S. President; inaugural address emphasized government rollback ('government is the problem').

1/20/1981Net Worth: $2,000,000Source
Confidence
99%
1981Age 69

Release of 52 American hostages in Iran

Iran released American hostages the day Reagan was inaugurated, ending the 444-day Iran hostage crisis.

1/20/1981Net Worth: $2,000,000Source
Confidence
98%
1981Age 70

Assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr.

Shot and seriously wounded outside the Washington Hilton; recovered and discharged from hospital April 11, 1981.

3/30/1981Net Worth: $2,100,000Source
Confidence
99%
1981Age 70

Signed Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981

Major tax-cut package implementing core elements of 'Reaganomics' (supply-side tax reductions).

8/13/1981Net Worth: $2,200,000Source
Confidence
98%
1982Age 71

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.

9/3/1982Net Worth: $2,100,000Source
Confidence
95%
1983Age 72

Announced Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Proposed a space-based missile defense system, reshaping Cold War strategic debate.

3/23/1983Net Worth: $2,300,000Source
Confidence
95%
1983Age 72

Ordered invasion of Grenada

U.S. forces intervened to protect American citizens and restore order; action drew international attention.

10/25/1983Net Worth: $2,300,000Source
Confidence
95%
1984Age 73

Reelected President in landslide

Defeated Walter Mondale; received ~59% of the popular vote and carried 49 states (Reagan 525 electoral votes, Mondale 13).

11/6/1984Net Worth: $3,500,000Source
Confidence
95%
1985Age 74

Met Mikhail Gorbachev — Geneva Summit (first major summit)

First summit with new Soviet leader Gorbachev; began a series of negotiations that reduced tensions.

11/19/1985Net Worth: $3,700,000Source
Confidence
95%
1986Age 75

Bombing of Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon)

U.S. air strikes in response to Libyan-sponsored terrorism; major foreign-policy action of first term.

4/14/1986Net Worth: $3,800,000Source
Confidence
95%
1986Age 75

Reykjavik Summit with Gorbachev

High-profile summit that made major arms-control progress though talks initially faltered over SDI.

10/11/1986Net Worth: $3,800,000Source
Confidence
95%
1986Age 75

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.

11/3/1986Net Worth: $3,700,000Source
Confidence
95%
1987Age 76

Signed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Historic arms control agreement with the Soviet Union to eliminate intermediate-range missiles in Europe.

12/8/1987Net Worth: $3,900,000Source
Confidence
98%
1989Age 77

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.

1/20/1989Net Worth: $7,000,000Source
Confidence
90%
1994Age 0

Announced Alzheimer's diagnosis

Publicly revealed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which curtailed an active post-presidential public life.

11/1/1994Net Worth: $10,000,000Source
Confidence
90%
2004Age 0

State funeral and national remembrance

Bipartisan outpouring of sentiment and a state funeral honoring his life and presidency.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $20,000,000Source
Confidence
90%
2004Age 93

Died in Los Angeles, California

Passed away on June 5, 2004; later interred at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

6/5/2004Net Worth: $20,000,000Source
Confidence
85%

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