Exhibits: Irish American Hall of History

Ronald Reagan

1911 - 2004

Film, Radio

Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois to a modest Irish-American family. He grew up in Dixon and went to Eureka College where he discovered acting. From 1932-1937 he worked in radio as a sports announcer. He broke into films in 1937 and worked continuously until 1964, making a total of 53 films. His most noted films are Kings Row (1942) and Knute Rockne: All-American (1940) where he played the Gipper. In 1937 he had joined the Army Reserve and was called to active duty in 1942 during WWII. He was assigned to the 1st Motion Picture Unit and made over 400 training films. He married twice, first to actress Jane Wyman (1940-1949) and to Nancy Davis in 1952. He also worked in television before entering politics. He became Governor of California in 1966 and served two four-year terms. In 1980 he became the 40th President of the United States. His story is a true American "rags to riches" tale.

External Links

• ronaldreagan.com
• Ronald Reagan - Museum of Broadcast Communications
• Ronald Reagan - Reel Classics
• Ronald Reagan - Internet Movie Database