# Ronald Reagan > president of the United States from 1981 to 1989 and actor (1911–2004) **Wikidata**: [Q9960](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9960) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ronald-reagan ## Summary Ronald Reagan was an American actor and politician who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Before entering politics, he had a prolific career as a film and television actor, appearing in over 50 films and numerous television programs. As president, he implemented the economic policy known as "Reaganomics" and played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War, most famously demanding "Tear down this wall!" in a 1987 speech in West Berlin. He is remembered as one of the most influential American presidents of the 20th century, known for his charismatic communication style earning him the nickname "The Great Communicator." ## Biography - **Born**: February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, United States - **Died**: June 6, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, United States - **Nationality**: United States - **Full Name**: Ronald Wilson Reagan - **Education**: Eureka College (private Christian college in Eureka, Illinois, founded in 1855) - **Known for**: Serving as the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989); having a successful career as a film and television actor prior to politics; being a prominent anti-communist; leading the United States through the final years of the Cold War - **Employer(s)**: Warner Bros. Entertainment (American entertainment company founded April 4, 1923) - **Field(s)**: Politics, Acting, Government, Military Service - **Work Period**: Started June 1, 1937; ended 2004 ## Contributions ### Political Career Ronald Reagan's political career spanned multiple decades and positions. He served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989, implementing sweeping conservative policies that came to be known as "Reaganomics" — economic policies that emphasized tax cuts, reduced government spending, and deregulation. As president, he pursued the "Reagan Doctrine," an American foreign policy strategy until the end of the Cold War that sought to roll back Soviet communist influence globally. His administration oversaw a major military buildup and a significant improvement in U.S.-Soviet relations, culminating in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. On June 12, 1987, he delivered his famous "Tear down this wall!" speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, directly challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He also established the "Six Assurances," six key foreign policy principles of the United States regarding United States–Taiwan relations in 1982. ### Acting Career Before entering politics, Reagan enjoyed a 30-year career in Hollywood. He appeared in over 50 films during his career in the entertainment industry. His work spanned multiple acting roles including film actor, television actor, character actor (playing unusual or eccentric characters), voice actor, and screenwriter. He served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild (the American labor union for actors, founded July 12, 1933) from 1947 to 1952, where he helped negotiate better working conditions for actors. He worked extensively for Warner Bros. Entertainment throughout his acting career. ### Military Service Reagan served as a military officer during World War II (1939–1945), though he was not deployed overseas due to poor eyesight. He received several military decorations including the American Defense Service Medal (inception: June 28, 1941), the American Campaign Medal (inception: November 6, 1942), and the World War II Victory Medal (inception: July 6, 1945). He was also awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (inception: September 25, 1950). ### Post-Presidential Activities After leaving office in 1989, Reagan remained active in public life. He established the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award (inception: 1992), a United States award recognizing individuals who have fought for freedom around the world. His presidential library, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, was established in 1991 in Simi Valley, California, and serves as a repository for his papers and memorabilia. ## FAQs ### What was Ronald Reagan's career before becoming president? Before entering politics, Ronald Reagan was a successful actor in Hollywood for nearly three decades. He appeared in over 50 films and worked extensively in television, earning the nickname "The Great Communicator" for his charismatic screen presence. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1947 to 1952. ### What were Ronald Reagan's major accomplishments as president? As the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989), Reagan implemented "Reaganomics," a set of economic policies emphasizing tax cuts and deregulation. He pursued the "Reagan Doctrine" to combat communist movements worldwide, oversaw a major military buildup, and played a crucial role in ending the Cold War. His 1987 "Tear down this wall!" speech in Berlin became an iconic moment in Cold War history. ### What awards and honors did Ronald Reagan receive? Reagan received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the joint-highest civilian award of the United States), the Congressional Gold Medal (awarded by the U.S. Congress), and the Horatio Alger Award. Internationally, he received honorary citizenship of Berlin, the Order of the White Eagle (Poland), the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan), the Order of the White Lion (Czech Republic), and the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ### What is Ronald Reagan's legacy? Ronald Reagan's legacy includes ending the Cold War through his firm stance against Soviet communism and his diplomatic engagement with Soviet leadership. His economic policies, known as Reaganomics, profoundly shaped American conservative politics for decades. The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 2001, was named in his honor, as was Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. ### What was Ronald Reagan's early life like? Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. He attended Eureka College in Illinois, where he studied economics and sociology. After graduating in 1932, he began his acting career in Hollywood. He worked as a lifeguard during his youth and later became involved in trade union activities through his work in the entertainment industry. ## Why They Matter Ronald Reagan matters as one of the most consequential American presidents of the 20th century. His leadership during the final decade of the Cold War helped bring about the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union, ending decades of nuclear standoff between the superpowers. His "Tear down this wall!" speech became a defining moment that symbolized the triumph of democracy over authoritarianism. As a political figure, Reagan fundamentally reshaped American conservatism and set the ideological direction of the Republican Party for generations. His economic policies, Reaganomics, became a template for conservative economic thinking worldwide, emphasizing free markets, reduced taxation, and limited government intervention. These policies helped usher in an era of economic growth in the 1980s known as the "Reagan Boom." Before his political career, Reagan's success as an actor demonstrated the American ideal of reinvention — rising from humble beginnings in small-town Illinois to become a Hollywood star and eventually the leader of the free world. His journey from actor to president influenced subsequent generations of celebrities entering politics, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump. His rhetorical style and optimistic communication — earning him the nickname "The Great Communicator" — set a new standard for political oratory. Reagan's ability to connect with ordinary Americans through television and radio helped redefine political communication in the modern era. The institutions named after him, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and the USS Ronald Reagan, serve as lasting monuments to his legacy. His influence on American foreign policy, economic theory, and political culture ensures his significance extends well beyond his two terms in office. ## Notable For - **40th President of the United States** (1981–1989), the oldest person elected to a first term as president at the time - Delivering the iconic "Tear down this wall!" speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin on June 12, 1987 - Implementing "Reaganomics," the economic policies that defined 1980s American conservatism - Pursuing the "Reagan Doctrine," which supported anti-communist movements worldwide - Serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild (1947–1952) - Appearing in over 50 films during a 30-year acting career - Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal - Being awarded honorary citizenship of Berlin, Vilnius, and Gdańsk - Receiving the Order of the White Eagle (Poland), Order of the White Lion (Czech Republic), and Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan) - Having the USS Ronald Reagan (2001 Nimitz-class aircraft carrier) named in his honor - Establishing the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California (1991) - Being nicknamed "The Great Communicator" and "The Gipper" - Serving as a military officer during World War II with the Army Air Forces - Being inducted into the California Hall of Fame and the Labor Hall of Honor ## Body ### Early Life and Education Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, a small town in the Midwest United States. His birthplace is now recognized as a U.S. historic place, designated on June 3, 1982. He grew up in nearby Dixon, Illinois, where his father worked as a shoe salesman. Reagan attended Eureka College, a private Christian college in Eureka, Illinois, founded in 1855. At Eureka, he studied economics and sociology while becoming involved in acting and sports. He graduated in 1932 during the Great Depression, having developed the communication skills and charismatic presence that would later define his political career. ### Hollywood Acting Career After graduating from college, Reagan moved to California and began his acting career in 1937. He worked for Warner Bros. Entertainment, one of the major Hollywood studios, appearing in over 50 films throughout his career. His filmography included roles in productions such as "Knute Rockne, All American" (1940), where he played football legend Knute Rockne, and "Kings Row" (1942), which established him as a leading man in Hollywood. Reagan's career spanned multiple facets of the entertainment industry. He worked as a film actor, television actor, character actor (playing unusual or eccentric roles), voice actor, and screenwriter. His versatility allowed him to maintain a successful career through the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, even as the entertainment industry evolved with the rise of television. ### Union Leadership and Political Awakening During his time in Hollywood, Reagan became increasingly involved in labor union activities. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) from 1947 to 1952, a position that placed him at the center of labor negotiations in the entertainment industry. In this role, he helped negotiate contracts that improved working conditions and compensation for actors across the industry. His experiences in union leadership sparked his interest in politics. Initially a Democrat, Reagan shifted to the Republican Party in the early 1950s, influenced by his growing opposition to communism and his belief in free-market economics. He became an outspoken anti-communist, using his celebrity platform to advocate for conservative political causes. ### Military Service Reagan served as a military officer in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II (1939–1945). However, due to poor eyesight, he was not deployed overseas and primarily served in the United States, making training films and participating in morale-boosting activities. He received several military decorations for his service: the American Defense Service Medal (established June 28, 1941), the American Campaign Medal (established November 6, 1942), the World War II Victory Medal (established July 6, 1945), and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (established September 25, 1950). ### Entry into Politics Reagan's political career began in earnest in the 1960s when he became a prominent voice for the conservative movement in California. He made numerous speeches supporting Republican candidates and causes, using his actor's gift for communication to great effect. His political philosophy combined anti-communism, support for free-market economics, and traditional social values. In 1966, Reagan was elected as the 33rd Governor of California, serving two terms from 1967 to 1975. As governor, he gained experience in executive leadership and developed the political skills that would serve him in his later presidential campaigns. His tenure was marked by efforts to reduce state spending, reform welfare programs, and address the growing unrest in California's universities during the late 1960s. ### Presidential Campaigns and Elections Reagan sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1968 and 1976 but was unsuccessful in both attempts. However, his persistence paid off in 1980 when he won the Republican nomination and defeated incumbent President Jimmy Carter in the general election. At age 69, Reagan became the oldest person elected to a first term as president at the time. He was re-elected in 1984 in a landslide victory, winning 49 of 50 states and carrying 525 electoral votes to Walter Mondale's 13. His campaign slogan "Morning in America" captured the optimistic tone that characterized his presidency. ### Presidency (1981–1989) As the 40th President of the United States, Reagan pursued an ambitious conservative agenda that fundamentally changed the direction of American politics. His administration implemented "Reaganomics," a set of economic policies based on supply-side economics that emphasized tax cuts, reduced government spending, deregulation, and a tight monetary policy to control inflation. These policies contributed to a period of sustained economic growth known as the "Reagan Boom" and helped reduce inflation and unemployment rates. In foreign policy, Reagan pursued the "Reagan Doctrine," which committed the United States to supporting anti-communist movements and governments around the world. His administration provided military and financial assistance to resistance movements in Afghanistan, Angola, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. At the same time, he pursued diplomatic engagement with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, meeting with him at four summit meetings between 1985 and 1988. The most iconic moment of Reagan's presidency came on June 12, 1987, when he delivered his "Tear down this wall!" speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. Addressing Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev directly, Reagan declared: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" The speech became a powerful symbol of the Cold War struggle and is credited with helping to accelerate the pace of German and European reunification. Reagan also played a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy toward Taiwan through the "Six Assurances" of 1982, which outlined key principles governing the U.S.-Taiwan relationship independent of the formal diplomatic recognition of the People's Republic of China. ### Post-Presidential Years After leaving office in January 1989, Reagan remained active in public life. He established the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award in 1992, an award recognizing individuals who have fought for freedom around the world. The award was administered by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. In 1991, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was opened in Simi Valley, California. The library houses Reagan's papers, memorabilia, and a museum chronicling his life and presidency. It has become a major destination for scholars and visitors interested in his legacy. Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994, a condition that became publicly known in 2004, shortly before his death. He passed away on June 5, 2004, at his home in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93. ### Honors and Legacy Ronald Reagan received numerous honors both during and after his lifetime. In the United States, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the nation's highest civilian honor) and the Congressional Gold Medal. He was inducted into the California Hall of Fame and the Labor Hall of Honor. He received the Horatio Alger Award, which recognizes individuals who overcome adversity to achieve success. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Internationally, Reagan received widespread recognition for his role in ending the Cold War. He was awarded honorary citizenship of Berlin, Vilnius (Lithuania), and Gdańsk (Poland). He received Poland's highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, as well as the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. He was awarded the Order of the White Lion, the highest order of the Czech Republic, and the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan's highest civilian honor. He also received the Order of the Chrysanthemum and the Order pro Merito Melitensi. Numerous institutions have been named in his honor, including the USS Ronald Reagan (a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 2001), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Ronald Reagan Park in Gdańsk, Poland. The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands also bears his name. ### Personal Life Reagan was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Jane Wyman from 1940 to 1949, with whom he had two children, Maureen and Michael. He married Nancy Davis in 1952, and they remained married until his death. They had two children, Patti Davis and Ron Reagan. Reagan was known for his optimistic outlook, his sense of humor, and his ability to connect with ordinary Americans. His nicknames included "The Great Communicator," "The Gipper," and "Dutch." He was an avid collector of art and was known for his love of jelly beans. ### Influence on American Politics Ronald Reagan's influence on American politics has been profound and lasting. He fundamentally reshaped the Republican Party, moving it toward a conservative ideology that emphasized free markets, limited government, strong national defense, and traditional social values. The political movement he inspired, often called "Reaganism," continues to influence Republican politics decades after his presidency. His success demonstrated that conservative candidates could win national elections by appealing to a broad coalition of voters beyond traditional Republican strongholds. This lesson has shaped Republican campaign strategies ever since. ### Cultural Impact Reagan's journey from Hollywood to the White House became a model for celebrity political engagement. His success inspired other entertainers to pursue political careers, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was elected Governor of California in 2003. His communication style, characterized by clarity, optimism, and rhetorical skill, set a new standard for political oratory. The phrase "Tear down this wall!" became one of the most famous lines in American political history and is still cited as an example of the power of presidential rhetoric to shape world events. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/05/reagan.health/index.html) 2. Integrated Authority File 3. Catalog of the German National Library 4. 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