Ronald Reagan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald Reagan
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Official portrait, 1981
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| 40th President of the United States | |
| In office January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989 |
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| Vice President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Jimmy Carter |
| Succeeded by | George H. W. Bush |
| 33rd Governor of California | |
| In office January 2, 1967 – January 6, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Pat Brown |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Brown |
| 9th and 13th President of the Screen Actors Guild | |
| In office November 16, 1959 – June 7, 1960 |
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| Preceded by | Howard Keel |
| Succeeded by | George Chandler |
| In office March 10, 1947 – November 10, 1952 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Montgomery |
| Succeeded by | Walter Pidgeon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ronald Wilson Reagan
February 6, 1911 Tampico, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | June 5, 2004 (aged 93) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Ronald Reagan Presidential Library |
| Political party | Republican (from 1962) |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic (until 1962) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 5, including Maureen, Michael, Patti, and Ron |
| Parents | |
| Relatives | Neil Reagan (brother) |
| Alma mater | Eureka College (BA) |
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| Awards | Full list |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
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| Years of service |
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| Rank |  Captain |
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Other offices
1968–1969: Chair of the Republican Governors Association
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Ronald Wilson Reagan (RAY-gən; February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician and actor. He served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Reagan was a member of the Republican Party. He is known as one of the most important conservative leaders in the U.S.
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Early Life and Education
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911. His birthplace was a commercial building in Tampico, Illinois. He was the younger son of Nelle Clyde Wilson and Jack Reagan.
School and College Years
Reagan went to Dixon High School. There, he became interested in drama and football. His first job was as a lifeguard at the Rock River.
In 1928, Reagan started attending Eureka College. He was an average student but was active in sports, drama, and student politics. He became the student body president. He also joined a student strike that led to the college president leaving.
Reagan played football for Eureka College in 1930 and 1931. He remembered a time when two Black teammates were not allowed service at a segregated hotel. He invited them to his parents' home nearby. His parents welcomed them, which was very open-minded for that time.
Entertainment Career
After graduating from Eureka College in 1932, Reagan worked as a sports broadcaster. He covered football games and later baseball games for the Chicago Cubs. He would describe games using only basic updates sent by wire. He often spoke out against racism during this time.
Becoming a Movie Star
In 1936, Reagan took a screen test in California. This led to a seven-year contract with Warner Bros.. He arrived in Hollywood in 1937 and made his first movie, Love Is on the Air.
Reagan made many films, mostly "B films" (lower-budget movies). He became well-known for playing George Gipp in Knute Rockne, All American (1940). Reporters later called him "the Gipper" during his political campaigns. His role in Kings Row (1942) was considered his best acting performance.
World War II interrupted his movie career. After the war, he continued acting but didn't reach the same level of stardom. He appeared in 53 films in total. His last movie was The Killers (1964).
Leading the Screen Actors Guild
Reagan also served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). This is a union for actors. He held this position from 1947 to 1952 and again from 1959 to 1960.
Military Service During WWII
