Jim Hemphill

Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) was an American actor and politician. He served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Born in Tampico, Illinois in 1911, he was the second son of Nellie and John Reagan. After graduating from Eureka College in 1932, he worked as a radio announcer for five years before making his film debut in 'Love Is on the Air' in 1937. While in Hollywood, he showed signs of an interest in politics, initially identifying as a Democrat. However, he switched to the Republican Party in 1962 and, despite opposition from some fellow Hollywood stars, was elected Governor of California in 1966. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease on November 5, 1994, Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004.