Ronald Reagan Family Tree: The Story Behind America's 40th President

Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911–2004), born 6 February 1911 in Tampico, Illinois, USA, and died 5 June 2004 in Bel Air, Los Angeles, was a Hollywood actor turned Governor of California (1967–1975) and the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989).

The Family's Roots: An Irish-Catholic / Scots-English American Family

The Reagan family is Irish-Scottish in Illinois.

His Parents

Father: Jack Reagan (1883–1941) — Irish-American shoe salesman.

Mother: Nelle Wilson Reagan (1883–1962) — Scottish-English American homemaker.

His Brother

John "Neil" Reagan (1908–1996) — elder brother; advertising executive.

His First Wife: Jane Wyman

Jane Wyman (1917–2007) — actress (1948 Academy Award for Best Actress, Johnny Belinda). Married Reagan on 26 January 1940; divorced 28 June 1949.

Their Children (with Jane Wyman)

Maureen Reagan (1941–2001) — daughter.

Christine Reagan (1947) — daughter; died one day after birth.

Michael Reagan, born 18 March 1945 — adopted son.

His Second Wife: Nancy Davis

Nancy Davis Reagan (1921–2016) — actress turned First Lady. Married Reagan on 4 March 1952.

Their Children (with Nancy Davis)

Patti Davis, born 21 October 1952 — daughter; author.

Ronald "Ron" Reagan, born 20 May 1958 — son; political analyst.

The Reagan Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Jack Reagan (1883–1941) — shoe salesman.

Mother: Nelle Wilson Reagan (1883–1962).

Brother: John "Neil" Reagan (1908–1996).

First Wife: Jane Wyman (1917–2007; m. 26 January 1940, div. 28 June 1949) — Oscar-winning actress.

Second Wife: Nancy Davis (1921–2016; m. 4 March 1952).

Children (Jane): Maureen (1941–2001); Christine (1947, died one day after birth); Michael (b. 18 March 1945, adopted).

Children (Nancy): Patti Davis (b. 21 October 1952); Ron Reagan (b. 20 May 1958).

Ronald Reagan:

  • Born 6 February 1911, Tampico, Illinois
  • Eureka College (1932)
  • WHO Radio sportscaster 1932–1937
  • Hollywood actor: 1937–1964; 50+ films including Knute Rockne, All American (1940), Kings Row (1942), Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)
  • Governor of California: 2 January 1967 — 6 January 1975 (2 terms)
  • 40th President of the United States: 20 January 1981 — 20 January 1989
  • March 30, 1981: assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr.; survived
  • Cold War end: 1989 Berlin Wall, INF Treaty with Gorbachev
  • Alzheimer's disease: announced November 1994
  • Died: 5 June 2004, Bel Air — Alzheimer's complications at 93

What the Reagan Family Story Teaches Us

A shoe-salesman father. An Illinois homemaker mother. An elder brother. Two marriages — one to an Oscar-winning actress, ended in divorce; one to Nancy that lasted 52 years. Four children. A career that crossed Hollywood, California politics, and the U.S. presidency.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Reagan story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross Hollywood into the White House.

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