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Getting Started
Reagan was very successful in starting his career. He got into the broadcasting industry. He doing sportscasts for football (Big Ten) and he also recreated Chicago Cubs games. This was the start to his career that made a name for himself. -
Signing to Hollywood
One of Reagan's biggest achievements was getting a 7 year contract with Warner Bros. Warner Brothers had an actor die in a car crash and while they were searching for a new actor they stumbled upon Reagan. He was on a trip to cover the Chicago Cubs and met a Hollywood Agent. He eventually signed on with them. -
Hollywood Films
After Reagan signed on with Warner Bros he appeared in 52 Hollywood films. Some include Bedtime for Bonzo (1951), Hellcats of the Navy (1957), Kings Row (1942), Hong Kong (1952), and his most famous Knute Rocke (1940). -
Marrying Jane Wyman
Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were married on January 26, 1940. Hollywood saw them as a perfect couple. They met during the filming of the movie Brother Rat in 1938. Later on, they had two kids. They had a daughter named Maureen in 1941 and then in 1945, they had a son named Michael. -
Drafted back to the Army
After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Reagan was drafted back into active duty for the army. Since the 1930s Reagan had been a member of the U.S. Army Calvary Reserve. When he was called back to duty he was commissioned a second lieutenant. Reagan suffered from being extremely nearsighted so it kept him out of combat. Instead, he spent time in the Army Air Corps First Motion Picture Unit. -
Getting Divorced
In 1948 Jane and Reagan settled their unfortunate marriage in a divorce. Jane was still having a great career in the movie industry but Reagan was not experiencing the same luck. He was still trying to gain back his fortune from before the war. Reagan described the years after his marriage to be some of the unhappiest moments he had ever been through. -
Marrying Nancy Davis
After his dreadful divorce to Jane Reagan, later on, met Nancy Davis. They began talking for a while and immediately clicked. She ended up giving up her successful acting career so they could be closer. They got married March 4, 1952 and had two kids. Their names were Patricia Daivs and Ron Reagan. -
Losing Hope
Reagan tried tagging along to save his film career after the war had ended but in the end, he failed. His contract with Warner Bros had expired and caused him to have very low funds. Unsure of what he would do next, Reagan was offered a new job. -
A New Job
After his career came to a quick closing, Reagan was offered a new job. The company General Electric chose Reagan to narrate shows for them. He worked for them for eight solid years, making a $150,000 salary, but they decided to cancel their contract. The company was trying to introduce a new part of the program but Reagan refused. -
Joining SAG
In 1937, Reagan let his political interest allow him to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild). He was a member for 7 years before he became the SAG president. The main thing SAG did was try to eliminate Communists and their beliefs. Later he ended up becoming a member of the FBI and reporting back on Communist events in Hollywood. -
Governing
After Reagan's days with SAG were over, he decided he wanted to become a Governor. Many challenges came along with this. He had a long journey beating Edmond Brown. Brown had a far larger reputation in the political world than Reagan. Brown also tried to sabotage Reagan's career. In the end, it worked out for Reagan and he won. -
40th President
After his years as Governor of California, Reagan was adored by many. The people encouraged him to run for president. He quit governing in 1974 and began campaigning for the presidency. Reagan and Ford ran a close race because Ford had a headstart, but eventually in 1981 Reagan won.
