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Ronald Reagan is a lifeguard!
Credited with saving 77 lives. -
Attends Eureka College
1928-1932
Reagan attends Eureka (Illinois) College, where he majored in economics and sociology. During his sophomore year, Reagan becomes interested in drama. Reagan also serves as student body president. -
Ronnie Graduates from HS
Reagan graduates from Dixon High School, where he was student body president and participated in football, basketball, track, and school plays. -
Reagan plays 'The Gipper'
1940
Reagan plays Notre Dame football legend George Gipp in his most acclaimed film, Knute Rockne, All American, The role earns Reagan the nickname "the Gipper." -
Reagan married Jane Wyman
Jan. 24, 1940
Reagan marries actress Jane Wyman, whom he met while making the movie Brother Rat. -
Daughter Maureen is born.
Jan. 4, 1941
Daughter Maureen is born. -
Ronald Reagan goes to war
1942
Reagan is called to active duty by the Army Air Force. He is assigned to the 1st Motion Picture Unit in Culver City, Calif., where he makes over 400 training films. -
Ronald Reagan goes Hollywood
1945
After the war, Reagan resumes his acting career, which continues for 20 years. Reagan makes 53 motion pictures and one television movie during his career. -
The Reagans adopt a son
March 1945
The Reagans adopt Michael. -
Reagan divorces Jane
1949
Reagan and Wyman divorce. -
Reagan marries Nancy Davis
March 4, 1952
Reagan and movie actress Nancy Davis wed. -
Ron Reagan Jr is born
May 20, 1958
Son Ronald Prescott (Ron) is born. -
Reagan becomes a Republican
1962
Reagan officially changes his party registration to Republican. -
Reagan is in Office
1966
Reagan defeats incumbent California Gov. Edmund G. "Pat" Brown in a landslide. -
Reagan wants the Nomination
Nov. 20, 1975
Reagan announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president. -
Loses the Nomination to Gerald Ford
1976
He loses the Republican Party's nomination to Gerald Ford, but a strong showing sets the stage for Reagan's election in 1980. In the meantime, Reagan works on his ranch, gives speeches, does radio commentaries and writes a weekly newspaper column. -
Reagan becomes President
Jan. 20, 1981
Reagan is sworn in as the 40th president of the United States. On the same day, Iran releases the 52 remaining hostages who had been held at the U.S. embassy in Tehran for 444 days. -
Reagan is shot
March 30, 1981
Reagan is shot in the chest upon leaving a Washington hotel but makes a full recovery after surgery. Three other people, including Reagan press secretary James Brady, are wounded in the assassination attempt. John Hinckley Jr. is charged but found not guilty by reason of insanity. -
Appoints woman to Supreme court!
September 1981
Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor as the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Tear down this wall!
June 12, 1987
In a speech at Berlin's Brandenberg Gate, Reagan demands Gorbachev "tear down this wall." -
End of Reagan Presidency
Jan. 11, 1989
Reagan gives his farewell address to the nation, in which he says the so-called Reagan revolution "made a difference." -
Soviet Union Dissolved
December 1991
The Soviet Union is formally dissolved. -
Reagan has Alzheimer's
Nov. 5, 1994
Reagan discloses in a letter that he has Alzheimer's disease. "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life," he writes. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead." Read Reagan's letter. -
Ronald Reagan dies
June 5, 2004
Ronald Reagan dies in California at the age of 93.
