President Ronald Reagan was a man of many accomplishments throughout his lifetime; from the silver screen to the world stage, he lived his life to the fullest. Everyone knows he was the 40th President of the United States, most people know he was an actor, but we’ve got a few fun facts that you may not know about the former president.
From College Graduate to Radio Announcer
After Reagan graduated from college in 1932, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he became a radio announcer and sports broadcaster at Station WHO. In 1937 he went to California to report on the Chicago Cubs spring training season. While he was there, he took a screen test for Warner Brothers. The studio offered him a contract, and Reagan’s acting career officially began.
Hollywood Star and Iconic Roles
In 1937, President Reagan signed a seven-year contract with the movie studio Warner Bros. Over the next three decades, he appeared in more than 50 films. Among his best-known roles was that of Notre Dame football star George Gipp in the 1940 biopic Knute Rockne, All American. Another notable role was in the 1942 film Kings Row, in which Reagan portrays an accident victim who wakes up to discover his legs have been amputated.
Leading the Screen Actors Guild
From 1947 to 1952, Reagan served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. During this time, he met actress Nancy Davis, who had sought his help after she was mistakenly listed as a possible communist sympathizer on the Hollywood blacklist.
Pioneering Supreme Court Appointment
On July 7, 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed an Arizona judge, Sandra Day O’Connor, to the Supreme Court. She was confirmed two months later, becoming the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
(Source:Â http://nyti.ms/2kBbCeK)
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans at the Inaugural Festivities
Three and a half tons of red, white, and blue Jelly Belly jelly beans were shipped to Washington, DC for the 1981 Inaugural festivities. Blueberry, one of Jelly Belly brand’s most popular flavors, was developed in 1980. Its blue color completed the other flag colored Jelly Belly jelly beans, the red (Very Cherry) and white (Coconut).
The Power of Reagan’s Words
President Reagan was also known for his powerful and inspiring quotes that continue to resonate today. His speeches were filled with wisdom, humor, and a deep sense of patriotism. For an in-depth look at some of his most famous quotes and the impact they had, read this article on Ronald Reagan Quotes: A Journey Through His Legacy.
Visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to find out even more incredible details about the life of Ronald Reagan. Plan your trip to Conejo Valley today!
