Today’s short story is a calm, easy-to-read biography of Ronald Reagan—his path from Illinois to Hollywood, the governor’s office, and the presidency, with a focus on character and legacy.

Reading Tips

Read slowly, at a relaxed pace. Pause for a breath after each sentence and at the end of paragraphs. Quiet moments help the listener picture the scene and enjoy the moment. Keep your voice warm and unhurried. Feel free to stop once or twice to smile and share a simple comment (“I can almost hear his voice,” “I remember that film”).

The Story

Let’s begin.

Born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in American politics and culture. His journey from a small-town boy to a Hollywood actor, union leader, governor, and eventually the 40th President of the United States is a testament to his resilience, charisma, and unwavering belief in American exceptionalism.

Reagan’s career in Hollywood began in the 1930s, where he found success as a radio announcer, sports commentator, and eventually as a film actor. His charm, handsome looks, and talent earned him leading roles in movies such as “Knute Rockne, All American” (1940) and “Kings Row” (1942), cementing his status as a Hollywood star.

In the 1950s, Reagan transitioned into television, hosting and appearing in various programs, including “General Electric Theater.” It was during this time that he began to articulate his conservative political views, advocating for limited government and individual freedom.

Reagan’s foray into politics officially began in the 1960s when he switched his allegiance from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. He served two terms as the Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, where he implemented conservative policies and gained national attention for his leadership.

In 1980, Reagan won the presidency in a landslide victory, defeating incumbent President Jimmy Carter. As president, Reagan pursued an agenda of economic deregulation, tax cuts, and a robust defense buildup, collectively known as Reaganomics. He also played a crucial role in ending the Cold War, engaging in negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and overseeing the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

Reagan’s optimism, humor, and communication skills earned him the nickname “The Great Communicator” and endeared him to millions of Americans. Despite facing criticism for his policies, including his handling of the AIDS epidemic and the Iran-Contra scandal, Reagan left office in 1989 as one of the most popular presidents in modern American history.

After leaving the White House, Reagan continued to be an influential voice in conservative politics until his death on June 5, 2004. His legacy as a transformative leader and champion of conservative principles continues to shape American politics and culture to this day.

Talking Points

• Did you like him better as an actor, governor or president? – What do you remember about that time?
• Which American President do you remember the most from your lifetime? – What comes to mind about them?
• What do you most admire about President Reagan? – His optimism, his speeches, his jokes or his leadership style?

Music Moment

Song: “Loving You” — Gene Nelson, Virginia Mayo and Ronald Reagan from the 1952 film “She’s Working Her Way Through College”. Take a moment to press play and enjoy this song—feel free to hum along or sing the words if it is familiar.

Picture Prompt

Take a look at this photo. Let’s talk about what you notice first.

• What season do you think it is—spring or summer? (Look at the light clothes and bright sky.)
• Do you know the name of his wife, the woman shown in the photograph? Do they seem happy?

About the Book

This short story is taken from the book, 101 Biography Short Stories for Seniors. All our books are large print and written in clear, gentle language. They are ideal for shared reading in a memory care setting or at home.