February 6
WIN ONE FOR THE GIPPER DAY
The 40th president [1981-1989] of the United States and once governor of California [1967-1975], Ronald Wilson Reagan, was born on this day in 1911. Reagan also served six terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild, leading the union of members in his other career: acting.
It was acting that brought Ronald Reagan the recognition and notoriety that led to his most successful career in politics. However, it has been written that he had only one notable performance -- in the film, King’s Row [1941]; although most of us remember his many performances as the host (and, sometimes, the star) of General Electric Theatre [1954-1962] and Death Valley Days [1965-1966]; and role as George Gipp in the 1940 movie, Knute Rockne, All-American. Reagan resurrected the line (from the movie), “Win one for the Gipper,” during his presidency as a way to gather support for his anticommunist, conservative Republican policies.
Comedians used his role in the 1951 movie, Bedtime for Bonzo, to gain yucks and guffaws during the Reagan Years (two presidential terms). The personable, good-natured President was once married to actress, Jane Wyman (Falcon Crest); but he married former actress Nancy Davis on March 4, 1952 and spent the rest of his life with her. Son, Michael, is a radio talk-show host. Son, Ron, has appeared frequently on television (even in his underwear on Saturday Night Live) and daughter, Patty, is a writer.
During his annual visit to the Mayo Clinic in 1994, doctors diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. Ronald Reagan died June 5, 2004.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
No portion of these files may be reproduced without the express, written permission of 440 International Inc.
