The Top 10 Surprising Facts About Ronald Reagan You Never Knew

The Top 10 Surprising Facts About Ronald Reagan You Never Knew

Introduction

Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States for two terms from 1981 to 1989, leaving an indelible mark on American history. His conservative ideology, charisma, and leadership style earned him the nickname “the Great Communicator.” However, beyond his political accomplishments, Reagan was a man of many surprising facets. Here are the top 10 surprising facts about Ronald Reagan you never knew.

Fact 1: Reagan’s Hollywood Career

Before he entered politics, Reagan was an accomplished actor and starred in over 50 movies. He even served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild for several terms. Interestingly, Reagan considered his acting career as an apprenticeship for his future political career.

Fact 2: Reagan’s College Years

Despite being known as a conservative icon, Reagan was a liberal during his college years. He attended Eureka College in Illinois and majored in economics and sociology. Reagan was also an active participant in sports and extracurricular activities.

Fact 3: Reagan’s Sports Injuries

Reagan was an avid sports enthusiast, playing football, swimming, and horseback riding. However, he suffered several serious injuries during his sports activities. These injuries include a broken leg, broken ribs, and a dislocated finger.

Fact 4: Reagan’s Dual Citizenship

Reagan was born in Illinois, United States, but his ancestry can be traced back to Ireland. Therefore, he held both US and Irish citizenship.

Fact 5: Reagan’s Support for Gun Control

Despite being a proponent of individual rights, Reagan was in favor of gun control measures. He supported the Brady Bill, which mandated a waiting period and background checks for gun purchases.

Fact 6: Reagan’s Unusual Money Habits

Reagan had some unique habits when it came to money management. For example, he would keep a few one-dollar bills in his pocket just in case he needed to leave a tip. He also had a habit of mailing checks for insignificant amounts of money, such as a few cents, to his friends or acquaintances.

Fact 7: Reagan’s Connection to Monkeys

Reagan had a unique connection to monkeys, as he often used them to articulate his political views. For example, he coined the term “Monkey Business” to describe government bureaucracy and used metaphors involving monkeys to illustrate certain concepts.

Fact 8: Reagan’s Love for Jelly Beans

Reagan was well-known for his love for jelly beans, and they became his trademark snack during his time in office. Reagan even had a specially made blue jar with the Presidential seal to hold his favorite treat.

Fact 9: Reagan’s Near-Death Experience

On March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. while leaving a speaking engagement in Washington, D.C. This event led to Reagan’s near-death experience, and he later credited his survival to his strong faith.

Fact 10: Reagan’s Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease

In 1994, Reagan announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This disease affects memory, thinking, and behavior and eventually led to his death in 2004. Reagan’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease brought awareness to the disease and spurred research efforts in finding a cure.

Conclusion

Ronald Reagan’s life and career were marked by many surprising facets. From his Hollywood career to his unique money habits, Reagan was more than just a conservative icon. By delving into his life, we can see the complexities of his personality and character. Learning about the top 10 surprising facts about Ronald Reagan reminds us of his legacy as one of the most influential Presidents in American history.