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Ronald Reagan's Successful Career

Decent Essays

Ronald Reagan, born in Tampico, Illinois, had a modest upbringing from parents whose values contrasted considerably. His mother, Nelle, was a dedicated prohibitionist and religious woman. She often participated in performing for the sick through music and reading, allowing Ronald to assist. This early exposure to performing for others probably contributed to his desire to be part of the entertainment industry. Ronald’s father, Jack, a polarity of Nelle, was an alcoholic and he had difficulties maintaining employment. Jack had little involvement in his children’s lives and he rarely attended school activities to show support. Neil, Ronald’s older brother, relates most to his father while Ronald seems to be most attached to his mother.
Ronald’s childhood consisted of football, swimming, dramatics, class President, and church. In his late teen years, he spent his summers lifeguarding; he was admired by many for saving numerous lives. Ronald and his High School sweetheart Margaret Cleaver, his pastor’s daughter, both attend Eureka College after graduation. During college the economy was in financial strain due to the Great Depression. To pay his tuition for school Ronald saved …show more content…

Ronald found that opportunities to join this profession were limited, but he is eventually able to obtained employment through WOC as a broadcaster. While working for WOC, Ronald’s notoriety rose, as he became a top sportscaster. His advancement in radio led to connections to movie stars. He approaches Joy Hodges, an actress, who convinces an agent at Meiklejohn Agency to give Ronald a screen test. This immediately results in employment with Warner Bros. Studios as a ‘B’ list actor with occasional roles in ‘A’ list films. Ronald’s movie career progresses in part due to columnists, Louella Parsons, who gave him exposure and good reviews because they had previously lived in the same

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