Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American actor and politician who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Before his presidency, Reagan had a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 50 films and serving twice as president of the Screen Actors Guild, where he combated Communist influence. He transitioned into politics as a conservative Republican, serving as the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. During his governorship, he balanced the state budget, raised taxes, and took a firm stance against protests, including deploying the National Guard during unrest at the University of California[1][4][6]. Reagan ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 1968 and 1976 before winning it in 1980. He defeated incumbent President Jimmy Carter amid economic difficulties and foreign policy challenges. His presidency was marked by supply-side economic policies, known as "Reaganomics," which aimed to reduce taxes, decrease government regulation, and increase defense spending. Internationally, Reagan pursued a policy of “peace through strength,” significantly boosting the U.S. military while engaging in arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union, helping to ease Cold War tensions. His leadership is widely credited with contributing to the eventual end of Soviet communism. He was reelected in 1984 in a historic landslide victory, winning 49 states[2][3][4]. Reagan left office in 1989 with strong approval ratings and is remembered for restoring American confidence and optimism during a period of national malaise. After his presidency, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2004 in Los Angeles. His legacy remains influential in American politics, symbolizing conservative values and a robust foreign policy stance during the late 20th century[2][4][6].