S10·E28 Ronald Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime

He went from B-movies to the Oval Office. One of the most controversial presidents in history, he changed the nation more radically than any chief executive since Roosevelt. Ronald Reagan left his mark on the nation. Some saw him as a front man for big business and the wealthy, while others claim his vision revitalized the nation and restored faith in America at home and abroad. This comprehensive profile tells the complete story of Ronald Reagan, from his childhood in Illinois and his first career in Hollywood to his rise to political prominence and landmark, two-term presidency. The private man is revealed in rare family photos, home movies and interviews with family members. Former costars, including Nancy Coleman and Virginia Mayo, recall the dashing young actor, while administration insiders George Schulz and Ed Meese explore his political career and legacy, and offer a behind-the-scenes view of the Reagan White House.