Ronald Reagan
Awards & Honours
33
Awards Won
8
Honours
5
Rankings
5
Covers
4
Records
Ronald Reagan's career was marked by a series of extraordinary achievements, transitioning from a successful Hollywood actor and influential union leader to a two-term U.S. President. His ability to connect with the public and articulate his vision earned him widespread admiration. In the entertainment world, he received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and the Golden Globe's Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his lasting impact on film and his dedicated service as SAG president. As a political figure, his two terms as Governor of California laid the groundwork for his presidential run, where he implemented significant reforms. His presidency is particularly remembered for his economic policies, which aimed to spur growth through tax cuts and deregulation, and for his firm stance against the Soviet Union, which many believe played a pivotal role in the peaceful conclusion of the Cold War. He survived an assassination attempt with remarkable grace, further solidifying his image as a resilient leader. Throughout his public life, Reagan consistently ranked among the most admired figures, reflecting his profound connection with the American people.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
California Hall of Fame
Inducted posthumously for his contributions as Governor and President.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
A Nimitz-class aircraft carrier named in his honor.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
A federal building in Washington, D.C., named after him.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Washington National Airport was renamed in his honor.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Established to preserve and promote his legacy and papers.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Received a star for his contributions to television at 6374 Hollywood Boulevard.
National Speakers Association Hall of Fame
Recognized for his exceptional communication skills and public speaking.
Honorary Doctorates
Received over 20 honorary doctorates, including from Eureka College.
Rankings & Lists
C-SPAN Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership
Siena College Research Institute Presidential Ranking
American Political Science Association Presidential Greatness Survey
Gallup's Most Admired Man in America
Time Magazine's 100 Most Important People of the Century
Magazine Covers
Time Magazine
January 2, 1984
Man of the Year
Time Magazine
January 5, 1981
Man of the Year
Time Magazine
November 17, 1980
Reagan's Landslide
Time Magazine
July 9, 1965
Reagan for Governor?
Time Magazine
February 25, 1946
The New Star System
Records & Feats
First Divorced U.S. President
Ronald Reagan was the first person in U.S. history to be divorced and then elected President of the United States.
Most People Saved as a Lifeguard
He reportedly saved 77 people from drowning during his seven summers as a lifeguard at the Rock River in Lowell Park.
Oldest Person Elected U.S. President (at the time)
Reagan was 69 years old when first elected in 1980, making him the oldest person to assume the presidency at that point. This record has since been surpassed.
First President to Appoint a Woman to the Supreme Court
He appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981, a historic first for the nation.