REAGAN, RONALD W.

born Feb. 6, 1911, Tampico, Ill., U.S. Ronald Reagan. in full Ronald Wilson Reagan 40th president of the United States (1981 89), noted for his conservative Republicanism, his fervent anticommunism, and his appealing personal style, characterized by a jaunty affability and folksy charm. The only movie actor ever to become president, his remarkable skill as an orator earned him the title The Great Communicator. His policies have been credited with contributing to the demise of Soviet communism.