Years in the making, the new film starring Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan hits theaters this weekend.
REAGAN, directed by Sean McNamara, looks back at the early life of the former actor, highlights the love story between his wife and devoted partner, Nancy Reagan, and moves through the historic timeline of events that led to Reagan bringing an end to the Cold War. It’s told from the vantage point of a former KGB agent played by Jon Voight who highlights why Reagan, known as the Great Communicator, was so effective in his dealings with the Soviets. Penelope Ann Miller plays Nancy Reagan.
Quaid admits, initially, he was reluctant to sign on to play the 40th President of the United.
“Reagan is like Muhammad Ali in that everyone in the world knows what he looks like and what he sounds like. So, I had this pang of fear about doing it. But then I visited the Reagan ranch in California. It’s called the Western White House, and it’s closed to the public, but I could feel him there. He was a very humble man. And that’s when I said yes, because I could really feel him as a person.”
The film’s first premiere in Los Angeles with fellow costars Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, and Amanda Righetti had all of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
The premiere in Quaid’s adopted hometown of Nashville was a bit more relaxed, but the anticipation still high for those getting a chance for an early screening. Quaid, with roles in films like The Right Stuff, The Parent Trap, and The Rookie, is not only a talented actor, but musician as well. He recorded his 2023 Gospel album Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinner in Nashville. So, many of his friends, actors, and fellow musicians turn out to show their support.
Some had their own connection to the film.
“I co-wrote a song for the soundtrack called “I Knew It Would Be You,” noted Kathie Lee Gifford. “It’s a beautiful love song. A lot of people are calling this a political film but it’s really a love story. And Dennis is amazing in it.”
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Singer Darci Lynn, who burst onto the music scene as a singer/ventriloquist at the age of 12 with her appearance on NBC’s Got Talent, has a small role in the movie.
“Ronald Reagan was a lifeguard in the 1930s,” she explained. “I didn’t know that. But young girls would fake-drown because they thought he was cute. So, that’s me in the film! It was so much fun.”
Actor Trevor Donovan plays the late Secret Service Agent John Barletta who became a close friend of Reagan’s. The former president rode horses and needed someone who could keep up with him on the ranch after he retired. Barletta was assigned the equestrian detail.
“I wasn’t aware of this guy before I took this role,” Donovan said, “So, I learned a lot. There’s so much depth to this story: how Reagan grew up, the different stages of his life, how he affected the people around him. My character comes up toward the end of the movie and it’s quite an emotional pivot to the story. I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Many at the Nashville premiere came simply to cheer on Quaid.
“Dennis did my TV show when I was on the Circle Network and we had a great time,” said Phil Vassar. “He’s a great musician, a great singer, and I’ve always respected him and his movies. And it’s kind of cool that he’s living here now.”
“I’m here because of Quaid,” said Tanya Tucker. “He’s a great actor. You know, I did a movie with him when we were young and hopeful and had our futures ahead of us. (She’s referring to the 1979 film Amateur Night at the Dixie Bar and Grill.) But it was 40 years before I saw him again and that was at the Country Music Hall of Fame here in Nashville. Since then, we’ve reconnected and I just love him.”
In fact, the two have collaborated on a new song Quaid wrote, set for release, hopefully later this year.
After the Red Carpet interviews, everyone headed into the theater for the screening of REAGAN.” Quaid spoke for a few minutes before it started, thanking everyone for coming.
The movie, he says, reflects the love story between Ronald and Nancy Reagan, but also looks back at an important part of, not only American, but world history.
“It’s about fighting communism, and it was Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, the Pope, and Lech Walesa who won the Cold War,” he said. “It took somebody like Reagan to do it, because he could talk to them and they respected him.”
Of Quaid’s many movies through the years The Right Stuff has always been his favorite.
“I judge my movies by the time I had making them and this one was really special,” he says. “REAGAN is now my favorite movie.”
It opens in theaters nationwide today.
