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Reagan, Nancy Davis

Reagan was adopted aged six by her step-father, Loyal Davis, after her parents' divorce and mother's remarriage. She was a successful Hollywood actress from 1949 to 1956, but she gave up her career after she married the actor and future governor of California and president of the US in 1952.

Her influence on President Reagan was profound, especially in his later years. Her own interests as first lady included the Foster Grandparents Program and anti-drug campaigning.

References

Who's Who in America, 1996
Kelley, Kitty. Nancy Reagan: The Unauthorized Biography. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991)
Reagan, Nancy, and Novak, William. My Turn: The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan. (New York: Random House, 1989)
"Nancy Davis Reagan, 1923-." [Includes portrait]. Available at: http://www2.whitehouse.gov/WH/glimpse/firstladies/html/nr40.html