Odd Facts About Ronald Reagan

Although it is commonly suggested that Ronald Reagan and Ann Sheridan were originally considered to star in the classic romantic war drama, Casablanca, that was actually a hoax by the Warner Brothers publicity department, printed in The Hollywood Reporter, intended to gain exposure for the two actors. Casablanca was Bogart and Bergman from the beginning.

Reagan was married to Jane Wyman from 1940-48. They split over disagreements about his political ambitions.

Reagan co-starred with his future wife, Nancy Davis, in the submarine saga, Hellcats of the Navy,in 1957. At their wedding, William Holden was best man.

Reagan appeared in 52 movies, mostly B movies although he did have good roles inKnute Rockne: All American, Santa Fe Trail, as well as a star-making role in his favorite, King's Row. He joined the Army immediately after and failed to regain star status.

At age 30, he was turned down for overseas duty in World War II because of nearsightedness (he habitually wore contacts). He did serve in uniform in making training films at Hal Roach Studios,including one widely available today on DVD about the recognizing the Japanese Zero fighter, and signed the discharge papers for Major Clark Gable at war's end.

Because of his post-war movie-making slump, Reagan turned to television. He became host of General Electric Theater.

President Reagan's Secret Service codename was "Rawhide."

The only U.S. president to have been divorced.

Ronald Reagan had a photographic memory.

Reagan was commissioned as a lieutenant, discharged as a captain.

Well-known for his penchant for jelly beans, which he often took with him into cabinet meetings.

Reagan turned down the role of a presidential candidate in The Best Manand the Cary Grant role of Mortimer in Arsenic and Old Lace. He was also considered for the father of Dustin Hoffman's character in The Graduate.

Both he and wife Nancy preferred vodka-and-orange-juice cocktails, occasionally wine.

Former presidential chief of staff Donald Regan revealed in his autobiography that San Francisco astrologer Joan Quigley had been engaged to advise the Reagans. Nancy Reagan reportedly consulted Quigely after the 1981 assassination attempt on her husband and regularly thereafter. The degree of Quigley's influence is debatable, but it is believed her advice was used in shaping the president's schedule at times, at least.

Reagan's youthful nickname was Dutch, given to him by his father due to his appearance and his Dutchboy haircut.

He affectionately called Nancy "Mommie." She called him "Ronnie."

In 1994, the 83-year-old former president announced he had Alzheimer's disease. he died 10 years later.

When he learned that Reagan was running for office in 1966, movie mogul Jack Warner reportedly said, "No, no, no, no. You've got it all wrong. Jimmy Stewart for governor, Ronald Reagan for best friend."