Ronald Reagan was born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois. He was the second son of John, a merchant, and Nelle. Growing up, Ronald sold popcorn at high school games and worked as a lifeguard to earn money for his college tuition. After graduating from Eureka College, he worked as a radio sports announcer before beginning a film career that would span 30 years and more than 50 films. In 1966, with speaking skills as his trademark, he was elected to his first of two terms as governor of California. In 1980, after two failed bids for the Republican nomination, he espoused a moderate platform and became the 40th president of the United States. In 1988, when George Bush succeeded him as President, he left office still immensely popular. Since leaving office, Reagan has been living with Alzheimer's disease and has maintained a private life with his wife, Nancy, in California.