Nancy Reagan Biography

Fast Facts

• Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002
• Named Woman of the Year by the Los Angeles Times in 1968
• Began serving as head of the California Arts Commission in 1967 while her husband served as governor
• Studied drama and English at Smith College
• Relocated to New York City in the late '40s to pursue a career as an actress, where she would go on to land several Broadway roles
• Best known for the implementation of the Just Say No drug awareness project, launched in 1982, which would ultimately become the Nancy Reagan Foundation once she left the White House
• Signed a long term contract with MGM in 1949 and soon relocated to California
• While serving as FLOTUS, she was known for her vast renovation projects within the White House