Nancy Davis Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6 1921) is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and served as an influential First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Born in New York, her parents divorced soon after her birth; she grew up in Maryland, living with an aunt and uncle while her mother pursued acting jobs. As Nancy Davis, she was an actress in the 1940s and 1950s, starring in films such as Donovan's Brain, Night into Morning, and Hellcats of the Navy. In 1952 she married Ronald Reagan, who was then president of the Screen Actors Guild; they had two children. Nancy became the First Lady of California when her husband was Governor from 1967 to 1975.

She became the First Lady of the United States in January 1981 following her husband's victory, but experienced criticism early in his first term largely due to her decision to replenish the White House china. Nancy restored a Kennedy-esque glamor to the White House following years of lax formality, and her interest in high-end fashion garnered much attention, as well as criticism for accepting unreported loans and gifts from fashion designers. She championed recreational drug prevention causes by founding the "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign, which was considered her major initiative as First Lady. More controversy ensued when it was revealed in 1988 that she had consulted an astrologer to assist in planning the president's schedule after the 1981 assassination attempt on her husband's life.

The Reagans retired to their home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California in 1989. Nancy devoted most of her time to caring for her ailing husband, diagnosed in 1994 with Alzheimer's disease, until his death in 2004. Nancy Reagan has remained active in politics, particularly in relation to stem-cell research.

Her stepfather, Dr. Loyal Davis, was a prominent neurosurgeon, very active in conservative politics. Nancy says she has his hands.

God-daughter of Alla Nazimova.

Honorary president of Girl Scouts of America.

(1940s) Graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She narrowly missed being a schoolmate of fellow First Lady Barbara Bush (I) as the latter enrolled three months after she graduated.

Appeared in the chorus of the Broadway production "Lute Song" starring Mary Martin (I).

(8 August 2001) Step-daughter Maureen Reagan dies of malignant melanoma (skin cancer) at her Sacramento-area home.

Mother of Patti Davis (I) and Ron Reagan.

Daughter of Edith Luckett

Made a rare public appearance at the Ronald Reagan (I) Presidential Library on February 28, 2002. She greeted hundreds of fans who waited hours in line to meet her, and have their books signed.

Celebrated her 50th Wedding Anniversary with Ronald Reagan (I) on March 4, 2002.

In early 2002, she gave a rare, indepth interview with ABC correspondent, Diane Sawyer, about her recent life with Ronald Reagan (I) and his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Was already three months pregnant at the time of her marriage to Ronald Reagan (I). Both Reagans are famously pro-family-values.

In order to spare Ronald any further hardships beyond his battle with Alzheimer's disease, she chose not to inform him about the death of his daughter Maureen.

Wears a dress size 6.

Measurements: 34-23-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

At age 7, was a guest at the White House Easter Egg roll and met then-First Lady Grace Coolidge.

Director/writer/actor Albert Brooks (I) asked her to play the part of his mother Beatrice Henderson in Mother (1996/II). Nancy really wanted to come out of acting retirement to play the role, but declined because she couldn't bear to be away from husband and former president Ronald Reagan (I), who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The role eventually went to Debbie Reynolds (I).

Graduated from Smith College, class of 1942. One of her fellow graduates was author/pioneer feminist Betty Freidan.

Best Man at her wedding to Ronald Reagan (I) was William Holden (I).

Stepmother of Michael Reagan (I).

During her time in the White House she consulted astrologer Joan Quigley, and arranged her husband's schedule accordingly.

Attended Smith College for Women.

Was formally adopted by renowned surgeon Loyal Davis.

Told her daughter Patti Davis that Patti refused to leave her mother's womb and actually held onto the rib cage. Although Patti pointed to an anatomy book to show that this was physically impossible, Nancy continued to insist that it was true.

Her mother, Edith Luckett, was a former vaudeville performer.

In her book, House of Secrets, daughter Patti Davis alleged that Nancy was addicted to diet pills.

Underwent a mastectomy when diagnosed with breast cancer. Her doctor claimed simple surgery could have removed the growth, and that the extreme procedure she chose was unnecessary.

Avid reader of Women's Wear Daily.

Quit smoking in 1967.

Has glaucoma.