Author, Conservative commentator, Philanthropist. He was an American conservative radio host, author, and the eldest son of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, and Academy Award-winning actress, Jane Wyman.
Born John Charles Flaugher in Los Angeles, he was adopted by the Reagans shortly after his birth. While he was raised in the spotlight of his parents' Hollywood careers, Michael carved out his own path as a world-class athlete and philanthropist. In the 1980s, he became a celebrated figure in competitive powerboat racing, setting several world records. Most notably, his 1,027-mile "Assault on the Mississippi" run from New Orleans to St. Louis raised over $500,000 for the U.S. Olympic Committee, In total, his racing career raised more than $1.5 million for charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Professionally, Michael was a titan of conservative media. He hosted The Michael Reagan Show for over 26 years, becoming one of the first voices to bring long-form political talk to a national audience. He was also a prolific author of best-selling books such as On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted, and Lessons My Father Taught Me. In 1997, he founded the Reagan Legacy Foundation to preserve his father's ideals of liberty and civic responsibility. He also served as the Chairman of the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation, a cause deeply personal to him following his father's battle with the disease.
Michael Reagan was a practicing Catholic, influenced by his mother, Jane Wyman, who was a Third Order Dominican. A man of profound faith, he often spoke publicly about his Catholic faith, the importance of prayer, and his journey as an adoptee throughout his life. Michael passed away from cancer on January 4, 2026, at the age of 80. His funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, California.
Author, Conservative commentator, Philanthropist. He was an American conservative radio host, author, and the eldest son of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, and Academy Award-winning actress, Jane Wyman.
Born John Charles Flaugher in Los Angeles, he was adopted by the Reagans shortly after his birth. While he was raised in the spotlight of his parents' Hollywood careers, Michael carved out his own path as a world-class athlete and philanthropist. In the 1980s, he became a celebrated figure in competitive powerboat racing, setting several world records. Most notably, his 1,027-mile "Assault on the Mississippi" run from New Orleans to St. Louis raised over $500,000 for the U.S. Olympic Committee, In total, his racing career raised more than $1.5 million for charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Professionally, Michael was a titan of conservative media. He hosted The Michael Reagan Show for over 26 years, becoming one of the first voices to bring long-form political talk to a national audience. He was also a prolific author of best-selling books such as On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted, and Lessons My Father Taught Me. In 1997, he founded the Reagan Legacy Foundation to preserve his father's ideals of liberty and civic responsibility. He also served as the Chairman of the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation, a cause deeply personal to him following his father's battle with the disease.
Michael Reagan was a practicing Catholic, influenced by his mother, Jane Wyman, who was a Third Order Dominican. A man of profound faith, he often spoke publicly about his Catholic faith, the importance of prayer, and his journey as an adoptee throughout his life. Michael passed away from cancer on January 4, 2026, at the age of 80. His funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, California.
Bio by: Joel Ward
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Gravesite Details
Located off the main walkway from Cathedral Dr (inner courtyard area) and just adjacent (ENE) of the fountain; first wall section to the R, four columns in from far R-corner, two rows up.
