Ronald Reagan & Jane Wyman: The First Divorced President
She was the bigger star, he talked too much about politics, and their baby's death broke what was left
Key Facts
What Happened
Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were both contract players at Warner Bros. when they married in January 1940. Wyman was already the bigger star, having earned an Academy Award nomination. Reagan was a handsome leading man in B-movies who was increasingly consumed by politics, serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild. Their daughter Maureen was born in 1941, and they adopted a son, Michael, in 1945.
The marriage began to fracture after the premature birth and death of their daughter Christine on June 26, 1947. The baby lived only nine hours. The tragedy devastated Wyman, while Reagan reportedly threw himself deeper into political work as a coping mechanism. Wyman later testified in court that Reagan's obsession with politics and Screen Actors Guild business left her feeling neglected and that he was 'boring her to death' with political discussions.
Wyman filed for divorce, which was granted on June 28, 1948, and finalized on July 18, 1949. As a California community property case, their Hollywood assets were divided equally. Reagan was reportedly devastated and later said the divorce was the biggest failure of his life. He went on to marry Nancy Davis in 1952, beginning what became one of the most celebrated partnerships in American political history.
When Reagan was inaugurated as president in 1981, he became the first divorced person to hold the office. Wyman, who had gone on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for Johnny Belinda, never spoke publicly about her marriage to Reagan. When asked during his presidency, she famously said: 'It is not because I am bitter or because I do not agree with him politically. I have always been a registered Republican. But it is my right to have my own politics without being confused with his.' She maintained her silence until her death in 2007.
Legal Breakdown: Divorce and Political Careers
California Community Property
As a California divorce, the Reagan-Wyman split followed community property rules where all assets acquired during marriage are divided equally. In 1949, this was straightforward for a Hollywood couple: studio contracts, residuals, and real estate were split down the middle.
Divorce Stigma and Public Life
In 1949, divorce carried enormous social stigma, especially for public figures. Reagan's divorce was considered a potential disqualifier for political office for decades. The fact that he overcame this stigma to become president in 1981 reflected changing social attitudes toward divorce in America.
Grief and Marital Breakdown
The death of baby Christine was a pivotal factor in the divorce. Grief affects spouses differently, and when coping mechanisms diverge, couples can grow apart rapidly. Studies show that child loss significantly increases divorce risk. Courts and mediators should be aware of this dynamic.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →The death of a child puts enormous strain on a marriage. If you experience this tragedy, grief counseling for both partners, individually and together, is essential.
- →Divorce does not define your future. Reagan went on to become president; Wyman won an Oscar. Both built remarkable post-divorce lives.
- →Community property states divide assets equally regardless of fault. If you live in one, understand what this means for your financial planning.
- →Maintaining dignified silence about an ex-spouse, as Wyman did for sixty years, is an underrated form of personal strength.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.