Dennis Quaid's Impact on Penelope Ann Miller's Portrayal of Nancy Reagan
Diving into Nancy Reagan's Character
For Penelope Ann Miller, who has had an extensive film career for the past 40 years, there was definitely a discovery process stepping into the role of Nancy Reagan opposite Dennis Quaid’s Ronald Reagan in the biopic of the former president, Reagan.
“A lot of people’s image of her, including my own, was of this very sort of stoic, maybe slightly icy, just not warm or funny type,” she says with a smile in an exclusive interview. “She had a very protective shield and you don’t think of her as an approachable person. Maybe cold. Those were the images I had in my mind.”
Unveiling the Real Nancy Reagan
Images that gradually evolved through the research process, allowing her to discover an entirely different side to the former First Lady and the depth of the connection between she and her husband.
- “There was an incredible love story between Ronnie and Nancy that I found,” Miller explains.
- “Really fascinating and interesting and unusual, in a good way.”
- “She was fiercely protective of him.”
Miller learned that Reagan’s charm brought out a playful side in Nancy. “She obviously laughed at his jokes and loved his humor,” she shares. “But she also had a warmer and vulnerable side.”
Through this role, Miller seeks to present a fuller picture of Nancy Reagan as more than just the “Dragon Lady” often portrayed.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.