Lou Cannon, the journalist and author widely considered the nation’s leading authority on the life and career of President Ronald Reagan, died Friday at a hospice in Santa Barbara, California. He was 92 years old.
A Life Dedicated to Understanding Reagan
Cannon’s death was the result of complications from a stroke, according to his son, Carl M. Cannon, who spoke with the Washington Post. Cannon spent years as a White House correspondent for the Washington Post, but his engagement with Reagan’s story began much earlier, in the 1960s when Reagan transitioned from acting to politics.
He authored five books about Reagan, including the 1991 biography, “President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime,” which is regarded as a comprehensive account of the 40th president’s life. Despite his extensive research and access, Cannon himself admitted to a lingering sense of incomplete understanding. “The more I wrote,” he told the Reno Gazette-Journal in 2001, “the more I felt I didn’t know.”
From California Governor to National Figure
Cannon first encountered Reagan in 1965, while covering a lunch event during Reagan’s initial campaign for governor of California. He was struck by Reagan’s ability to command a room and connect with people, observing that Reagan was “not just an actor reading a script.” Cannon predicted Reagan would become president, even before he secured the governorship.
Reagan’s opponents, Cannon noted, consistently underestimated him, believing his background as an actor would make him an easy target. However, Reagan proved to be “tough” and “determined,” ultimately winning the presidency after two earlier unsuccessful bids.
Cannon’s career extended beyond his work on Reagan. He also authored a book about the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and chronicled the story of a 1970s heroin kingpin in Las Vegas.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in New York City and raised in Reno, Nevada, Cannon served in the U.S. Army before beginning his journalism career. He worked for the San Jose Mercury News covering Reagan’s early years as governor and joined the Washington Post in 1972. He is survived by his wife, Mary Shinkwin, and three children. His first marriage, to Virginia Oprian, ended in divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lou Cannon’s primary area of expertise?
Lou Cannon was widely considered the nation’s leading authority on the life and career of President Ronald Reagan.
How many books did Cannon write about Reagan?
Cannon wrote five books about Ronald Reagan, including “President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime.”
What was Cannon’s initial impression of Reagan when he first met him?
Cannon was surprised by Reagan’s command of the room and his ability to connect with people, believing he was “not just an actor reading a script.”
As journalists continue to analyze and interpret the past, how might Cannon’s dedication to understanding a complex figure like Ronald Reagan influence future biographical work?
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