Ronald Reagan was born 100 years ago. Today, we remember him as a giant in American history, who would transform American politics for decades. As an actor from his earlier career, Reagan was nothing if not charismatic and photogenic. As a popular president credited with winning the Cold War, and as a progenitor of the modern conservative movement, he attracted a fascination with his life and history.

These photos offer glimpses of different aspects of Reagan's life though the years, from before his first run for governor in 1966 to his second term as president.


See more photos here and here at LIFE.com, which has compiled two galleries of Reagan photographs in honor of his 100th birthday.

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