Piper Laurie, a seasoned actress now aged 79, has divulged in her newly released autobiography a shocking revelation about losing her innocence to none other than Ronald Reagan, who was playing her on-screen father at the time.
The triple Oscar nominee discloses that Reagan, then 39 years old and in between marriages, pursued her romantically while they were filming the 1950 movie Louisa.
Contrary to expectations of a refined courtship, their first intimate encounter lacked the grace one would anticipate.
Reagan’s pursuit of Laurie began during the filming process, with the actor showing persistent interest in her.
Despite seeking permission from Laurie’s mother to take her out, his intentions quickly shifted from paternal to romantic.
Laurie recalls feeling initially flattered by Reagan’s attention, expecting a glamorous and romantic evening out, only to find herself sharing hamburgers at his Los Angeles residence instead.
Describing Reagan’s demeanor in the bedroom, Laurie paints a picture of an insensitive and boastful lover.
She recounts how he emphasized the duration of their encounter and even highlighted the cost of the condom used.
Laurie, known for her straightforward nature in Hollywood, reflects on defying industry norms by rejecting a restrictive contract that limited her to mundane roles, which ultimately led to a new opportunity.
Having established herself as a versatile actress over the years, Laurie took a hiatus to focus on family life before returning to the limelight in acclaimed productions such as Carrie and Children of a Lesser God, earning her multiple Oscar nominations.
Her career resurgence included memorable roles in projects like Twin Peaks, allowing her to fully immerse herself in a craft she deeply cherished.
On the other hand, Reagan’s legacy extended beyond the silver screen to the realm of politics, where he served as the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
His passing in 2004 marked the end of a storied career that spanned nearly three decades in acting.
Laurie’s candid account sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Reagan’s personal life, adding a compelling layer to the complex narrative of his legacy.
