Dennis Quaid attends red carpet premiere of’Reagan’ biopic in Dixon

DIXON, Ill. (WTVO) — Hollywood star Dennis Quaid, who plays the title role in the new film “Reagan,” walked the red carpet for the film’s premiere in former President Ronald Reagan’s hometown of Dixon Illinois.

“This is huge. This is what they call grassroots, actually. This one is more important than the Hollywood premiere, to tell you the truth,” said Quaid. “Because, I mean, here we are in Reagan’s hometown. It just means a lot more to me.”

The movie follows Reagan’s life from his childhood years to the presidency, “told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan’s when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood,” according to press notes.

Jon Voight (“Deliverance”), Penelope Ann Miller (“Kindergarten Cop”), and Mena Suvari (“American Beauty”) co-star.

Dixon refers to Reagan as its golden boy. Signs and pictures honoring the former president lined the streets. Long-time residents and business owners are excited Dixon can get the recognition it deserves.

“Reagan always remembers Dixon. He always refers to it as a great place to come home to. We were here for his inauguration. We were here for birthday celebrations and to see how history has come full circle,” said Dixon’s President of the Theater Board Mike Venier. “Now, we’re seeing a movie about his accomplishments and featuring and really showcasing the city of Dixon itself. It’s an honor.”

Mayor Glenn Hughes said he hoped this movie would shine a light on his city and inspire residents to reach for the stars.

“It’s where Reagan grew up, where Reagan went to school,” said Dixon’s Mayor Glenn Hughes. “I think the movie has [the] potential of putting more context with Dixon and maybe bring in some more tourism.”

“Reagan” opens in theaters nationwide on August 30th.

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