Lou Cannon, Biographer of Ronald Reagan, Passes Away at 92.

Lou Cannon, a distinguished journalist and biographer of Ronald Reagan, passed away on December 19 at the age of 92. Known for his extensive interviews with Reagan and five books on the former president, Cannon's work shaped political journalism and left a lasting legacy in American history.

Lou Cannon, a renowned journalist and biographer of former President Ronald Reagan, passed away on Friday, December 19, at the age of 92. His death was attributed to complications from a stroke, as confirmed by his son, Carl, to The Washington Post. Throughout his illustrious career, Cannon conducted over fifty interviews with Reagan and wrote five books about him, covering the former president's entire political journey.

Cannon's professional association with Reagan spanned decades, dating back to the 1960s, and it played a crucial role in shaping Cannons career as a political journalist. His extensive coverage of both terms of Reagan's presidency allowed him to establish a unique relationship with the president. Cannon's involvement in journalism began early, starting as a high school sports reporter for the Nevada State Journal, as detailed by the National Review in 2022. He later pursued his higher education at the University of Nevada and San Francisco State College before serving two years in the Army.

In the early 1960s, Cannon launched his career in political journalism, joining the San Jose Mercury in 1964. His first significant encounter with Ronald Reagan occurred in 1965, when Reagan, at the time an actor, announced his campaign for governor of California. This marked the beginning of a decades-long professional relationship, with Cannon interviewing Reagan numerous times and traveling with him on many occasions. The bond they shared allowed Cannon to gain unparalleled insights into Reagans personal and political life.

In 1969, Cannon published his first book, Ronnie and Jesse: A Political Odyssey, which marked the start of his prolific writing career. Over the years, he went on to publish multiple works about Reagan, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost authorities on the former president. One of his most notable works was Official Negligence: How Rodney King and the Riots Changed Los Angeles and the L.A.P.D., published in 1998, which focused on the events surrounding the Rodney King incident and its aftermath. Cannons writing extended beyond Reagan's presidency, examining key moments in American history, politics, and society.

Born on June 3, 1933, in New York City, Lou Cannon moved to Nevada with his family, where he graduated from high school in 1950 and went on to earn his college degree in 1952. In 1953, he married Virginia, and the couple had four children before divorcing. In 1985, Cannon remarried Mary L. Shinkwin. He is survived by his second wife, Mary, three children from his first marriage (Carl, Judith, and Jackson), seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia, and his son, David.

Cannons contributions to journalism, particularly his in-depth and thoughtful coverage of Ronald Reagans life and presidency, have had a lasting impact on the field of political reporting. His extensive body of work continues to serve as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of American politics and the legacy of one of the most significant U.S. presidents of the 20th century. His passing marks the end of an era for political journalism, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt within the industry.

Sources:

• The Washington Post
• National Review
• Los Angeles Times
• Lou Cannon, Journalist and Ronald Reagan Biographer, Dies at 92