Ronald Reagan’s family slam Will Ferrell for comedy about ex president’s alzheimer’s; Ferrell drops out of the film
Will Ferrell’s casting as Ronald Reagan in the upcoming comedy just recently announced, is already causing quite a stir, as Reagan’s family have now spoken out against the film which has resulted in Ferrell pulling out of the project, following the controversy.
Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis, penned an emotional open letter to Will Ferrell, who was set to play the former President which would have focused on Reagan’s battle with Alzheimer’s.
In her letter, Davis criticises Ferrell for treating the subject matter insensitively by taking on the role:
“Alzheimer’s doesn’t care if you are President of the United States or a dockworker,” she wrote. “It steals what is most precious to a human being – memories, connections, the familiar landmarks of a lifetime that we all come to rely on to hold our place secure in this world and keep us linked to those we have come to know and love.”
“Perhaps for your comedy you would like to visit some dementia facilities,” she told Ferrell. “I have – I didn’t find anything comedic there, and my hope would be that if you’re a decent human being, you wouldn’t either.”
“Perhaps you would like to explain to them how this disease is suitable material for a comedy.”
Reagan’s son, Michael, also had words to say on Twitter:
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film would have taken place during the beginning of President Reagan’s second term. In it, he “falls into dementia,” and “an ambitious intern” is then “tasked with convincing the commander-in-chief that he is an actor playing the President in a movie.”