Reagan lifeguarded for several summers at Rock River in his hometown of Dixon, Ill., while in high school. He reportedly saved 77 lives.

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He attended Eureka College in Illinois on a partial football scholarship and covered the remaining cost by washing dishes at his fraternity house.

After graduating in 1932, Reagan got a job as a radio sportscaster at WOC in Davenport, Iowa. The radio station paid him $10 per game ($174 in today's dollars).

Reagan, of course, eventually went on to Hollywood.