A Famous Illinoisan Turned Down A Role In Back To The Future III

Imagine watching “Back To The Future III” and seeing Ronald Reagan standing in the middle of Hill Valley in 1885.

It almost happened.

Reagan, who was born in Tampico, grew up in Dixon, and attended Eureka College, was approached about appearing in the 1990 movie, and on its face, the role couldn't have been more appropriate for the former Hollywood actor and star of numerous Westerns.

The Back To The Future filmmakers wanted Reagan to play the part of the mayor of Hill Valley in 1885.

George Konig, Getty Images

The Role They Had In Mind For Reagan Wasn't A Big Part

The mayor appears during the town's festival, welcoming the citizens and presiding over the dedication of Hill Valley's new clock. But just imagine Reagan delivering that scene in his unmistakable voice.

According to “Back To The Future” co-creator Bob Gale, the filmmakers actually tried to make it happen.

Gale said they contacted Universal Studios chairman Lew Wasserman, who had previously been Reagan's movie agent. Wasserman was asked to approach the former president and offer him the part.

Lew did just that, and Reagan apparently gave it some thought. Ultimately, however, he decided to turn it down. The mayor was instead played by actor Hugh Gillin.

Reagan was apparently a big fan of the original “Back To The Future.” In fact, he famously referenced the movie during his 1986 State of the Union address, quoting its line about where we're going and not needing roads.

A car that is sitting in the street

So, Why Did Ronald Reagan Say No?

Well, we'll never know exactly why he passed on the opportunity. But the timing is interesting. “Back To The Future III” was filmed in 1989, just months after Reagan left the White House following eight years as president.

Had he accepted, the former president, former California governor, and former Hollywood star would have ended up playing the mayor of a fictional Old West town.

And there's something wonderfully Illinois about the whole thing.

The man who grew up in Dixon and went on to become one of the most recognizable people in the world came remarkably close to adding one more line to his resume:

Mayor of Hill Valley.