Trevor Donovan On Being In The Saddle With ‘Reagan’

After opening in theaters on Aug. 30 (and it’s still in theaters), Reagan brought the life of Ronald Reagan to those who do, and don’t, remember his two terms each as governor of California and the 40th president of the United States.

The biopic, directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer), is now available for home digital purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and other outlets (info here), followed by a DVD/Blu-Ray release on Nov. 19, via Lionsgate.

Getting Into the Saddle With Reagan

Dennis Quaid stars as Reagan, who had an enduring love of riding horses, especially on his California ranch. But because he was the POTUS, he always had to have a Secret Service agent with him.

The man tasked with saddling up next to Reagan was accomplished horseman Agent John Barletta, played by California native Trevor Donovan.

Here’s Donovan talking about taking the role, while shooting scenes at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, California, also home to Reagan’s actual Air Force One.

And here’s the real Barletta, discussing when he had to inform Reagan, suffering from Alzheimer’s, that he should give up riding.

6 Questions With Trevor Donovan

Writing from the set of a future movie, Donovan — who’s also just joined the cast of the Great American Family series When Hope Calls — took time to answer a few questions about riding into history in Reagan.

**Did doing Reagan — and shooting at his Presidential Library — change your thoughts on his life and presidency?**

Working on the film and shooting at the Reagan Presidential Library changed my thoughts about his life and presidency a bit.

Before, I knew him mainly as a historical figure and our 40th president. But being in that environment and learning more about his personal life helped me see him in a new light. It gave me a better understanding of who he was as a person, not just as a politician.

It was interesting to get that deeper perspective.

What might you have asked John Barletta if you’d had the chance to meet him?

If I’d had the chance to meet John Barletta, I would have loved to ask him about the personal moments he shared with President Reagan that didn’t make it into his book, Riding With Reagan.

Reading his book gave me a lot of insight, but I imagine there are countless stories and nuances that only he could tell firsthand. I’d be curious about the little day-to-day interactions — the jokes, the challenges, the candid conversations — that really showcased who Reagan was as a person beyond the public eye.

What reactions have you had from fans about the film and your performance?

I’ve had some really touching reactions from fans about the film and the performance. At screenings, many people didn’t realize beforehand who I was or that I was part of the cast.

But after watching the movie, they approached me to share how moved they were by the scene with Penelope Ann Miller (Nancy Reagan) and Dennis Quaid (Ronald Reagan) — it even brought some to tears, and they truly felt the emotion. It was humbling to hear that it resonated so deeply.

Interestingly, a few recognized me from earlier work like 90210, which isn’t exactly the typical audience for a film like Reagan. It’s been rewarding to see how the movie has connected with a wide range of viewers.

Tell me about working with Dennis Quaid — especially on horseback!

Working with Dennis Quaid was an incredible experience, especially during the horseback scenes. He’s such a natural — not just as an actor, but also on a horse.

I grew up watching his movies, so getting the chance to share the screen with him was really special. He’s a true professional who brings great energy to the set, and he’s easy to work with.

Those scenes we did together were definitely a highlight for me.

Reagan left office 35 years ago … what in the movie do you think speaks most to people too young to remember his presidency?

Even though Reagan left office 35 years ago, the movie highlights themes that are still relevant today, especially for people too young to remember his presidency. It shows Reagan as a real person — his values, struggles, and determination — which can resonate with younger audiences.

The film touches on ideas like leadership, resilience, and standing up for what you believe in. It also reflects on the shared values that make many proud to be American.

By portraying him not just as a historical figure but as someone with hopes and challenges, the movie helps those who didn’t experience his time in office connect with his story in a meaningful way.

What was the biggest challenge in playing Barletta?

The biggest challenge in playing John Barletta was capturing his true essence, especially since I never had the chance to meet him.

Reading his book Riding With Reagan provided valuable insights into his experiences and his close relationship with President Reagan. He had a strong Boston accent, which I worked hard to replicate to portray him authentically.

I also had the opportunity to speak with some of his family members, which helped me understand him on a more personal level. It was important to honor who he was — not just as a Secret Service agent, but as someone who had a deep personal bond with the President.

Click here for the film’s official website.

Donovan can next be seen on Great American Family on Saturday, Nov. 23, in A Little Women’s Christmas, a modern adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic, airing as part of the cablenet’s Great American Christmas 2024.