Will Ferrell Drops Out of Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Movie Amid Uproar

Reagan's son, Michael, thanked the actor for his decision.

Will Ferrell will not star as Ronald Reagan in a controversial project about the late president's struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Read: Saying Goodbye to Nancy: Casket Carrying Former First Lady Arrives at Reagan Library

A spokesman for Ferrell told the New York Post's Page Six: "The REAGAN script is one of a number of scripts that had been submitted to Will Ferrell which he had considered. While it is by no means a ‘Alzheimer’s comedy’ as has been suggested, Mr. Ferrell is not pursuing this project.”

The late president’s oldest son, Michael, tweeted:

Thankyou for taking the right path.If u want to know more about the decease contact myself or Patti. https://t.co/GGAVV8fyoR

— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) April 29, 2016

 

Ferrell came under fire this week after it was announced that he would portray the president during his second term in office when some say, Reagan may have been showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which eventually killed him.

Read: Staff Remember Nancy Reagan's Devotion To Ronald: 'We Should All Be So Lucky To Have a Love So Deep'

Ronald Reagan, who famously traveled from Hollywood into politics, wasn't officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s until 1994, five years after he left the White House. He died in 2004.

Watch: Former Presidents, Hollywood Stars Gather to Say Goodbye To Nancy Reagan