Date of Birth: September 13, 1939
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: January 10, 2014
Biography
Larry Melvin Speakes was an American public servant and journalist best known for his role as the Acting White House Press Secretary under President Ronald Reagan. Born in Cleveland, Mississippi, Speakes began his career as a journalist before transitioning into public service. He served as the Press Secretary from 1981 to 1987, following the assassination attempt on President Reagan, which seriously injured Press Secretary James Brady. Speakes was known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle the press with poise during some of the most challenging moments of the Reagan administration. After his tenure at the White House, Speakes worked in corporate communications and as a public relations consultant. He authored the book “Speaking Out” in 1988, which provided an insider’s look at the Reagan administration.
5 Interesting Facts about Larry Speakes
1. Larry Speakes began his career as a journalist and worked for several newspapers including the Associated Press.
2. He stepped into the role of Acting White House Press Secretary after the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981.
3. Speakes was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1987 for his service to the nation.
4. He authored a memoir titled “Speaking Out,” which provided insights into his time at the White House.
5. Before joining the Reagan administration, Speakes served as press secretary to Senator James Eastland and as deputy press secretary to President Gerald Ford.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Larry Speakes
1. “You don’t tell us how to stage the news, and we don’t tell you how to cover it.”
2. “The White House is not just a place of work, but a place of heart.”
3. “There are times when you have to rise above principles.”
4. “The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him as a rational, moral and social being.”
5. “Honesty doesn’t always mean full disclosure.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Larry Speakes’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Larry Speakes had three children: two daughters, Sandy and Scott, and a son, Jeremy.
Relevant Links
1. [Larry Speakes – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Speakes
