Ronald Reagan’s children blast Will Ferrell over plans to portray former President with Alzheimer’s in comedy

Reagan’s daughter urged the actor to be a ‘decent human being’ and abandon reported plans to star in film about his struggle with disease

Will Ferrell is being urged to reconsider the project (Getty Images)

Ronald Reagan’s children have accused Will Ferrell of disrespecting those affected by dementia following reports the actor plans to star in and produce a film portraying their father after he developed Alzheimer’s.

A report by Variety said Ferrell was attached to act as President Reagan in the screenplay, written by Mike Rosolio, with plans to find a director and secure financing underway.

The plot is summarised on the Black List as: “When Ronald Reagan falls into dementia at the start of his second term, an ambitious intern is tasked with convincing the Commander-In-Chief that he is an actor playing the President in a movie.”

Ronald Reagan in 1986 (Getty)

Reagan’s children reacted with anger over the reports and urged Ferrell to rethink the project. His son Michael Reagan branded plans to film it as a comedy an “outrage”, adding: “Alzheimers is not a joke. It kills. You should be ashamed, all of you."

He added in a second tweet: “Alzheimer’s is not a comedy to the five million people who are suffering from the disease, it first robs you of your mind and then it kills you.”

Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, died in 2004 aged 93. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1994 but analysis of his speaking patterns suggest he may have developed the disease years before his diagnosis.

Reagan’s daughter Patti Davis also addressed Ferrell in an emotive open letter posted on her website, where she asked him to explain to the family members of those affected by the disease how it could be a suitable subject for a comedy.

“Twice a week I run a support group called Beyond Alzheimer’s for caregivers and family members of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” she wrote. “I look into haunted eyes that remind me of my own when my father was ill. I listen to stories of helplessness and loss and am continually moved by the bravery of those who wake up every morning not knowing who their loved one will be that day, or what will be lost. The only certainty with Alzheimer’s is that more will be lost and the disease will always win in the end.

Davis also suggested Ferrell visit dementia facilities to witness firsthand the irreparable damage caused to those with the disease. “I have,” she continued. “I didn’t find anything comedic there, and my hope would be that if you’re a decent human being, you wouldn’t either.”

Representatives for Ferrell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.