Daniels and Harris on Portraying Reagan and Gorbachev, Focusing on Nuance Over Impression
Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris discuss portraying Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev during their 1986 nuclear meeting, focusing on avoiding impressions during the portrayal.
Seattle Tacoma, WA, August 26, 2026 —
Actors Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris have shared insights into their process of portraying former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, respectively. The focus during their preparations for depicting the leaders, particularly for scenes related to their 1986 nuclear summit, was on capturing the essence of the individuals rather than resorting to mere imitation.
Daniels, who took on the role of Reagan, and Harris, who portrayed Gorbachev, emphasized a strategic approach to their performances. Their objective was to delve into the characters’ motivations, complexities, and the significant historical context of their interactions, rather than concentrating on superficial vocal or physical mimicry.
The 1986 summit was a critical juncture in Cold War relations, and the actors aimed to reflect the gravity and nuance of this period. Their discussions highlight a commitment to a performance style that prioritizes psychological depth and historical understanding over simple impersonation. This approach seeks to bring authenticity to their portrayals of these pivotal historical figures and their crucial diplomatic engagement.
Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.
