Trevor Donovan on Playing John Barletta, Reagan’s Closest Secret Service Agent (Ep. 24)

In this new episode in the Making REAGAN series recorded in December 2020, Trevor Donovan joins Mark Joseph to discuss portraying Secret Service agent John Barletta, the trusted protector who became one of Ronald Reagan’s closest friends during and after his presidency. Donovan shares how he prepared for the role, including researching Barletta’s life, studying his distinctive Boston accent, and learning about the unique bond that developed between Reagan and the man responsible for keeping him safe on horseback at the Reagan Ranch. He also reflects on filming at the actual Reagan Ranch and aboard the real Air Force One used during Reagan’s presidency, bringing an extraordinary level of authenticity to the production.

The conversation explores the deeply personal side of Reagan’s story, including the emotional final years of his life, the difficult moment when Barletta had to tell his friend he should no longer ride horses, and the enduring friendships that existed far from the public spotlight. Donovan also discusses his Hallmark career, growing up in Mammoth Lakes, his work promoting anti-bullying initiatives and animal welfare, and the importance of staying grounded despite success.

Own your copy of the REAGAN Movie now on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon and Apple TV.

Blu-Ray / DVD: https://a.co/d/02Y2zt5v
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DMTJMRWY/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/reagan/umc.cmc.6yum5f9xp7nawka60vvtjh68u

REAGAN: The Director’s Cut in theaters on September 25th.

Check out producer Mark Joseph’s book Making REAGAN, out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/09Rh66XL
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-reagan-mark-joseph/1147150440?ean=9798330201822
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Making-REAGAN-A-Memoir-from-the-Producer-of-the-REAGAN-Movie-Hardcover-9798330201822/15610673227?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=eb7a975c-01fc-4fc0-8511-6abe8d336d8c

Listen to REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film, and REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Score, available now to purchase and stream on all major music platforms.

Songs Inspired By The Film: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reaganinspiredby
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reagan
Original Motion Picture Score:
Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DN78RPQ8?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_ZhsFL12QR0RNZKIkrnd45259N
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reagan-original-motion-picture-score/1780022720
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hOEFiaWsWm0LOU0WG9W3f?si=HGZRMCDaT0iOIPLI5ikO4A