Shakespearean character inspiring a film actor later taking bigger role (6)

I believe the answer is:

reagan

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for reagan that I've seen before include "A range for the US President" , "Former US president" , "US president nineteen eighty one to ninteen eighty nine" , "Actor seen in old movies" , "Former leader" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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