Larry Speakes was an American journalist and government official who served as the acting White House Press Secretary for President Ronald Reagan. He took on the role after James Brady was wounded in the 1981 assassination attempt on the president, holding the position until 1987. During his tenure, he was the primary spokesman for the administration, navigating complex issues like the Cold War and the Iran-Contra affair. After leaving the White House, he faced controversy for admitting in his memoir that he had fabricated quotes for President Reagan.