[34] Using a simple and direct approach to acting and following his directors' instructions,[35] Reagan made thirty films, most of them being B films, before beginning military service in April 1942.[36] He broke out of these types of films by portraying George Gipp in Knute Rockne, All American (1940), which would be rejuvenated when reporters called Reagan "the Gipper" while he campaigned for president of the United States.[37] Afterward, Reagan starred in Kings Row (1942) as a leg amputee, asking, "Where's the rest of me?"[38] His performance was considered his best by many critics.[30] Reagan became a star, and the studio tripled his weekly pay.[39] Gallup polls placed Reagan "in the top 100 stars" from 1941 to 1942.[30]
World War II interrupted the movie stardom that Reagan would never be able to achieve again[39] as Warner Bros. became uncertain about his ability to generate ticket sales. Reagan, who had a limited acting range, was dissatisfied with the roles he received. As a result, Lew Wasserman, renegotiated his contract with his studio, allowing him to also make films with Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and RKO Pictures as a freelancer. 