January 23rd – Today In History
We take a look at some of the events that occurred on January 23rd.
Today In …
1556 - One of the deadliest earthquakes in history hits the Shansi province in China. The death toll is estimated to be over 800,000.
1849 - Elizabeth Blackwell became the United States’ first female doctor. She graduated from the Medical Institute located in Geneva, NY.
1964 - Citizens being taxed at voting polls became illegal when the 24th Amendment was passed.
1997 - Madeline Albright assumes the office of Secretary of State and becomes the first woman to hold the office.
Sharing A Birthday Today…
Richard Dean Anderson, the man who portrayed the innovative title character on TV’s “MacGyver” and stars on “Stargate SG-1” was born in 1950.
Gil Gerard, best known for his portrayal of the title character in TV’s “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” was born in 1943.
Caroline Grimaldi, a.k.a. Princess Caroline of Monaco, was born in 1957. She is the daughter of Prince Ranier and Grace Kelly.
John Hancock, American forefather and best known for his notable signature on the Declaration of Independence, was born in 1737. (Note: Some records show his date of birth as being January 12th.)
Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit” was born in 1964. Hargitay is the daughter of bodybuilder/former Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield.
Rutger Hauer was born in 1944. The actor has appeared in numerous movies including the original version of “The Hitcher”, “Blade Runner” and “Batman Begins”.
Johnny Russell, legendary country singer and songwriter of such songs as “Act Naturally”,was born in 1940.
Anita Pointer of music’s “Pointer Sisters” was born in 1948. The group’s hits include “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love)”.
Randolph Scott, the actor best known for such westerns as “Santa Fe” was born in 1898.
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, the actress who portrayed Valerie on “Beverly Hills 90210” was born in 1974.
Robin Zander, lead singer for the rock band “Cheap Trick” was born in 1953. The band is behind such hits as “I Want You To Want Me”, “Surrender” and “The Flame”.
We Said Goodbye To…
Johnny Carson passed away at the age of 79 in 2005. Carson will forever be remembered as the legendary host of “The Tonight Show”.
Nell Carter, the singer and actress who starred in her show “Gimme a Break” passed away at the age of 54 in 2003.
George Clymer, politician from Pennsylvania and signer of the Declaration of Independence passed away in 1813 at the age of 73.
Thomas Dorsey, gospel singer and writer of such hymns as “Peace in the Valley” passed away in 1993 at the age of 93.
Bob Keeshan, best remembered as the timeless Captain Kangaroo, passed away at the age of 76 in 2004.
Edward Rutledge, politician from South Carolina and signer of the Declaration of Independence passed away at the age of 50 in 1800. Rutledge holds the distinction of being the youngest person to sign the declaration.
Top Of The Charts On This Day In…
1965 - “Downtown” by Petula Clark
1977 - “Knock Three Times” by Tony Orlando and Dawn
1988 - “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
Musical Moments In…
1943 - The legendary Duke Ellington made his first appearance at New York City’s renowned Carnegie Hall.
1986 - Musical icons Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley are among the first inductees into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
TV Moments In…
1975 - The hit police comedy “Barney Miller”, starring Hal Linden and Abe Vagoda, begins its run on ABC.
1977 - The groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” premieres on the ABC network.
1983 - The action packed “A-Team” premiers on NBC. The show, starring George Preppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Shultz, was at one time considered the most violent program on television.
Memorable Sports Moments In…
1979 - The legendary Willie Mays is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1985 - O.J. Simpson and Roger Staubach are inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.
Today In …
1556 - One of the deadliest earthquakes in history hits the Shansi province in China. The death toll is estimated to be over 800,000.
1849 - Elizabeth Blackwell became the United States’ first female doctor. She graduated from the Medical Institute located in Geneva, NY.
1964 - Citizens being taxed at voting polls became illegal when the 24th Amendment was passed.
1997 - Madeline Albright assumes the office of Secretary of State and becomes the first woman to hold the office.
Sharing A Birthday Today…
Richard Dean Anderson, the man who portrayed the innovative title character on TV’s “MacGyver” and stars on “Stargate SG-1” was born in 1950.
Gil Gerard, best known for his portrayal of the title character in TV’s “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” was born in 1943.
Caroline Grimaldi, a.k.a. Princess Caroline of Monaco, was born in 1957. She is the daughter of Prince Ranier and Grace Kelly.
John Hancock, American forefather and best known for his notable signature on the Declaration of Independence, was born in 1737. (Note: Some records show his date of birth as being January 12th.)
Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit” was born in 1964. Hargitay is the daughter of bodybuilder/former Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield.
Rutger Hauer was born in 1944. The actor has appeared in numerous movies including the original version of “The Hitcher”, “Blade Runner” and “Batman Begins”.
Johnny Russell, legendary country singer and songwriter of such songs as “Act Naturally”,was born in 1940.
Anita Pointer of music’s “Pointer Sisters” was born in 1948. The group’s hits include “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love)”.
Randolph Scott, the actor best known for such westerns as “Santa Fe” was born in 1898.
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, the actress who portrayed Valerie on “Beverly Hills 90210” was born in 1974.
Robin Zander, lead singer for the rock band “Cheap Trick” was born in 1953. The band is behind such hits as “I Want You To Want Me”, “Surrender” and “The Flame”.
We Said Goodbye To…
Johnny Carson passed away at the age of 79 in 2005. Carson will forever be remembered as the legendary host of “The Tonight Show”.
Nell Carter, the singer and actress who starred in her show “Gimme a Break” passed away at the age of 54 in 2003.
George Clymer, politician from Pennsylvania and signer of the Declaration of Independence passed away in 1813 at the age of 73.
Thomas Dorsey, gospel singer and writer of such hymns as “Peace in the Valley” passed away in 1993 at the age of 93.
Bob Keeshan, best remembered as the timeless Captain Kangaroo, passed away at the age of 76 in 2004.
Edward Rutledge, politician from South Carolina and signer of the Declaration of Independence passed away at the age of 50 in 1800. Rutledge holds the distinction of being the youngest person to sign the declaration.
Top Of The Charts On This Day In…
1965 - “Downtown” by Petula Clark
1977 - “Knock Three Times” by Tony Orlando and Dawn
1988 - “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
Musical Moments In…
1943 - The legendary Duke Ellington made his first appearance at New York City’s renowned Carnegie Hall.
1986 - Musical icons Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley are among the first inductees into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
TV Moments In…
1975 - The hit police comedy “Barney Miller”, starring Hal Linden and Abe Vagoda, begins its run on ABC.
1977 - The groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” premieres on the ABC network.
1983 - The action packed “A-Team” premiers on NBC. The show, starring George Preppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Shultz, was at one time considered the most violent program on television.
Memorable Sports Moments In…
1979 - The legendary Willie Mays is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1985 - O.J. Simpson and Roger Staubach are inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.
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