February 22 – Today In History

We take a look at some of the events that occurred on February 22nd.

Today In …

1876 - John Hopkins University was established in Maryland.

1879 - The first Woolworth’s store opened. It was located in Utica, New York.

1924 - The first ever presidential radio broadcast was delivered by Calvin Coolidge from the White House.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Drew Barrymore the star of such films as “Firestarter”, “E.T.”, “Scream” and “The Wedding Singer” was born in 1975.

James Blunt the singer of such songs as “You’re Beautiful” was born in 1974.

Leslie Charleson who is best known as Monica Quartermaine on daytime TV’s “General Hospital” was born in 1945.

Paul Dooley the character actor who has appeared in “Sixteen Candles” and was the voice of Sarge in “Cars” was born in 1928.

Rachel Dratch best known for her work on TV’s “Saturday Night Live” and in the recent “30 Rock” was born in 1966.

Dwight Frye the actor who appeared in such classic horror movies as “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” was born in 1899.

Heinrich Hertz the physicist who the hertz SI unit (frequency) is named after was born in 1857.

Steve Irwin the animal activist best known as “The Crocodile Hunter” was born in 1962.

Ted Kennedy the renowned Senator from Massachusetts, was born in 1932.

Kyle MacLachlan who has appeared on TV’s “Desperate Housewives” and “Sex in the City” was born in 1959.

Sir John Mills the Oscar winning actor from “Ryan’s Daughter” and the films “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and “Gandhi” was born in 1908.

Marni Nixon the actress/singer who starred in “The Sound of Music” and lent her vocals to such films as “My Fair Lady” was born in 1930.

Rembrandt Peale the renowned American artist was born in 1778.

Jeri Ryan the actress from TV’s “Boston Public” and “Star Trek: Voyager” was born in 1968.

Robert Wadlow renowned for being the world’s tallest man at just over 8 feet, 11 inches tall, was born in 1918.

Julie Walters who has starred in “Calendar Girls” and is probably best known these days as Mrs. Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films was born in 1950.

George Washington the “Father of the Country”, war hero and first President of the United States was born in 1732.

Robert Young the beloved actor who starred in TV’s “Make Room for Daddy” and “Father Knows Best” was born in 1907.

We Said Goodbye To…

Florence Ballard one of the original members of the Supremes, passed away in 1976 at the age of 32.

Chuck Jones the artist/creator of such Looney Tunes favorites as Pepe LePew, the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, passed away in 2002 at the age of 89.

Simone Simon the French actress who is probably best remembered for her role in the horror flick “Cat People” passed away in 2005 at the age of 94.

Amerigo Vespucci the explorer/navigator for whom the Americas are named in honor of passed away in 1512 at the age of 57.

Andy Warhol the famed artist and pop icon passed away in 1987 at the age of 58.

Efrem Zimbalist Sr. the renowned Russian violinist and father of actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. passed away in 1985 at the age of 95.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1975 - “Pick Up The Pieces” by AWB
1986 - On The Country Charts – “There’s No Stopping Your Heart” by Marie Osmond
1997 - “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls

Musical Moments In…

1956 - “Heartbreak Hotel” entered the music charts. This would be the first of many appearances on the charts for Elvis Presley.

1969 - Today marked the final time that all four Beatles would record together.

Movie Moments In...

1934 - The movie “It Happened One Night” premiered. Not only would the film go on to garner Oscar gold, but the film’s stars Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert would also win Academy Awards.

1965 - The Beatles began filming their movie “Help!”

Memorable Sports Moments In…

1959 - The first Daytona 500 was won by Lee Petty.

1980 - The event dubbed “Miracle on Ice” occurred today. The U.S. Ice Hockey team defeated the team from the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics.

Don’t forget about the Today In History Newsletter!