This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


Born 1898: Zasu Pitts, a heroine in silent movies, she became known as a comic character actress in numerous films and on television ("The Gale Storm Show," 1956-60). Her anxious speech mannerisms and nervous hand-wringing gestures were adopted by Olive Oyl in the animated "Popeye" cartoon series. Died 1963.

Born 1909: Victor Borge, pianist of international fame, toured variations of his "Comedy in Music" Broadway show for more than four decades. Died 2000.

Born 1917: Jay Sommers, creator, writer, and producer of the woefully underappreciated "Green Acres" television series. He also served as a TV writer and/or producer on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "The Great Gildersleeve," and "Petticoat Junction." Died 1985.

Born 1932: Dabney Coleman, dramatic actor who shines in comedic roles, often as a selfish, domineering jerk, most memorably in the "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (1976), "Fernwood 2Nite" (1977), and "Buffalo Bill" TV series (1983), plus films like "Nine to Five" (1980) and "Tootsie" (1982).

1964: The first American TV appearance of The Beatles was shown on "The Jack Paar Show." Alongside an European performance clip of "She Loves You," the comedian made light of the band's intense popularity overseas and their outlandish haircuts. This information was news to North American viewers, but not for long.

1967: "The Tonight Show" was truncated from 105 to 90 minutes. Announcer Ed McMahon had hosted the opening segments on a few network stations from 11:15 to 11:30 p.m., in lieu of local news. Johnny Carson refused to appear before his 11:30 monologue and the full station line-up.

Died 1969: Howard McNear, 63, forever remembered as the lovable and befuddled Floyd the Barber on "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-1967).

1970: Teen heartthrob Davy Jones announced his retirement from the Monkees.

1970: Musical-comedy "Mame" closes on Broadway after 1508 performances. The show opened in 1966, starring Angela Lansbury.

Born 1975: Danica McKellar, "The Wonder Year's" Winnie Cooper (1988-1993).

2000: Charles M. Schulz's last original "Peanuts" comic strip appeared in newspapers.

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.