This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


Born 1892: Hal Roach, comedy producer, director, and writer, he made more than 700 films and became the true King of Comedy in Hollywood, having employed Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Our Gang, and Will Rogers, among others. Later, his company moved to television for hit series "My Little Margie" (1952) and "The Gale Storm Show" (1956). Died 1992.

Born 1906: William Bendix, character actor, well-known in films, he became identified as Chester A. Riley in "The Life of Riley" television sitcom (1953-58). His catchphrase: "What a revoltin' development this is!" Died 1964.

Born 1919: Andy Rooney, serious journalist (Bronze Star recipient for WWII reporting), became the humorous correspondent of "60 Minutes" in 1978.

Born 1964: Mark Addy, actor, noted for films, "The Full Monty" (1997) and as Fred in "The Flintstones in Viva Las Vegas" (2000). Also, the TV sitcom "Still Standing" (2002).

1972: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson premiered in "Sanford and Son" on NBC-TV.

1990: "The Simpsons" debuted as a weekly series on Fox-TV.

1993: David Letterman announced he and his show were leaving NBC for CBS.

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.