This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


Born 1913: Lloyd Bridges, affable dramatic actor, spent more than 60 years in films and television. Late career spoofing of his public image provided wonderful moments in "Airplane!" (1980), "Hot Shots!" (1991), "Hot Shots! Part Deux" (1993), "Jane Austen's Mafia" (1998), and the little-seen TV series (co-starring son Beau), "Harts of the West" (1993). Also, father of Jeff Bridges. Died 1998.

1918: Stan Laurel began filming his first comedy for the Hal Roach studio. He toiled as a single performer until 1926, when he partnered with Oliver Hardy.

Born 1947: Andrea Martin, Emmy-winning actress/writer of the classic "SCTV" comedy series, portraying an arsenal of wacky characters, including the brassy station manager, Edith Prickley. She won a Tony Award for "My Favorite Year" (1991) and made numerous appearances in movies ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and television, including many cartoon voices ("Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius").

1974: The sitcom "Happy Days" premiered on ABC-TV. The Cunningham family and The Fonz endured for 11 seasons.

1977: Beer-loving aliens from another world, the Coneheads, made their first appearance on "Saturday Night Live."

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.