Today in 80s history! What happened on April 19th in the 80s? Find out what happened today in 80s Movies, 80s Music, 80s TV Shows, and 80s Sports! Also find out about celebrity birthdays for the legends, icons and characters we grew up with in the 80s!
TODAY'S 80S BIRTHDAYS
🎂 Happy 80th birthday to Tim Curry, born April 19, 1946!
Here’s a look at some of his most notable roles:
Movies:
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Dr. Frank-N-Furter
• Annie (1982) – Rooster Hannigan
• Legend (1985) – Darkness
• Clue (1985) – Wadsworth
• Pass the Ammo (1988) – Rev. Ray Porter
TV Appearances:
• It (1990) – Pennywise
• Saturday Night Live (1981) – Himself (Host)
• Oliver Twist (1982) – Bill Sikes
• The Worst Witch (1986) – The Grand Wizard
• Wiseguy (1989) – Winston Newquay
Frank Viola (Baseball) - 66
April 19, 1960
Ashley Judd (Actress) - 58
April 19, 1968
Kate Hudson (Actress) - 47
April 19, 1979
Hayden Christensen (Actor) - 45
April 19, 1981
Remembering
Jayne Mansfield (Actress, Singer)
April 19, 1933 - June 29, 1967 (Age 34)
Dudley Moore (Actor, Arthur, 10)
April 19, 1935 - March 27, 2002 (Age 66)
Dick Sargent (Actor, Bewitched)
April 19, 1930 - July 8, 1994 (Age 64)
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on April 19th
Diver Down
Van Halen
5th Album
Release Date: April 19, 1982
Note: The album included “(Oh) Pretty Woman” and “Dancing in the Street.”
Big Science
Laurie Anderson
Debut Album
Release Date: April 19, 1982
Billboard 200: #24
Lyte as a Rock
MC Lyte
Debut Album
Release Date: April 19, 1988
Note: It became one of the landmark rap debuts of the 80s.
Buzz Factory
Screaming Trees
4th Album
Release Date: April 19, 1989
In Other 80s Music News
1980 - R.E.M. Plays First Show Under the Name R.E.M.
Event: Early Career Milestone
Details: The band performed at the 11:11 Koffee Club in Athens, Georgia.
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On April 19th
Moving Violations (1985)
Release Date: April 19, 1985
Director: Neal Israel
Starring: John Murray, Jennifer Tilly, James Keach, Wendie Jo Sperber, Sally Kellerman and Fred Willard
Box Office: $10.6 Million
The Company of Wolves (1985)
Release Date: April 19, 1985
Director: Neil Jordan
Starring: Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury, David Warner, Graham Crowden and Micha Bergese
Note: The film premiered earlier in 1984, but its U.S. theatrical release was April 19, 1985.
TODAY IN 80S TV
The Simpsons
Event: First Television Appearance
Network: Fox
Date: April 19, 1987
Note: “Good Night,” the first Simpsons short on The Tracey Ullman Show, aired on this date.
The Best Times
Event: Series Premiere
Network: CBS
First Episode Date: April 19, 1985
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
Off the Rack
Event: Final Episode
Network: ABC
Final Episode Date: April 19, 1985
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6 regular episodes, plus pilot special
Benson
Event: Series Finale
Network: ABC
Final Episode Date: April 19, 1986
Seasons: 7
Episodes: 158
The Redd Foxx Show
Event: Series Finale
Network: ABC
Final Episode Date: April 19, 1986
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 13
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1981 - Billy Martin's A's Reach 11-0
Event: MLB Winning Streak
Team: Oakland Athletics
Opponent: Seattle Mariners
Result: A’s win 6-1
Details: Oakland set a then American League record by opening the season with 11 straight wins.
1986 - Michael Spinks Beats Larry Holmes
Event: Heavyweight Championship Fight
Location: Las Vegas
Details: Spinks won by unanimous decision, making him the first reigning light heavyweight champion to win the world heavyweight title.
1989 - Kevin Elster Sets National League Shortstop Record
Event: MLB Fielding Milestone
Team: New York Mets
Details: Elster broke the National League shortstop record during his errorless streak.
