Today in 80s history! What happened on April 4th 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 60th birthday to Nancy McKeon, born April 4, 1966!
Best known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on The Facts of Life, McKeon was a familiar face on 80s television. Here’s a look at her 80s run:
Movies:
• Poison Ivy (1985) – Rhonda Malone
• Firefighter (1986) – Jill Petersen
TV Appearances:
• The Facts of Life (1980–1988) – Jo Polniaczek
• ABC Afterschool Specials (1982–1983) – Various roles
Craig T. Nelson (Actor, Poltergeist) - 82
April 4, 1944
Dave Hill (Guitarist, Slade) - 80
April 4, 1946
Tom Herr (Baseball Player) - 70
April 4, 1956
Phil Morris (Actor, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) - 67
April 4, 1959
Jack Del Rio (Football Player and Coach) - 63
April 4, 1963
Robert Downey Jr. (Actor, Weird Science, Less Than Zero) - 61
April 4, 1965
Extra Fun Facts: Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. was one of the most visible young actors of the late 80s, with standout roles in Weird Science (1985), Less Than Zero (1987), and Chances Are (1989). He was also part of the Brat Pack orbit during the decade.
Remembering
Anthony Perkins (Actor, Psycho)
April 4, 1932 - September 12, 1992 (Age 60)
A. Bartlett Giamatti (Baseball Commissioner)
April 4, 1938 - September 1, 1989 (Age 51)
Ray Fosse (Baseball Player and Broadcaster)
April 4, 1947 - October 13, 2021 (Age 74)
Bob Clark (Director, Porky’s, A Christmas Story)
August 5, 1939 - April 4, 2007 (Age 67)
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on April 4th
The Breathtaking Blue
Alphaville
3rd Album
Release Date: April 4, 1989
In Other 80s Music News
1987 - “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” Hits No. 1
Event: Billboard Hot 100 Milestone
Details: Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” became the No. 1 song in America on April 4, 1987. It stayed there for two weeks and was featured in the film Mannequin.
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On April 4th
This Is Elvis (1981)
Release Date: April 4, 1981
Directors: Malcolm Leo and Andrew Solt
Narrator: Ral Donner
Budget: N/A
Box Office: $2 Million
TODAY IN 80S TV
Archie Bunker’s Place
Event: Series Finale
Network: CBS
Final Episode Date: April 4, 1983
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 97
Double Trouble
Event: Series Premiere
Network: NBC
First Episode Date: April 4, 1984
Last Episode Date: March 30, 1985
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 23
▶️ Watch the intro on YouTube!
Knight Rider
Event: Series Finale
Network: NBC
Final Episode Date: April 4, 1986
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 90
Starring: David Hasselhoff
Bruce Forsyth’s Hot Streak
Event: Series Finale
Network: ABC
Final Episode Date: April 4, 1986
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 65
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1983 - NC State Wins the NCAA Championship
Event: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship
Location: The Pit, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Details: NC State stunned Houston 54-52 on Lorenzo Charles’ last-second dunk to win the national title. Hakeem Olajuwon of Houston was named Most Outstanding Player, making him the last player from a losing team to win the award.
1984 - The Brisco Brothers Win NWA Tag Team Gold
Event: NWA World Tag Team Championship Change
Details: Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco defeated Wahoo McDaniel and Mark Youngblood to win the titles.
1985 - Tulane Cancels Its Basketball Program
Event: College Basketball Scandal
Details: Tulane shut down its men’s basketball program in the wake of a point-shaving and drug scandal.
1986 - Wayne Gretzky Sets Another NHL Points Record
Event: NHL Scoring Milestone
Details: Gretzky recorded his 213th point of the season, breaking his own NHL record.
1988 - Kansas Wins the NCAA Championship
Event: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship
Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri
Details: Kansas defeated Oklahoma 83-79 to win the national title. Danny Manning was named Most Outstanding Player.
1988 - Mets Hit 6 Home Runs on Opening Day
Event: MLB Opening Day Record
Details: The Mets hit six home runs in a 10-4 win over the Expos, setting an Opening Day record at the time.
1989 - Tommy John Appears in His 26th Season
Event: MLB Longevity Record
Details: Tommy John tied the major league record by pitching in his 26th season and beat the Twins 4-2 on Opening Day.
TODAY IN OTHER 80S NEWS
1983 - Space Shuttle Challenger Makes Its Maiden Voyage
Event: NASA Space Mission
Details: Challenger launched on STS-6, its first mission, from Kennedy Space Center.
