Today in 80s history! What happened on April 6th 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 89th birthday to Billy Dee Williams, born April 6, 1937!
In addition to his iconic role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars saga, here’s a quick look at his 80s run:
Movies:
• The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Lando Calrissian
• Return of the Jedi (1983) – Lando Calrissian
• Deadly Illusion (1987) – Hammett
• Batman (1989) – Harvey Dent
TV Appearances:
• Chiefs (1983) – Tyler Watts
• Dynasty (1984–1985) – Brady Lloyd
• The Jeffersons (1985) – Himself
Known for his smooth charisma and unforgettable presence, Billy Dee Williams became one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of the decade.
Barry Levinson (Director, Rain Man, The Natural) - 84
April 6, 1942
John Ratzenberger (Actor, Cheers) - 79
April 6, 1947
Bert Blyleven (Baseball Player) - 75
April 6, 1951
Marilu Henner (Actress, Taxi) - 74
April 6, 1952
Michael Rooker (Actor, Eight Men Out, Mississippi Burning) - 71
April 6, 1955
Sterling Sharpe (Football Player) - 61
April 6, 1965
Ari Meyers (Actress, Kate & Allie) - 57
April 6, 1969
Jason Hervey (Actor, The Wonder Years) - 54
April 6, 1972
Candace Cameron Bure (Actress, Full House) - 50
April 6, 1976
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on April 6th
Fun in Space
Roger Taylor
Debut Solo Album
Release Date: April 6, 1981
UK Albums Chart: #18
The DeBarges
DeBarge
Debut Album
Release Date: April 6, 1981
Prayers on Fire
The Birthday Party
Debut Album
Release Date: April 6, 1981
All Four One
The Motels
3rd Album
Release Date: April 6, 1982
Billboard 200: #16
Lament
Ultravox
7th Album
Release Date: April 6, 1984
Billboard 200: #115
Electric
The Cult
3rd Album
Release Date: April 6, 1987
Billboard 200: #38
Meet Danny Wilson
Danny Wilson
Debut Album
Release Date: April 6, 1987
UK Albums Chart: #65
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Single
Release Date: April 6, 1988
Details: The song later reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining songs of the late 80s.
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On April 6th
Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
Release Date: April 6, 1984
Director: Paul Mazursky
Starring: Robin Williams, María Conchita Alonso and Cleavant Derricks
Budget: $13 Million
Box Office: $25.1 Million
Where the Boys Are '84 (1984)
Release Date: April 6, 1984
Director: Hy Averback
Starring: Lisa Hartman, Russell Todd, Lorna Luft, Wendy Schaal and Lynn-Holly Johnson
Budget: N/A
Box Office: $10.5 Million
The Stone Boy (1984)
Release Date: April 6, 1984
Director: Christopher Cain
Starring: Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Frederic Forrest and Wilford Brimley
Budget: $2.5 Million
Box Office: $261,033
TODAY IN 80S TV
Just in Time
Event: Series Premiere
Network: ABC
First Episode Date: April 6, 1988
Last Episode Date: May 11, 1988
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1980 - Gordie Howe Scores Final NHL Regular-Season Goal
Event: NHL Milestone
Details: Howe scored his 801st and final regular-season goal.
1987 - Sugar Ray Leonard Defeats Marvin Hagler
Event: Middleweight Championship Fight
Location: Caesars Palace, Nevada
Details: Leonard won by split decision in one of boxing’s most controversial fights.
TODAY IN OTHER 80S NEWS
1981 - Post-it Notes Launch Nationwide
Event: Consumer Product Launch
Details: Post-it Notes went on sale across the United States.
