Today in 80s history! What happened on March 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
Bruce Willis (Actor, Die Hard) — 71
March 19, 1955
📺 Before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, Willis rose to fame on television as David Addison in Moonlighting (1985–1989).
In the 1980s, he made the leap to film and quickly became a defining face of the decade:
🎞️ Blind Date (1987)
🎞️ Sunset (1988)
🎞️ Die Hard (1988) – his breakout role as John McClane helped redefine the modern action hero
🎞️ Look Who’s Talking (1989) – showcasing his comedic side as the voice of Mikey
📻 Beyond acting, Willis also made a splash in music with his 1987 album The Return of Bruno, which was Platinum-certified and featured the hit “Respect Yourself.”
▶️ 80s fans may also remember him from his memorable Seagram’s commercials
Ursula Andress (Actress, Clash of the Titans) — 90
March 19, 1936
Ruth Pointer (Singer, The Pointer Sisters) — 80
March 19, 1946
Glenn Close (Actress, Fatal Attraction) — 79
March 19, 1947
Andy Reid (Football Coach) — 68
March 19, 1958
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on March 19th
Batteries Not Included
After the Fire
4th Album
Release Date: March 19, 1982
Five Miles Out
Mike Oldfield
7th Album
Release Date: March 19, 1982
UK Albums Chart: #7
Who’s Got the 10½?
Black Flag
Live Album
Release Date: March 19, 1986
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On March 19th
Porky’s (1982)
Release Date: March 19, 1982
Director: Bob Clark
Starring: Dan Monahan, Kim Cattrall, Scott Colomby, Kaki Hunter, Nancy Parsons, Alex Karras and Susan Clark
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $111.3 Million
Deathtrap (1982)
Release Date: March 19, 1982
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon and Irene Worth
Budget: N/A
Box Office: $19.2 Million
TODAY IN 80S TV
The Phoenix
Event: Series Premiere
Network: ABC
First Episode Date: March 19, 1982
Last Episode Date: April 16, 1982
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 5
Starring: Judson Scott
Kate & Allie
Event: Series Premiere
Network: CBS
First Episode Date: March 19, 1984
Last Episode Date: May 22, 1989
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 122
Starring: Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin
Alice
Event: Series Finale
Network: CBS
Final Episode Date: March 19, 1985
Seasons: 9
Episodes: 202
Starring: Linda Lavin
The Bronx Zoo
Event: Series Premiere
Network: NBC
First Episode Date: March 19, 1987
Last Episode Date: June 29, 1988
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 21
Starring: Edward Asner
Roomies
Event: Series Premiere
Network: NBC
First Episode Date: March 19, 1987
Last Episode Date: May 15, 1987
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Starring: Burt Young and Corey Haim
TODAY IN 80S POP CULTURE
1983 – Nancy Reagan Appears on Diff’rent Strokes
Event: Special TV Appearance
Details: First Lady Nancy Reagan appeared on the episode “The Reporter” to promote her “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign.
