Today in 80s history! What happened on March 31st 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
Rhea Perlman (Actress, Cheers) - 78
March 31, 1948
Fun fact: She was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and won 4 for her iconic role as Carla Tortelli on Cheers!
William Daniels (Actor, Knight Rider, St. Elsewhere) - 99
March 31, 1927
Shirley Jones (Actress, The Partridge Family) - 92
March 31, 1934
Christopher Walken (Actor) - 83
March 31, 1943
William McNamara (Actor, Dream a Little Dream) - 61
March 31, 1965
Josh Saviano (Actor, The Wonder Years) - 50
March 31, 1976
Extra Fun Facts: Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken became one of the most distinctive actors of the 80s, starring in films like The Dead Zone (1983) and the Bond film A View to a Kill (1985).
Remembering
Richard Chamberlain (Actor, King Solomon’s Mines)
March 31, 1934 - March 29, 2025 (Age 90)
Gordie Howe (Hockey Player)
March 31, 1928 - June 10, 2016 (Age 88)
Liz Claiborne (Fashion Designer)
March 31, 1929 - June 26, 2007 (Age 78)
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on March 31st
Animal Magnetism
Scorpions
7th Album
Release Date: March 31, 1980
Billboard 200: #52
Parade
Prince and the Revolution
8th Album
Release Date: March 31, 1986
Billboard 200: #3
Sign o' the Times
Prince
9th Album
Release Date: March 31, 1987
Billboard 200: #6
In Other 80s Music News
1982 - The Doobie Brothers Announce Breakup
Event: Band Breakup
Details: The Doobie Brothers announced their breakup before later reuniting.
1984 - “Footloose” Hits No. 1
Event: Billboard Hot 100 Milestone
Details: Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” began its run at No. 1 and stayed there for three weeks.
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On March 31st
Heathers (1989)
Release Date: March 31, 1989
Director: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty and Kim Walker
Budget: $3 Million
Box Office: $1.1 Million
In Other 80s Movie News
1981 - 1st Golden Raspberry Awards
Event: Awards Show
Worst Picture: Can't Stop the Music
Worst Actor: Neil Diamond - The Jazz Singer
Worst Actress: Brooke Shields - The Blue Lagoon
1987 - 7th Golden Raspberry Awards
Event: Awards Show
Worst Picture: Howard the Duck
Worst Actor: Prince - Under the Cherry Moon
Worst Actress: Madonna - Shanghai Surprise
1989 - 9th Golden Raspberry Awards
Event: Awards Show
Worst Picture: Cocktail
Worst Actor: Sylvester Stallone - Rambo III
Worst Actress: Liza Minnelli - Arthur 2: On the Rocks
TODAY IN 80S TV
53rd Academy Awards
Event: Awards Show
Network: ABC
Date: March 31, 1981
Host: Johnny Carson
Best Picture: Ordinary People
Best Actor: Robert De Niro - Raging Bull
Best Actress: Sissy Spacek - Coal Miner’s Daughter
Cheers
Event: Sam and Diane Kiss
Network: NBC
Date: March 31, 1983
Episode: "Showdown: Part 2"
Details: Sam and Diane shared their first kiss in the Season 1 finale.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Event: Series Premiere
Network: Syndication
First Episode Date: March 31, 1984
Max Headroom
Event: Series Premiere
Network: ABC
First Episode Date: March 31, 1987
Last Episode Date: May 5, 1988
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 14
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1980 - Larry Holmes Defeats Leroy Jones
Event: WBC Heavyweight Championship Fight
Details: Holmes won by TKO in the 12th round to retain the title.
1980 - Mike Weaver Wins WBA Heavyweight Title
Event: Heavyweight Championship Fight
Details: Weaver knocked out John Tate in the 15th round to win the title.
1982 - NBA and Players Reach Labor Agreement
Event: Collective Bargaining Agreement
Details: The NBA and Players Association reached a landmark revenue-sharing deal.
1984 - Final Four Begins in Seattle
Event: NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
Details: Houston and Georgetown advanced to the championship game.
1984 - Mike Bossy Sets NHL Record
Event: NHL Milestone
Details: Bossy recorded his seventh straight 50-goal season.
1985 - WrestleMania I
Event: WWF Event
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Details: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeated Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
1985 - Old Dominion Wins NCAA Women’s Title
Event: NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
Details: Old Dominion defeated Georgia 70-65.
1986 - Louisville Wins NCAA Championship
Event: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship
Details: Louisville defeated Duke 72-69.
