Today in History: Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Television
On ABC’s “Three’s Company” in 1978, Jack assumed he would soon be leaving when Janet and Chrissy’s former roommate Eleanor returned to visit…Television movie “Gypsy,” headlined by Bette Midler and based on the life of burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, aired on CBS in 1993…On NBC’s “Friends” in 1996, Rachel quits her waitressing job at the coffee shop Central Perk… “American Ninja Warrior” launched on the now-defunct cable network G4 in 2009. Based on the Japanese series “Sasuke“, this athletic reality competition was originally hosted by Blair Herter and Alison Haislip. Matt Iseman became its host, beginning in season two (in 2010); former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbaja-Biamila joined Iseman in co-hosting duties in season five (in 2013). “ANW” made its way to NBC in 2012. A total of 13 seasons have thus far been produced for the series overall.

Movies
“Saturday Night Fever”, starring John Travolta and featuring the music of the Bee Gees, opened in New York in 1977. The film helped significantly to popularize disco music around the world and made Travolta a household name. He was nominated for the Academy Award for his performance, becoming the fifth youngest nominee in the category at age 23…Rainman” directed by Barry Levinson and starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise opened in New York in 1988. It won four Oscars including Best Pictor, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hoffman) and Best Director…Actress Winona Ryder was arrested on shoplifting charges in Beverly Hills, California in 2001.

News
Then 50‐year‐old Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in 1974.

Celebrity Birthdays
NBA Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 91; country singer Connie Francis is 86; singer Dionne Warwick is 83; actor Bill Nighy (“Love Actually”) is 74; actress Darlene Carr (“Bret Maverick”) is 73; Gymnast Cathy Rigby is 71; singer-percussionist Sheila E. is 66; actress Sheree J. Wilson (“Dallas”; “Walker, Texas Ranger”) is 65; American tennis player Tracy Austin is 61; Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly (“A Beautiful Mind”) is 53; actress Madchen Amick (“Twin Peaks”) is 53; actress Regina Hall (“Scary Movie”, “Girls Trip”) is 53; “Call Me Kat” and “Jeopardy” host star Mayim Bialik is 48.

Did You Know?
Prior to “The Nanny,” Fran Drescher has a cameo in “Saturday Night Fever” as a dancer named Connie. Take a look here.