Today in History: Friday, September 13, 2024

Television
Animated “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” from Hanna-Barbera debuted on CBS on Saturday morning in 1969. The series aired for two seasons and was the launch of an ongoing franchise that includes other animated shows, films and merchandise.

Happy 50! Friday night crime solvers “The Rockford Files” and “Police Woman” both launched on NBC in 1974.

NBC variety hour “The Richard Pryor Show,” which featured Robin Williams, Tim Reid and Sandra Bernhard, opened in 1977. It faced ABC’s top-rated “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” and was canceled after just four episodes. Later that season, Robin Williams was introduced on “Happy Days” as Mork from Ork…NBC’s ‘Law & Order” began its run in 1990. After a 12-year absence, it returned February 2022 and is still running.

“Everybody Loves Raymond” on CBS began its nine season run in 1996…NBC’s “Frasier” won a record fifth consecutive Emmy award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1998…”Supernatural” debuted on The WB in 2005. It ran for 15 seasons.

Music
Elton John single “Candle in the Wind 1997”, a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, was released in the UK in 1997.

News
The First New York Marathon was held in 1970, attracting 127 competitors runners who paid $1.00 to compete and competed several loops around the Park Drive of Central Park.

Celebrity Birthdays
Actress Barbara Bain (TV’s “Mission: Impossible”) is 93; actress Eileen Fulton (“As The World Turns”) is 91; singer Peter Cetera (Chicago) is 80; actress Jacqueline Bisset is 80; actress Christine Estabrook (“Desperate Housewives”) is 74; actress Jean Smart (“Hacks”) is 73; singer Randy Jones of the Village People is 72; record producer-musician Don Was is 72; actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. (“The Wire”) is 70; actress Geri Jewell (“The Facts of Life,” ″Deadwood”) is 68; singer-guitarist Dave Mustaine of Megadeth is 63; comedian Jeff Ross (“Sneaky Pete”) is 59; actor Louis Mandylor (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) is 58; actor Roger Howarth (“General Hospital,” “One Life to Live”) is 56; TV producer Tyler Perry is 55; actress Louise Lombard (“CSI”) is 54; singer Fiona Apple is 47; actor Ben Savage (“Boy Meets World”) is 44; singer Niall Horan is 31; actress Lili Reinhart (“Riverdale”) is 28.

Did You Know?:
“Happy Days” is remembered for spinning off three series: “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.” While some also count short-lived sitcoms “Out of the Blue,” featuring comedian Jimmy Brogan, and “Blansky’s Beauties,” starring Nancy Walker, as spin-offs, both debuted prior to any character crossovers. Nancy Blansky (Walker) was Howard Cunningham’s (Tom Bosley) cousin, while Jimmy Brogan as Random did not guest star on “Happy Days” until after “Out of the Blue” premiered.