Today in History: Saturday, November 4, 2023

Television
Early serialized drama “One Man’s Family” began a three season run on NBC in 1949.  It was based on the radio show of the same name and was featured in daytime from 1954-55…Here comes the bride: It was Mary Ellen’s (Judy Norton) wedding day but she pined for another man on the CBS period family drama “The Waltons” in 1976. Two seasons later, Mary Ellen’s husband Curt (Tom Willard) is tragically killed at Pearl Harbor. But, in a classic “jump the shark” moment, we find out he is alive (and played by another actor) in the final season of “The Waltons”…”The Incredible Hulk” starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno premiered as a TV movie on CBS in 1977. The series aired from 1978 to 1982…ABC action-adventure “The Fall Guy” starring Lee Majors, Douglas Barr and Heather Thomas debuted in 1981. With its five-season run, it was Majors’ third successful series following “The Big Valley” and “The Six Million Dollar Man“…The beginning of the end: Lilimae (Julie Harris) introduced Chip (Michael Sabatino) to Ciji (Lisa Hartman) on CBS’ “Knots Landing” in 1982. When viewers protested after the death of Ciji that spring, Hartman returned as Ciji’s lookalike Cathy Geary the following season…David Caruso exited ABC’s “NYPD Blue” early in season two in 1994 for what he thought was a career in movies. But a pair of immediate flops (“Kiss of Death” and “Jade” in 1995) resulted in a return to the small screen in CBS drama “Michael Hayes” in the 1997-98 season. His 10-season stint on “CSI: Miami” began on Sept. 23, 2002…Fox game show “Greed,“ hosted by Chuck Woolery and created by Dick Clark and Bob Boden, launched in 1999. And, yes, I still feel “the need” for “Greed!” For more, click here…Sports panelist discussion “Around The Horn” debuted on ESPN in 2002. Airing as a companion to its long-standing lead-out “Pardon the Interruption,“ the “show of competitive banter” was originally hosted by Max Kellerman and produced in Washington, D.C. Tony Reali of “Pardon the Interruption” has been host since 2004. Since its 16th anniversary (in 2018), the show films at Pier 17 from its South Street Seaport studios in New York City.

Movies:
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first film adaptation of the books by J.K. Rowling and starring Daniel Radcliffe opened in theaters in 2003. It grossed $974 million at the box office worldwide during its initial run, and over $1 billion with subsequent re-releases.
 
Music:
“Wichita Lineman,” the 12th album by Glen Campbell, was released in 1968. It was named Billboard Album of the Year 1969…British girls group the Spice Girls released their debut album “Spice” in 1996, which went on to sell 23 million copies…“Come On Over,“ the third studio album by Shania Twain was released in 1998. It was named Billboard Album of the Year.

Sports:
In 2001, Luis Gonzalez hit a bloop walk-off RBI single to center field off of Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera to win Game 7 and the World Series for the Arizona Diamondbacks over the New York Yankees. Broadcast on Fox and averaging 39.1 million viewers, it ranks as the third most-watched MLB telecast within the past 30 years…In 2009, the New York Yankees accomplished winning their storied 27th world championship in franchise history, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the 6-game World Series.

News:
Calvin Coolidge was elected President of the United States in 1924, defeating Democrat candidate John W. Davis…Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the United States in 1952, defeating Democrat candidate Adlai Stevenson…Former Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan was elected as the 40th President of the United Stares in 1980….Barack Obama became the first African-American individual to be elected President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate John McCain in 2008.

Celebrity Birthdays:
“MASH” star Loretta Swit is 86; Former First Lady Laura Bush is 77; Comedian Kathy Griffin is 63; Ralph Macchio (“The Karate Kid”) is 62; “Survivor” host Jeff Probst is also 62; Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”) is 54; rapper-music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs is also 54; reality star Bethenny Frankel is 53; celebrity chef Curtis Stone is 48; actress Heather Tom (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) is also 48; original “Real World: Las Vegas” cast member Trishelle Cannatella is 44; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant is 35.

Did You Know?
Loretta Swit originated the role of Christine Cagney in made-for CBS television movie “Cagney & Lacey” in October 1981. When the producers of “MASH” refused to let her out of her contact when it went to series, the role went to Meg Foster. After one season, Sharon Gless replaced Foster and ultimately won two Emmy Awards for her performance.