Today in History: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Television and Periodicals
In 1953, Arthur Godfrey fired singer Julius La Rosa during the live radio broadcast of “Arthur Godfrey Time.” Considered one of the great mistakes in the history of broadcasting, the once beloved Godfrey’s career spiraled downward from that moment on…The last issue of “Look” magazine was published in 1971…ABC sitcom “Perfect Strangers” hit the 100 episode mark in 1990. It concluded on August 6, 1993 at the 150 episode mark…Competition series “The Biggest Loser”, hosted by Caroline Rhea, debuted in 2004. It ran for 17 editions on NBC, through 2016, and USA Network revived it for an 18th season in 2020. Alison Sweeney took over as host in the fifth edition, while trainer Bob Harper stepped in the 17th edition.

Movies
“Dances with Wolves” directed by Kevin Costner and starring Costner and Mary McDonnell premiered in Washington, D.C. on this day in 1990. It won seven Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Director).

Music
Single “Believe” was released by Cher in 1999. It won the Grammy Award for Best Dancing Recording and the Billboard Song of the Year.

News
Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968…Australia’s Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973…A bill was passed by the senate limiting the number of ads that can be shown during children’s TV programs in 1988.

Celebrity Birthdays
Actor John Lithgow (“Third Rock From the Sun”) is 78 Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) is 60; psychic John Edward is 55; “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is also 55.

Did You Know?
“I Love Lucy,” which aired on CBS in the Monday 9 p.m. half-hour for its entire six season (1951-57) run, followed “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” The Godfrey talent competition ran for one final season in 1957-58 into sitcom “The Danny Thomas Show” (which was originally titled “Make Room for Daddy”).