Today in History: Sunday, May 29, 2023

Television:
“The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,” originally a summer series, concluded in 1974 after the couple divorced. Following short-lived variety hours hosted by Sonny Bono on ABC in the fall of 1974 and Cher on CBS from 1975 to 1976, the now divorced couple reunited for “The Sonny and Cher Show” in February 1976. But the magic was gone and it only lasted for two seasons…TV movie “The Survival of Dana,“ starring Melissa Sue Anderson, Robert Carradine and Talia Balsam, aired in 1979…Short-lived ABC comedy “Semi-Tough,“ based on the film of the same name and starring David Hasselhoff, Bruce McGill and Markie Post, launched in 1980. Only 4 episodes aired…In the specials department was “Big Bird in China” on NBC in 1983…On CBS in 1985, Bob Keeshan (aka “Captain Kangaroo”) hosted primetime special “How to Be a Man.” It featured Hal Linden, Scott Baio, Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Susan Anton, John Denver, Mary Cadorette and NFL great Phil Simms…“The Twilight Zone” director John Landis was found innocent of involuntary manslaughter in death of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors during filming in 1987…“Lost” on ABC concluded season four in 2008 with Michael (Harold Perrineau, in his final appearance) trying to neutralize the explosives on the boat as the “Oceanic Six” moved closer to rescue.

Movies:
“Yankee Doodle Dandy,“ starring James Cagney in his Oscar-winning role as George M. Cohan, opened in New York City in 1943…“Sister Act,“ starring Whoopi Goldberg, was released in 1992…“Hope Floats,” starring Sandra Bullock opened in 1998.

Music:
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young released their first album in 1969…”Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones led Billboard’s Hot 100 list in 1971…Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover” topped the Billboard ranking in 1976…Tina Turner’s album “Private Dancer” was released in 1984.

Celebrity Birthdays:
“General Hospital” actor Anthony Geary is 76; Two Jackson sisters — Rebbie (73) and LaToya (67) share a birthday; composer Danny Elfman is 70; actor Ted Levine (“Monk”) is 66; actress Annette Bening is 65; actor Rupert Everett (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”) is 64; singer Melissa Etheridge is 62; “The Facts of Life” star Lisa Whelchel is 60; actress Laverne Cox (“Orange is the New Black”) is 51; singer and former “America’s Got Talent” judge Mel B is 48; former NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony is 39.

-Did You Know?:
Sonny and Cher reunited as guests on “Late Night With David Letterman”on NBC on Nov. 13, 1987. When Letterman threw a surprise and asked the couple to sing together, they did a rendition of “I Got You, Babe.” For a look, click here