This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


1921: "A comedy with a smile -- and perhaps a tear," Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" opened in movie theatres. Jackie Coogan appeared as the title character. More than 60 years later, he became known as Uncle Fester on TV's "The Addams Family."

Born 1924: Benny Hill, British television comedian, romped through more than four decades in the medium, specializing in manic sketches laced with chesty women and innuendoes. Syndication of the episodes made him an international star. Died 1992.

Born 1939: Wolfman Jack, early rock-and-roll disc jockey, gained prominence with his gravelly vocal style and double entendres. Cast as more-or-less himself in George Lucas' retro-comedy, "American Graffiti" (1973) boosted his prestige and popularity. Died 1995.

Born 1956: Geena Davis, Oscar-winning actress, appeared in A-list comedies, "Tootsie" (1982), "Beetlejuice" (1988), "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "A League of Their Own" (1992), and "Stuart Little" (1999) (as the human mom of an adopted mouse). Several TV sitcom series along the way, most notably "Buffalo Bill" (1983) with Dabney Coleman.

1959: The bright-eyed, freckle-faced favorite in MGM's "Our Gang" shorts during the '40s, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer died in a California brawl, reportedly fought over a $50 drug debt.

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.