This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


1941: The Andrews Sisters first recorded the popular World War II novelty song, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," which was featured the same year in the movie comedy "Buck Privates," starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Bette Midler also scored a hit with the tune, offered in her 1972 debut album, "The Divine Miss M."

Died 1963: Jack Carson, 52, supporting actor and sometimes leading man, developed a following in numerous film comedies, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (1941), "The Bride Came C.O.D." (1941), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944), "It's a Great Feeling" (1949), and "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!" (1958).

Born 1968: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Academy Award-winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "Jerry Maguire" (1996). Also known for comic roles in "Lightning Jack" (1994), "Rat Race" (2001), and "Snow Dogs" (2002).

Died 1986: Una Merkel, 82, prolific character actress who made many comedy appearances in films, including "The Bank Dick" (1940), "The Road to Zanzibar" (1941), and "The Mating Game" (1959).

Died 1990: Alan Hale, Jr., 71, best remembered as The Skipper on "Gilligan's Island," 1964-67.

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.