This Day in Humor with Mike Durrett


Born 1908: Ethel Merman, legendary Broadway musical-comedy star of the highest rank. Her hit plays included "Anything Goes" (1936), "Annie Get Your Gun" (1946), and "Gypsy" (1959). She worked sporadically in films with "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963) and "Airplane!" (1980) providing hilarious moments. Merman also appeared as Lola Lasagne on TV's "Batman" (1966). Died 1984.

Born 1917: Buddy Lester, nightclub comedian and character actor, seen in numerous TV programs (1963's "The New Phil Silvers Show") and movies, including two with Frank Sinatra (1960's "Ocean's Eleven" and 1962's "Sergeants 3"), plus seven with Jerry Lewis (1961's "The Ladies' Man" and 1963's "The Nutty Professor"). Brother of comedian Jerry Lester. Died 2002.

Born 1944: Jim Stafford, musical comedian and composer of novelty songs, such as "Spiders and Snakes," "Wildwood Weed," "My Girl Bill," and "Cow Patti."

1964: "Hello Dolly!" (starring Carol Channing) opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre, running for 2844 performances.

Copyright ©2003 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.