Hollywood History

What Happened On May 19th? On the evening of May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe took the stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City, for one of her final performances. To support a Democratic fundraiser and celebrate President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday, 15,000 guests attended. The guest list included the political and social elite of the era. The Dress Monroe dressed in a stunning dress that has since become famous in its own right. As she took to the stage to serenade the President, her performance was as provocative as it was memorable. The dress, an elaborate creation by designer Jean Louis, was covered in 2,500 rhinestones and so tightly fitted that Monroe had to be sewn into it. This garment would later be sold at auction for an astounding $4.8 million! Context &...

What Happened On February 29th? On February 29th, 1940 was a day that Hollywood would and will never forget. At the prestigious 12th Academy Awards ceremony, Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar, being the first African American actress to do so. Her win for Best Supporting Actress for her iconic portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind was a bittersweet victory, drawing attention to her extraordinary talent along with challenges faced by people of color in the entertainment industry. The year, 1940 was a revolutionary one for the entertainment industry, television, and movies. Earlier this year, cartoons started to become popular, as "Tom & Jerry" debuted for the first time. The night itself was fraught with racial segregation. McDaniel was seated at a segregated table away from the rest of t...

What Happened On February 10th? February 10th wasn't just any Saturday. Today in 1940, a mischievous alley cat named Jasper and a determined little mouse named Jinx (later Tom and Jerry) "paw-printed" their way into animation history. Though names and titles would definitely change, they stole the show in their debut, "Puss Gets the Boot," entertaining both adults and children across the nation! "Puss Gets the Boot" premiered alongside a lower-budget double feature at a small New York City theater. It was not your standard 'Hollywood premiere," yet, amidst the trivial main attraction, something magical happened. Tom, with his relentless pursuit, and Jerry, with his nimble wit, fascinated those who were watching. Creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were ingenious and used their creati...

What Happened On December 17th? The origins of "The Simpsons" can be traced back to a series of animated shorts that first appeared on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987. Matt Groening, the creative mind behind the dysfunctional Simpson family, brought his unique brand of humor to the small screen, presenting a satirical take on the typical American family through the lens of the Simpsons—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. On December 17, 1989, television was changed forever as "The Simpsons" made its debut on the Fox network. Created by Matt Groening, this animated sitcom introduced viewers to the unconventional, yellow-hued residents of Springfield and embarked on a journey that would redefine the boundaries of humor, satire, and cultural commentary on television. The first full-lengt...

What Happened On December 8th? Co-Founder Of "The Beatles" Murdered At The Dakota (1980) As John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, returned to their apartment at The Dakota on the Upper West Side of Manhattan just after leaving the studio, Mark David Chapman, a disturbed fan, approached them. In a shocking act of violence, Chapman fired four shots at close range, fatally striking Lennon in the back and shoulder. The assailant remained at the scene reading a copy of J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" until the police arrived. Mark David Chapman, Lennon's assassin, claimed that he was motivated by a desire for notoriety and a twisted interpretation of The Catcher in the Rye. His actions highlighted the potential dangers associated with celebrity worship and the blurred lines between fan...

What Happened On December 5th?   The O.J. Simpson Imprisoned (2008) On December 5, 2008, a chapter in one of the most infamous legal sagas in American history came to a close as O.J. Simpson, a former football star turned actor, was sentenced for his involvement in a Las Vegas armed robbery in 2007. The sentencing signified a turning point  in the tumultuous life of O.J. Simpson, whose earlier acquittal in the murder trial of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman had captivated and divided the nation. On December 5, 2008, O.J. Simpson returned to a Las Vegas courtroom to face his sentencing. The atmosphere was charged with the weight of his past legal entanglements, and the eyes of the nation were once again on the fallen sports icon. Judge Jackie Glass, presiding ...

What Happened On November 4th? Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Debut (1950) November 4th, 1950 forever etched itself in Hollywood's memory as the day a star was born. It was on this day that Marilyn Monroe made her iconic debut with a small but unforgettable role in the film "The Asphalt Jungle." Though she only had a few minutes of screen time, Monroe's mesmerizing presence captivated audiences and caught the attention of Hollywood's power players. With her blonde locks, stunning beauty, and undeniable talent, Monroe soon became one of the most recognizable and beloved stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her debut on November 4th marked the beginning of a legendary career that would make her an icon for generations to come. The Day Hollywood Began (1910) November 4th, 1910 marked a significant tu...

What Happened On October 23rd? Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" Hits Theaters (1993) October 23rd, 1993 marked the release of "Jurassic Park," a film adaptation of Michael Crichton's bestselling novel and a groundbreaking achievement in cinematic history. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi thriller took audiences on a thrilling journey to a theme park where dinosaurs once again roamed the Earth. With its revolutionary use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), "Jurassic Park" brought dinosaurs to life in a way never seen before, leaving audiences in awe. The film's seamless blend of edge-of-your-seat suspense, breathtaking visuals, and memorable characters, portrayed by actors such as Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum, solidified its place as a beloved classic, and it remains a staple o...

What Happened On October 13th? Carpenter's "Halloween" (1978) On October 13th, 1978, a horror movie premiered that would go on to become a cult classic and redefine the genre. John Carpenter's "Halloween" made its chilling debut, introducing the world to the masked killer, Michael Myers. Audiences were captivated by the relentless tension and terrifying suspense as Laurie Strode, played by a young Jamie Lee Curtis, fought for her life against the knife-wielding psychopath. With its atmospheric setting, haunting score, and masterful direction, "Halloween" became a game-changer in the horror genre, paving the way for countless slasher films to come. R.E.M., Final Performance (1995) October 13th, 1995 saw the end of an era as the iconic rock band, R.E.M., graced the stage for their final liv...

What Happened On October 4th? The Iconic Hollywood Sign (1923) On October 4th, 1923, on the hills overlooking Hollywood, a massive white sign consisting of thirteen letters, spelling "HOLLYWOODLAND," was erected. Originally intended as an advertisement for a real estate development, this sign would go on to become an internationally recognized symbol of the entertainment industry. Over the years, the sign underwent several transformations, eventually losing its last four letters to become the iconic "HOLLYWOOD" we know today. As a beacon calling dreamers and aspiring actors from across the globe, this landmark stands as a testament to the glamour, ambition, and artistry that define the city of stars.