Events December 23 - The first complete opera, Hansel and Gretel, is telecast, by WRGB in Schenectady. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is formed Popular Television Shows Births January 1 - Don Novello, actor, Saturday Night Live (1977-1987) January 13 - Richard Moll, actor February 27 - Mary Frann, actress († 1998) March 18 - Kevin Dobson, actor March 29 - Eric Idle, comedian May 5 - Michael Palin, comedian May 24 - Gary Burghoff, actor May 27 - Bruce Weitz, actor May 31 - Sharon Gless, actress June 16 - Joan Van Ark, actress July 31 - Susan Flannery, actress August 2 - Max Wright, actor October 8 - Chevy Chase, actor, Saturday Night Live November 20 - Veronica Hamel, actress December 23 - Harry Shearer, actor, Saturday Night Live, Spinal Tap, The Simpsons Deaths
Births January 1 - Don Novello, actor, Saturday Night Live (1977-1987) January 13 - Richard Moll, actor February 27 - Mary Frann, actress († 1998) March 18 - Kevin Dobson, actor March 29 - Eric Idle, comedian May 5 - Michael Palin, comedian May 24 - Gary Burghoff, actor May 27 - Bruce Weitz, actor May 31 - Sharon Gless, actress June 16 - Joan Van Ark, actress July 31 - Susan Flannery, actress August 2 - Max Wright, actor October 8 - Chevy Chase, actor, Saturday Night Live November 20 - Veronica Hamel, actress December 23 - Harry Shearer, actor, Saturday Night Live, Spinal Tap, The Simpsons Deaths