Legends of Hollywood Series
On June 1, 1995, the USPS issued the first stamp in its long-running Legends of Hollywood Series. The stamp, honoring Marilyn Monroe, was the best-selling stamp of the year.
Entertainment
Looney Tunes Series and the Rare Bugs Bunny Imperforate Sheet
On May 22, 1997, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Looney Tunes Series, honoring Bugs Bunny. It was the first US stamp to picture a cartoon character. There’s also a 10th stamp imperforate pane that’s the most rare stamp issued in 70 years!
Birth of Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. One of Hollywood’s leading ladies with a career that spanned six decades, she holds the record for the most Best Actress Academy Awards.
Happy Birthday Bing Crosby
One of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, Bing Crosby, was born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. in Tacoma, Washington, on May 3, 1903. The first major star of multiple media, he was a leader in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture sales.
Happy Birthday Lou Costello
Louis Francis Cristillo (known as Lou Costello) was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. As part of the popular comedy duo Abbott and Costello, they were some of the highest-paid entertainers of the era.
Birth of Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand was born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire. A best-selling author, she also developed the philosophical system of Objectivism.
Birth of Clark Gable
Actor William Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. Appearing in over 60 films during his 37-year career, he was known as “The King of Hollywood.”
Death of Hollywood Icon Audrey Hepburn
Beloved actress and goodwill ambassador Audrey Hepburn died at her home in Switzerland on January 20, 1993
Naismith Publishes Rules of Basketball
On January 15, 1892, Dr. James Naismith published the rules for a sport he’d invented – basketball. It quickly caught on, with the first professional league forming in 1898.