On this day

1757: George Vancouver, the explorer after whom Vancouver Island and Vancouver are named, was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. 1896: Marconi patented his invention of the “wireless”.

1937: Joe Louis won the world heavyweight boxing title by knocking out James J Braddock in Chicago. He successfully defended the crown 25 times before announcing his retirement on March 1, 1949.

1940: France capitulated and accepted the armistice terms of Germany. 1941: The German Army invaded Russia.

1969: Singer Judy Garland was found dead in her flat in London, aged 47.

1987: Fred Astaire, American actor and dancer, died of pneumonia, aged 88.

Birthdays

Prunella Scales, actress, 89; Kris Kristofferson, singer/actor, 85; Esther Rantzen, TV presenter, 81; Meryl Streep, actress, 72;

Lindsay Wagner, actress, 72; Alastair Stewart, newscaster, 69; Danny Baker, DJ and presenter, 64; Jimmy Somerville, singer, 60; Dan Brown, author, 57.

Quotes of the day

“Beware of the wolves in Hollywood honey, because if they don’t get what they want they will cancel your contract” – Joan Collins recalling the advice given to her by Marilyn Monroe upon her arrival in Hollywood as a young woman.

“I was a roller-skating waiter in Chicago for seven years. You make your real money by doing stunts” – Friends star David Schwimmer.

“I’ve had criticism with every

job I’ve had that’s been on-air. It’s not healthy not to know what people are saying. But I also think it’s only fair for people to listen. I think a lot of people who make noise about Woman’s Hour don’t listen” – Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett.