Pakistani politician, Benazir Bhutto, returned to her homeland after 8 years of self-imposed exile. On the night of her return a couple of bombs exploded near Bhutto's convoy, killing more than 100 of the people who had gathered to cheer for her return. Bhutto was not injured in the attack.

Greek politician, Andreas Papandreou, began his third term as Prime Minister of Greece.

Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the United States. It is considered as the most successful entertainment console ever created and was the catalyst in establishing Nintento as the dominant company in the gaming console market over arch rival company, SEGA.

Belgian actor and martial artist, Jean-Claude Van Damme, was born in Brussels. He was the European professional Karate Association's middleweight champion. Among other things he studied ballet for five years before departing for the US to pursue a film career.

Czech-born tennis player, Martina Navratilova, was born in Revnice, Czechoslovakia. One of the greatest female tennis players who defected to the United States in 1975 and was the dominant player in the late 1970's and all throughout the 1980's.

The Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia.

American, Lee Harvey Oswald, was born in Louisiana, USA. He was the man who was convicted for the assassination of US president John F. Kennedy. Two days after his arrest he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby on live television while in police custody.

American inventor, Thomas Edison, died at the age of 84. He is considered to have been one of the most prolific inventors of all time.

American actor, George C. Scott, was born in Virginia, USA. He is best remembered for his portrayal of General George S. Patton in the movie, Patton, as well as his portrayal of General Buck Turgidson in Dr. Strangelove.

American musician, Chuck Berry, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He is considered as one of the pioneers of rock & roll music.

German actor, Klaus Kinski, was born in Sopot, Poland. He is most remembered for his participation in the internationally acclaimed films, Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), and Fitzcarraldo (1982). He is the father of actress, Nastassja Kinski.

The British Broadcasting Company (later Corporation) - BBC - was founded in an effort to establish a nationwide network of radio transmitters that would provide a national broadcasting service in the United Kingdom.

Greek actress and politician, Melina Mercouri, was born in Athens, Greece. She was one of the most successful Greek actresses and one of the few that was able to establish an international presense.