What Happened on August 17, 1979

Historical Events

Monty Python's Life of Brian

"Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Mickael Palin, & John Cleese, and funded by George Harrison's HandMade Films, premieres in US theaters

  • 2 Russian passenger planes collide above Ukraine, 173 killed

Famous Birthdays

  • Antwaan Randle El, American football player and coach, born in Riverdale, Illinois
  • Marcus Patric, British actor (Hollyoaks), born in Gosport, England

Famous Deaths

  • Vivian Vance [Jones], American stage and screen actress (I Love Lucy - "Ethel Mertz"; The Lucy Show - "Viv"), dies of cancer at 70
Died in 1979 1979 Highlights

About August 17, 1979

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 8 months and 11 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Leo

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Good Times - Chic
  • UK #1 Song: I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats