November 1981 - November 16, 1981 (Monday)

November 16, 1981 (Monday)

• The wedding of Luke and Laura was watched by 14 million households, setting a record, still standing, for an episode on a "daytime television" show. Luke Spencer (Tony Geary) and Laura Webber (Genie Francis) married on the American soap opera General Hospital. It was estimated that 30,000,000 television viewers witnessed the fictitious ceremony.
• C. Everett Koop was confirmed as the Surgeon General of the United States by a 68-24 in the United States Senate. The outspoken Koop would go on to become perhaps the most memorable holder of the office.
• Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along debuted at the Alvin Theatre and proved to be a rare flop for the otherwise successful composer and lyricist. The musical ran for only 16 performances.
• Died: William Holden, 63, American film actor died at his home, apparently after drinking heavily, tripping on a throw rug, and striking his head on the edge of a nightstand. Holden, who had won the 1953 Academy Award for Best Actor (for the film Stalag 17) had been the best man at the March 4, 1952 wedding of Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan. Film director Billy Wilder would later comment to the New York Times, "To be killed by a bottle of vodka and a night table! What a lousy fadeout for a great guy!"
• Died: Frank Malina, 69, American aeronautical engineer