The US lottery, Mega Millions, set a new world record when its jackpot reached 390 million USD. The jackpot was split by two ticket holders from two states, Georgia and New Jersey.

Greek actress and politician, Melina Mercouri, died at the age of 83. She was one of the most successful Greek actresses and a popular politician of the 20th century.

British coal miners began a strike that was to last for 12 months.

Legendary reporter, Walter Cronkite, presents the CBS Evening News for the last time. He had been presenting them for 19 years. Walter Cronkite stood out as one of the most trusted reporters in 20th century America.

American boxing champion, Cassius Clay, officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali. The name means, beloved of Allah.

Constantine II ascended to the throne of Greece. He was the last king of Greece who reigned between 1964 and 1974 when the monarchy was abolished.

Georgy Maksimilianovich Malenkov became premier and first Secretary of the communist party of the Soviet Union, after the death of Josef Stalin. He was a close political ally to Josef Stalin and Lavrenty Beria, a connection which eventually led to his forced resignation in 1957.

Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were brought to trial in the United States. The couple was eventually convicted and then executed for supplying, nuclear weapons secrets, to the Soviet Union.

American actor and filmmaker, Rob Reiner, was born in New York. He is most known for directing the hit movies, Stand By Me, Misery, A Few Good Men and When Harry Met Sally.

British musician, David Gilmour, was born in Cambridge, England. He is best known as a member of the band Pink Floyd.

Colombian writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, was born in Aracataca, Magdalena. He is widely considered as one of the greatest writers to emerge from 20th century South America.

American cartoon artist, Will Eisner, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was one of the most influential figures in the world of comics, throughout the 20th century.

American comedian, Lou Costello, was born in New Jersey. He was most known for being part of the highly successful comedy show, Abbott and Costello.

The Spanish football club Real Madrid was founded.

Giuseppe Verdi's opera, La Traviata, premiered in Venice.

American frontiersman, Davy Crockett, died at the age of 49. He died in the battle of the Alamo.