American actor, Marlon Brando, died at the age of 80. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest film actors of the 20th century as well as one of the most controversial.

American actor, Walter Matthau, died at the age of 79. He was most known for his role in The Odd Couple and his frequent collaborations with fellow actor Jack Lemmon.

American actor, Robert Mitchum, died at the age of 79.

Sony introduced the Walkman device.

American actress, Liv Tyler, was born in New York City.

The Nuclear non-proliferation treaty was signed in Geneva, Switzerland. Sixty countries initially singed the treaty. The treaty stipulates that technology relating to nuclear weapons will not be transferred to the countries that do not already have them and that those countries that do not already have them will not develop them on their own. Another part of the treaty stipulated the gradual disarmament of the countries that already had nuclear weapons.

Canadian model and actress, Pamela Anderson, was born in Ladysmith, British Columbia. She became famous after landing one of the leading roles in the hit television series, Baywatch.

Rwanda gained its independence. Originally a sovereign kingdom, the country became a German colony at the end of the 19th century. After the First World War it was ceded to Belgium. After the second world war fell under the jurisdiction of the United Nations before finally gaining its independence.

Burundi gained its independence. Like Rwanda it was a German colony up until the end of the First World War.

Princess of Wales, Diana, was born in Sandringham, England. She was the first wife of Charles, the Prince of Wales heir apparent of the throne of England.

American athlete, Carl Lewis, was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He is widely considered as one of the greatest track athletes of the 20th century, who won a total of 9 gold medals in 4 different Olympic Games.

Somalia gained its independence, it was previously a colony of the United Kingdom.

Canadian actor and comedian, Dan Aykroyd, was born in Ottawa, Ontario.

American film director, producer, and actor, Sydney Pollack, was born in Lafayette, Indiana.

The Communist party of China was founded. It is the largest political party in the world.

British actress, Olivia de Havilland, was born in Tokyo, Japan.

American cosmetics entrepreneur, Estee Lauder, was born in Queens, New York. She was the founder of Estee Lauder Companies, Inc, one of the world's largest suppliers of cosmetic products.

The Battle of Gettysburg begins, marking one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. It was fought in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. It is also referred to as the turning point of the war.