A Look Back at What Was Hot in 1978
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Actor Zoe Saldana's birth was only one of the big things to happen in 1978. (Photo by WikiCommons/Michael Connors)
The last time a horse swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes was 1978, when Affirmed outfought his gallant rival Alydar through three unforgettable classic races to become U.S. Thoroughbred racing’s 11th Triple Crown winner.
Here is a look back at other important events from 1978 as we inch closer to California Chrome’s bid to join Affirmed as a Triple Crown winner in racing’s history books:
Nate Silver, statistician, sabermetrician, writer and founder of fivethirtyeight.com was born on Jan. 13, 1978.
Ashton Kutcher was born on Feb. 7, 1978 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Photo by WikiCommons/David Shankbone
Known for his breakthrough, starring role on “Freaks and Geeks,” actor James Franco was born in Palo Alto, Calif. on April 19, 1978.
Erin Andrews of Fox Sports and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” was born on May 4, 1978.
Actor Jason Biggs was born on May 12, 1978, in Pompton Plains, N.J.
Actress Zoe Saldana was born on June 19, 1978.
Photo by WikiCommons/Michael Connors
Singer Nicole Scherzinger was born on June 29, 1978.
Actor Josh Harnett was born on July 21, 1978.
A native of Berkeley, Calif., comedian Andy Samberg was born on Aug. 18, 1978.
NBA star Kobe Bryant was born on Aug. 23, 1978.
Photo by WikiCommons/Joseph A. Lee
Singer Usher was born on Oct. 14, 1978.
Golfer Bubba Watson was born on Nov. 5, 1978.
Actress Katherine Marie Heigl was born in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 24, 1978.
Photo by WikiCommons/Luke Ford
Singer Tyrese Gibson was born on December 30, 1978.
These companies were founded in 1978
Banana Republic
Home Depot
Photo by WikiCommon/Anthony92931
Versace
Ben & Jerry’s
Photo by WikiCommon/Uziel302
Opus One Winery
Also in the year of 1978 …
The first email system was created at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J.
GPS or Global Positioning System was developed.
The world’s first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, is delivered by Caesarean section at Oldham Hospital in Great Britain.
Illinois Bell Company introduced the first-ever Cellular Mobile Phone System.
The video game Space Invaders launched a craze for computer video games.
Photo by WikiCommon/Jordiferrer
The average cost of new house was $54,800.
The cost of a gallon of gas was 63 cents.
1978 Pop Culture
Popular Films
“Grease”
“Saturday Night Fever”
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
National Lampoon’s “Animal House”
“Jaws 2”
“Heaven Can Wait”
“Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”
“Revenge of the Pink Panther”
“The Deer Hunter”
Popular Musicians and songs
Bee Gees with “Night Fever” and “Stayin’ Alive "
Paul McCartney and Wings
Photo by WikiCommons/Helix84
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Rolling Stones
Photo by WikiCommons/Gorupdebesanez
Commodores with “Three Times a Lady”
Boomtown Rats
Popular TV Programs
“Happy Days”
“Little House on the Prairie”
“The Rockford Files”
“Saturday Night Live”
“Wheel of Fortune”
“Charlie's Angels”
“Quincy, M.E.”
“The Muppet Show”
“CHiPs”
“The Love Boat”
“Three's Company”