February 8 has played host to some important events over the years --  including the births of iconic actor James Dean and the legendary composer John Williams.

James Dean & John Williams

• Actor Jack Lemmon (Days Of Wine And Roses, Missing), was born in 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio becomes Walt Disney Studios in 1926. 
• Actor James Dean, of Giant and Rebel Without a Cause fame, born in 1931 in Marion, Indiana.
• Composer John Williams -- responsible for some of the most recognisable film scores, such as Jaws, Star Wars, Harry Potter, India Jones, and E.T) -- born in 1932 in NYC.
• In 1960, Boston Celtic Bill Russell becomes the first NBA player to make more than 50 rebounds.
• Director Martin Scorcese married (1985).
• Planet of the Apes premiers in 1968 in New York City.
• Taxi Driver -- directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster -- is released in 1976).
• Spud Webb of Atlanta Hawks -- who is just 170cm, or 5'7 -- wins the NBA's 1986 Slam Dunk Competition.