The President of the United States was Ronald Reagan.  He defeats Walter Mondale in his bid for re-election.

Clara Peller is featured in the "Where's the Beef?" commercial campaign for Wendy's Restaurants for the first time.

Hulk Hogan wins the World Wrestling Federation Championship from the Iron Sheik, in New York's Madison Square Garden. Hulkamania is born.

Space Shuttle Challenger is launched on the tenth space shuttle mission.

The summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles, California.  The winter Olympics are held in Sarajevo.

Apple Computer unveils its Apple IIc portable computer and Sony manufactures the first 3.5 in computer disk.

Aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first American women to perform a space walk.

Desmond Tutu wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

Vanessa Williams, then Suzette Charles becomes Miss America.

Donald Duck turns 50 years old.

Top 10 grossing movies:

1. Ghost Busters
2. Beverly Hills Cop
3. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
4. Gremlins
5. The Karate Kid
6. Police Academy
7. Footloose
8. Romancing the Stone
9. Purple Rain
10. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

The top 100 songs: