Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Aug. 7: On this date: In AD 117, Roman emperor Marcus Trajan died at age 65. His attitude toward Christianity gradually changed from toleration to persecution.

Today in Music History for Aug. 7: In 1942, singer B.J. Thomas was born in Hugo, Okla., but soon moved to Houston, Texas.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 6: Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 87. Tenor Paul Trepanier is 86. Actress Louise Sorel ("Days of Our Lives") is 85. Country singer Myrna Lorrie is 85. Actor Michael Anderson Jr. is 82. Actor Ray Buktenica is 82.

Today in History for Aug. 6: On this date: In 1623, Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, died. In 1691, Henry Kelsey claimed the Red River Valley for Britain.

Today in Music History for Aug. 6: In 1939, Canadian tenor Paul Trepanier was born in Noranda, Que. In 1940, the Vancouver company "Theatre Under the Stars" opened its first season at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 5: Country songwriter Bobby Braddock is 85. Actress Loni Anderson is 80. Actress Erika Slezak ("One Life To Live") is 79. Actress Holly Palance is 75. Singer Samantha Sang is 74.

Today in History for Aug. 5: On this date: In 1100, Henry I ascended the throne of England, three days after his brother, King William II, was killed in a hunting accident.

Today in Music History for Aug. 5: In 1943, country singer Sammi Smith was born in Orange, Calif.

Celebrity Birthdays for Aug. 4: World curling champion Ernie Richardson is 94. Actress-singer Tina Cole ("My Three Sons") is 82. Paul Layton of the '70s pop group The New Seekers is 78. Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins is 76.

Today in History for Aug. 4: On this date: In 1586, a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth I was uncovered.