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Events on Wednesday 31 December 1975 9
1968 – 1975Waseda UniversityStudied drama at Waseda University in Tokyo. Participated in student protests of the late 1960s but grew disillusioned with radical politics. In 1971, while still a student, married fellow student Yoko Takahashi, who would become his closest companion, first reader and most trusted critic.
1969 – 1975National Security AdvisorServed as National Security Advisor under President Richard Nixon and then Gerald Ford, overseeing the opening to China in 1972 and the policy of détente with the Soviet Union.
1972 – 1975The Sonny & Cher Comedy HourServed as announcer on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, continuing to build his career as an in-demand voice talent in television.
1973 – 1975Management CareerBriefly managed Preston North End (1973–1975) after retiring as a player, before moving into ambassadorial roles for Manchester United and English football.
19751975: Niki LaudaFerrariAustrian Lauda won the first of his three titles with Ferrari, bringing the Italian team back to the top of the sport after a long drought.
1975Exile to FranceEmigrated to France, settling in Paris. He would never return to live in Czechoslovakia.
1975La Scala DebutMade her debut at Milan's Teatro alla Scala as a last-minute replacement. When the scheduled soprano Mirella Freni fell ill, Pavarotti reportedly cried: 'Get Cotrubas!' The audience response was rapturous.
1975The Rocky Horror Picture Show — FilmReprised his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the film adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, co-starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. The film initially underperformed but became a global cult phenomenon through midnight screenings, notorious for rowdy audience participation with callbacks, props and costumes. It became a rare beacon for the LGBTQ community in a pre-internet age.
1975TommyPlayed the Acid Queen in Ken Russell's film adaptation of The Who's rock opera Tommy, delivering a scene-stealing performance.