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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On December 12th, 1967, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones successfully appealed his nine-month jail sentence for a drug conviction. He was placed on probation instead.

In 1968, "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus" was Filmed in London, featuring the Stones, Eric Clapton, John Lennon and The Who. It remained unreleased for 28 years.

In 1974, the Rolling Stones announced guitarist Mick Taylor had left the band. That same day, the band began work on the "Black and Blue" album.

In 1981, singer Smokey Robinson was honored on an "American Bandstand" special.

In 1990, comedian Robin Williams got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1991, actor Richard Gere and model Cindy Crawford eloped in Las Vegas. They have since divorced.

In 1997, Autumn Jackson, who tried to blackmail Bill Cosby by claiming he was her father, was sentenced to two years in jail.

In 2001, actress Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting more than $5,000 worth of merchandise from a department store in Beverly Hills, California.

Also in 2001, actress Ashley Judd married racing driver Dario Franchitti in Scotland.

In 2003, Mick Jagger was knighted by Prince Charles.

Today's birthdays: Game show host Bob Barker is 85. Singer Connie Francis is 70. Singer Dionne Warwick is 68. Singer-guitarist Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers) is 65. Actor Wings Hauser is 61.

Actor Bill Nighy (NY) ("Pirates of the Caribbean") is 59. Actress Sheree J. Wilson ("Walker, Texas Ranger," "Dallas") is 50.

Singer-percussionist Sheila E. is 51. Guitarist Eric Schenkman of Spin Doctors is 45. Bassist Nicholas Dimichino of Nine Days is 41.

Actress Jennifer Connelly is 38. Actress Mayim Bialik ("Blossom") is 33.

(Above for release Friday, December 12th) Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-01-08 1354CST | save this article / add to your favorites list