Pop Culture Quiz: What Happened In 1981?

81 Trivia Questions For 1981 History

(answers)

1. What was the highest-grossing superhero film of 1982?
HINT: It was a sequel

2. You get one point for each. Who were the three super-criminals who escaped from the Phantom Zone in Superman II?

3. On March 6, 1981, this long-time CBS news broadcaster signed off for the last time. Name him.

4. This video game features the attempted rescue of Pauline from a giant gorilla. Name the game.

5. Another very popular character was introduced in Donkey Kong. Name him.

6. President Ronald Reagan appointed the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Name her.

7. Muhammed Ali’s last fight was with a Jamaican professional boxer. Name that boxer.

8. Who is the animated alter ego of Prince Adam?

9. This television show was based on a 1968 song and a 1978 film. It aired from January 16, 1981, to August 14, 1982. Name that song/film/TV show.

10. Who was the star of the Harper Valley PTA film and TV show?

11. Who won the World Series in 1981?

12. BONUS ROUND: You get one point for each of the first five MTV VJs you can name.

13. Name the second theatrical Muppets film

14. In what comic strip did Opus the Penguin first appear?

15. The American toy company Hasbro developed this animal-themed toy line and media franchise.
HINT: little equine

16. This CBS prime-time soap opera centered around the feuding factions of the wealthy Gioberti/Channing family in the California wine industry set in the fictitious Tuscany Valley. Name that show.

17. Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith starred in a revival of what Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?

18. Name the musical that featured Carbucketty, Jemima, Jellylorum and Demeter

19. What potato chip brand said, “Betcha can’t eat just one.”

20. Who was Time Magazine’s 1981 “Man of the Year”?
HINT: He was from Poland

21. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1981?

22. This TV program featured Hollywood stunt performers who moonlighted as bounty hunters. Name the show

23. Who played the role of Colt Seavers as The Fall Guy?

24. Who was Jessica Rabbit’s husband?

25. Introduced in 1981, name the competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules.

26. “Let’s be careful out there” was often heard on this NBC police procedural. Name the show.

27. What was the most-watched live television event in 1981?

28. Blake Carrington, Fallon Carrington, Krystle Carrington, Sammy Jo Carrington, and Steven Carrington were all characters on what television soap opera?

29. What was Indiana Jones’ dog’s name?

30. Please name the Canadian-based sketch comedy show that aired on NBC from 1981 to 1983.

31. Who was the TV spokesperson who said “Time to make the donuts”?

32. Phil Collins had two Top 20 hits in 1981. They each peaked at #19 on the Billboard Pop Charts. You get one point for each that you can name.

33. What was the biggest hit single in 1981?
HINT: It spent 10 weeks at number one.

34. This McDonald’s sandwich was introduced in 1981 but removed from the menu in 1985. It is sometimes brought back for a limited time. Name that sandwich.
HINT: barbecue sauce

35. Since this game was released in 1981, numerous themed editions have been produced, typically in six categories. Name the game.

36. Lorna Patterson played the title role on this show based on a 1980 film starring Goldie Hawn. Name that show.

37. The co-star of Private Benjamin reprised her role in the film as Cpt. Doreen Lewis. Name the actress.

38. Played by Kurt Russell, name the character who served as the film’s protagonist of Escape from New York.

39. From July 1981 to November 1982, the U.S. economy experienced the most significant recession since when?

40. What was the federal minimum wage in 1981?

41. Laverne & Shirley was originally set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the sixth season, where did they move to?

42. You get one point for each former president that you can name who were alive in 1981.

43. Name the top-rated prime-time news show in 1981.

44. This 1981 Disney animated film was loosely based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix. Name that buddy film.

45. This epic fantasy film featured Bubo, the mechanical owl.

46. Clash of the Titans gave us a quote about a giant sea monster. Say the quote.

47. Believe it or not, this superhero show lasted 3 seasons on Prime Time ABC. Name that program.

48. The name of these animated creatures could be nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
HINT: They’re described as being “three apples high.”

49. The Smurfs were one of the most popular animated shows of the 1980s. Who created them?

50. Name the artist who was the first artist to win all four “General Field” Grammy Awards in a single ceremony, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Arrangement of the Year, and Best New Artist.

51. Who became the new landlord on Three’s Company after the Ropers left?

52. Name the pop music duo who played The Concert in Central Park for nearly half a million people.
HINT: It was free

53. Which video game was NOT released in 1981?
Frogger, MotoRace USA, Galaga, or Centipede?

54. Name the singing superhero who first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #130.

55. Name the adventurer who famously said, “I hate snakes.”

56. Name the original judge on The People’s Court, a syndicated reality television show.

57. This 1981 comedy/horror film featured David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and Griffin Dunne. Name that film.

58. In 1981, this book received the Hugo Award for Best Non-Fiction Book.
HINT: Carl Sagan

59. This car company only made one model, but it was well known for its “butterfly doors.” Name that car company.
HINT: Back to the Future

60. This CBS Crime Drama starred Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker as two disparate brothers who operate a two-person detective agency in San Diego, California. Name the show.

61. Who were the NBA Champions in 1981?

62. Who was the President in 1981?

63. Name Stephen King’s best-selling book from 1981 about a dog.

64. Who fired 11,345 air traffic controllers after they refused to end their strike?

65. Name the PBS painter who served as a Master Sergeant in the USAF, one of many positions he said required him to be “tough” and “mean.” After leaving in 1981, he said he had promised himself that he would never scream again if he ever left the military.

66. On what planet does He-Man live?

67. It was the highest-rated non-news hour in daytime television history. What was it?

68. Who defeated Dusty Rhodes to win his first World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in Kansas City.

69. Name the 12th James Bond Film.

70. Name the pop star who sang The title song, written by Conti and Michael Leeson.
HINT: The song was For Your Eyes Only

71. What was Sheena Easton’s first #1 song?

72. What team won the Super Bowl in 1981?

73. Who was the Pope in 1981?

74. This spin-off of The Brady Bunch included several original stars and lasted 10 episodes.

75. Who replaced the American Flag atop the White House at the end of Superman II?

76. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1981?

77. Who was the Vice-President in 1981?

78. Who played the Fifth Doctor on the British science fiction television series Doctor Who?

79. Which singer was NOT born in 1981?
Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Ashlee Simpson, or Kelly Rowland?

80. US President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt. Who Shot him?

81. Name the first video played on MTV.

Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

1. Can you name the first song that was repeated on MTV?

2. Retailing, or $1,795, is the first commercially successful portable computer released on April 3, 1981.

3. Laverne & Shirley had a short-lived cartoon spin-off. What was it called?

4. Name the Ronald Reagan film that inspired a man named Jerry Sparr to join the Secret Service and save President Reagan from an assassination attempt in 1981

5. The rolling boulder scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark was stolen from a 1955 comic book. Name the cartoon character who starred in that comic book.

6. What company used the slogan “We bring good things to life.”?

7. On what late-night TV show did U2 make their first US television appearance

8. This television show featured stars Tony Randall and Swoosie Kurtz, Name that NBC sitcom.

9. Name the series of journals purportedly written by Adolf Hitler but forged by Konrad Kujau between 1981 and 1983.

10. Name the Catholic-based basic television station which has been running since August 15, 1981.

The Answers:

81 Trivia Answers For 1981 History

1. What was the highest-grossing superhero film of 1982?
HINT: It was a sequel
Superman II

2. You get one point for each. Who were the three super-criminals who escaped from the Phantom Zone in Superman II?
General Zod, Ursa, and Non

3. On March 6, 1981, this long-time CBS news broadcaster signed off for the last time. Name him.
Walter Cronkite

4. This video game features the attempted rescue of Pauline from a giant gorilla. Name the game.
Donkey Kong

5. Another very popular character was introduced in Donkey Kong. Name him.
Mario

6. President Ronald Reagan appointed the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Name her.
Sandra Day O’Connor

7. Muhammed Ali’s last fight was with a Jamaican professional boxer. Name that boxer.
Trevor Berbick (he lost in a ten-round decision)

8. Who is the animated alter ego of Prince Adam?
He-Man

9. This television show was based on a 1968 song and a 1978 film. It aired from January 16, 1981, to August 14, 1982. Name that song/film/TV show.
Harper Valley PTA

10. Who was the star of the Harper Valley PTA film and TV show?
Barbara Eden (and Jeannie C. Riley sang the song)

11. Who won the World Series in 1981?
Los Angeles Dodgers

12. BONUS ROUND: You get one point for each of the first five MTV VJs you can name.
Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, J.J. Jackson, Martha Quinn, and Alan Hunter

13. Name the second theatrical Muppets film.
The Great Muppet Caper

14. In what comic strip did Opus the Penguin first appear?
Bloom County by Berkeley Breathed

15. The American toy company Hasbro developed this animal-themed toy line and media franchise.
HINT: Equine
My Little Pony

16. This CBS prime-time soap opera centered around the feuding factions of the wealthy Gioberti/Channing family in the California wine industry set in the fictitious Tuscany Valley. Name that show.
Falcon Crest

17. Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith starred in a revival of what Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?
The Pirates of Penzance (Broadway’s Uris Theatre)

18. Name the musical that featured Carbucketty, Jemima, Jellylorum, and Demeter.
Cats

19. What potato chip brand said, “Betcha can’t eat just one.”
Lays

20. Who was Time Magazine’s 1981 “Man of the Year”?
HINT: He was from Poland
Lech Walesa

21. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1981?
Diana Ross

22. This TV program featured Hollywood stunt performers who moonlighted as bounty hunters. Name the show.
The Fall Guy

23. Who played the role of Colt Seavers as The Fall Guy?
Lee Majors

24. Who was Jessica Rabbit’s husband?
Roger Rabbit

25. Introduced in 1981, name the competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules.
Paintball

26. “Let’s be careful out there” was often heard on this NBC police procedural. Name the show.
Hill Street Blues

27. What was the most-watched live television event in 1981?
When Prince Charles married Lady Diana on July 29, 1981.

28. Blake Carrington, Fallon Carrington, Krystle Carrington, Sammy Jo Carrington, and Steven Carrington were all characters on what television soap opera?
Dynasty

29. What was Indiana Jones’ dog’s name?
Indiana

30. Please name the Canadian-based sketch comedy show that aired on NBC from 1981 to 1983.
Second City Television (or SCTV)

31. Who was the TV spokesperson who said “Time to make the donuts”?
Fred the Baker for Dunkin Donuts

32. Phil Collins had two Top 20 hits in 1981. They each peaked at #19 on the Billboard Pop Charts. You get one point for each that you can name.
I Missed Again and In The Air Tonight

33. What was the biggest hit single in 1981?
HINT: It spent 10 weeks at number one.
Physical by Olivia Newton-John

34. This McDonald’s sandwich was introduced in 1981 but removed from the menu in 1985. It is sometimes brought back for a limited time. Name that sandwich.
HINT: barbecue sauce
McRib

35. Since this game was released in 1981, numerous themed editions have been produced, typically in six categories. Name the game.
Trivia Pursuit

36. Lorna Patterson played the title role on this show based on a 1980 film starring Goldie Hawn. Name that show.
Private Benjamin

37. The co-star of Private Benjamin reprised her role in the film as Cpt. Doreen Lewis. Name the actress.
Eileen Brennan

38. Played by Kurt Russell, name the character who served as the film’s protagonist of Escape from New York.
Snake Plissken

39. From July 1981 to November 1982, the U.S. economy experienced the most significant recession since when?
The Great Depression

40. What was the federal minimum wage in 1981?
$3.35

41. Laverne & Shirley was originally set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the sixth season, where did they move to?
Burbank, California

42. You get one point for each former president that you can name who was alive in 1981.
Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter

43. Name the top-rated prime-time news show in 1981.
60 Minutes

44. This 1981 Disney animated film was loosely based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix. Name that buddy film.
The Fox and the Hound

45. This epic fantasy film featured Bubo, the mechanical owl.
Clash of the Titans

46. Clash of the Titans gave us a quote about a giant sea monster. Say the quote.
Release the Kraken!

47. Believe it or not, this superhero show lasted 3 seasons on Prime Time ABC. Name that program.
The Greatest American Hero

48. The name of these animated creatures could be nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
HINT: They’re described as being “three apples high.”
The Smurfs

49. The Smurfs were one of the most popular animated shows of the 1980s. Who created them?
The Smurfs were originally created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) in 1958.

51. Who became the new landlord on Three’s Company after the Ropers left?
Ralph Furley, played by Don Knotts

52. Name the pop music duo who played The Concert in Central Park for nearly half a million people.
HINT: It was free
Simon and Garfunkel

53. Which video game was NOT released in 1981?
Frogger, MotoRace USA, Galaga, or Centipede?
MotoRace USA

54. Name the singing superhero who first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #130.
Dazzler

55. Name the adventurer who famously said, “I hate snakes.”
Indiana Jones

56. Name the original judge on The People’s Court, a syndicated reality television show.
Judge (Joseph) Wapner

57. This 1981 comedy/horror film featured David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and Griffin Dunne. Name that film.
An American Werewolf in London

58. In 1981, this book received the Hugo Award for Best Non-Fiction Book.
HINT: Carl Sagan
Cosmos

59. This car company only made one model of car, but it was well known for its “butterfly doors”. Name that car company.
HINT: Back to the Future
The Delorean

60. This CBS Crime Drama starred Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker as two disparate brothers who operate a two-person detective agency in San Diego, California. Name the show.
Simon and Simon

61. Who were the NBA Champions in 1981?
Boston Celtics

62. Who was the President in 1981?
Jimmy Carter (January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981)
Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

63. Name Stephen King’s best-selling book from 1981 about a dog.
Cujo

64. Who fired 11,345 air traffic controllers after they refused to end their strike?
Ronald Reagan

66. On what planet does He-Man live?
Eternia

67. It was the highest-rated non-news hour in daytime television history. What was it?
Luke and Laura got married on General Hospital.

68. Who defeated Dusty Rhodes to win his first World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in Kansas City.
Ric Flair

69. Name the 12th James Bond Film.
For Your Eyes Only

70. Name the pop star who sang The title song, written by Conti and Michael Leeson.
HINT: The song was For Your Eyes Only
Sheena Easton

71. What was Sheena Easton’s first #1 song?
Morning Train (9 to 5)

72. What team won the Super Bowl in 1981?
Oakland Raiders

73. Who was the Pope in 1981?
John Paul II (October 16, 1978 – April 2, 2005)

74. This spin-off of The Brady Bunch included several original stars and lasted 10 episodes.
The Brady Brides

75. Who replaced the American Flag atop the White House at the end of Superman II?
Superman

76. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1981?
New York Islanders

77. Who was the Vice-President in 1981?
Walter Mondale (January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981)
George H. W. Bush (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

78. Who played the Fifth Doctor on the British science fiction television series Doctor Who?
Peter Davison

79. Which singer was NOT born in 1981?
Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Ashlee Simpson, or Kelly Rowland?
Ashlee Simpson (born October 3, 1984)

80. US President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt. Who Shot him?
John Hinkley

81. Name the first video played on MTV.
Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles

Trivia Team Bonus Answers:

1. Can you name the first song that was repeated on MTV?
You Better You Bet – The Who (Song #4 and song #141)

2. Retailing, or $1,795, is the first commercially successful portable computer released on April 3, 1981.
The Osborne 1

3. Laverne & Shirley had a short-lived cartoon spin-off. What was it called?
Laverne & Shirley in the Army (Later Laverne & Shirley with The Fonz)

4. Name the Ronald Reagan film that inspired a man named Jerry Sparr to join the Secret Service and save President Reagan from an assassination attempt in 1981.
Code of the Secret Service

5. The rolling boulder scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark was stolen from a 1955 comic book. Name the cartoon character who starred in that comic book.
Uncle Scrooge (McDuck)

6. What company used the slogan “We bring good things to life.”?
GE (General Electric)

7. On what late-night TV show did U2 make their first US television appearance?
NBC’s The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder

8. This television show featured stars Tony Randall and Swoosie Kurtz, Name that NBC sitcom.
Love, Sydney

9. Name the series of journals purportedly written by Adolf Hitler but forged by Konrad Kujau between 1981 and 1983.
The Hitler Diaries

10. Name the Catholic-based basic television station which has been running since August 15, 1981.
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network)