Leslie Dawson was an English comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and pianist. He was known for his deadpan style, curmudgeonly persona, musical routines, and jokes about his mother-in-law and wife.

1931Glynn Edwards, Malaysian-English actor (died 2018)^[†]

John Glynn Edwards was a British actor who worked in television and films. He came to national prominence for his portrayal of the barman Dave Harris in the television comedy drama series Minder (1979—1994).

1931John Paul Harney, Canadian educator and politician (died 2021)^[†]

John Paul Ludger Harney, also known as Jean-Paul Harney, was a Canadian professor and politician.

1931Dries van Agt, Dutch politician, diplomat and jurist, Prime Minister of the Netherlands (died 2024)^[†]

Andreas Antonius Maria "Dries" van Agt was a Dutch politician, jurist and diplomat who served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 19 December 1977 until 4 November 1982. He was a prominent leader of the Catholic People's Party (KVP) and later its successor party, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA).

1931Judith Viorst, American journalist and author^[†]

Judith Viorst is an American writer, newspaper journalist, and psychoanalysis researcher. She is known for her humorous observational poetry and for her children's literature. This includes The Tenth Good Thing About Barney and the Alexander series of short picture books, which includes Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (1972), which has sold over two million copies.

Headlines from February 2, 1931

British Liquor Exports Cut By Tightening of Dry Patrol

Six Skaters Rescued, One Lost Under Ice; Ladders Used to Save Victims in Jamaica Lake

25 BIG EMPLOYERS ASSURE STEADY JOBS; Standard Oil of New Jersey and Bethlehem Steel Join in Pledge to Workers. AGREE TO MAINTAIN WAGES Corporation Heads Declare Retaining Employes Leads toTrade Recovery. Give Assurance of Steady Work. 25 BIG EMPLOYERS ASSURE STEADY JOBS Plane Work for 10,000 Men.

Notable Births