On this day in Canadian pop culture: Oct. 31

1926

Ten days after being punched in the stomach at a performance in Montreal, illusionist Harry Houdini dies from a ruptured spleen at the age of 52.

1950

Actor John Candy is born in Toronto.

1966

CBC Radio’s World at Six makes its debut.

1995

Jacques Parizeau resigns as premier of Quebec after his losing the sovereignty referendum by one percentage point.

1999

After 10 years and 4,226 performances, Toronto’s production of The Phantom of the Opera closes.

2000

The Queen Mother is awarded the Order of Canada in London, England — only the fifth non-Canadian to receive the award.

2010

GM ends their Pontiac automobile brand after 84 years.

2013

Police suggest that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford possess a video where he is seen smoking crack cocaine.