Origin Stories Unveiled: The Guardian's Early Coverage of Pop Culture Icons and Institutions
Discover the intriguing beginnings of well-known personalities and entities in our new regular feature, Origin Stories. From Radiohead's humble beginnings in backroom pubs to Timothée Chalamet's early days as an Xbox YouTuber, we delve into the Guardian's initial coverage of familiar pop culture figures and institutions. Stay tuned to find out who the young child in a 1973 photoshoot is at the end.
The Beatles made their first appearance in the Guardian in an article about the rise of "coffee dance clubs" in Manchester in January 1963. The mention of the Fabs playing at these venues marked the beginning of their journey to Beatlemania later that year.
Marilyn Monroe's first mention in the Guardian was in a review of the early 50s psychological thriller "Don't Bother to Knock." The critic's lukewarm reception of her performance did not deter her eventual rise to becoming an irresistible Hollywood icon.
In October 1984, the Guardian predicted that "EastEnders" would soon become a national landmark akin to "Coronation Street." The BBC's new soap opera received a cautiously positive review from the paper upon its debut, and both shows continue to captivate audiences decades later.
Nintendo's first mention in the Guardian was dismissive, with a brief entry in 1980 criticizing the company's new product. However, as home gaming gained popularity, the Guardian's coverage of Nintendo expanded, highlighting issues of plagiarism in the gaming industry.
Surprisingly, Claudia Winkleman's first appearance in the Guardian dates back to a 1973 photoshoot for a piece on children's clothes. Even as a toddler, Winkleman exuded fashion flair, foreshadowing her future as a style icon and television presenter.
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