On this date in history…

(2016) American actress and singer Debbie Reynolds died, a day after the sudden and unexpected death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, who was a noted actress and writer. (1973) U.S. President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act, which obligates federal and state governments to protect all species threatened with extinction that fall within the borders of the United States and its outlying territories. (1954) American actor Denzel Washington—noted for his engaging and powerful performances in such films as Glory (1989), Malcolm X (1992), and Training Day (2001)—was born. (1923) Gustave Eiffel, designer of the famous Eiffel Tower, died at age 91. (1895) The first public demonstration of the Cinématographe, an early motion-picture apparatus designed by the Lumière brothers, took place at the Grand Café in Paris.  (1832) Following his election to the Senate, John C. Calhoun became the first U.S. vice president to resign; at that time the Constitution did not have procedures for filling such a vacancy, and the post remained empty until Martin Van Buren was sworn in the following year. (1734) The outlaw Rob Roy, known as the Scottish Robin Hood, died. (1694) Mary II, who became queen of England in 1689, died of smallpox in London at age 32. (1065) The original Westminster Abbey, located in London, was consecrated and opened this day in 1065 by Edward the Confessor and became the site of coronations and other ceremonies of national significance in England.