February 2: What Happened on This Day in History

2February

February 2nd marks the 33rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 332 days (333 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on February 2nd in history, famous birthdays on February 2nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 2.

history

What happened on February 2?

Here's what happened on February 2nd in history:


  • 2021: Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in Moscow, allegedly for parole violations, which was widely seen as a politically motivated attempt to suppress dissent against the Russian government.
  • 2008: A suicide bomber attacked a bus in Dimona, Israel, resulting in casualties. The attack raised tensions in the region and highlighted ongoing security concerns related to terrorism. source: reuters.com
  • 2006: On February 2, 2006, documents detailing private conversations between U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair regarding the Iraq War were leaked to the press. The documents revealed candid discussions about military strategies and the political challenges faced by both leaders. source: theguardian.com
  • 2000: The first digital cinema projection in Europe took place in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the film industry. This event showcased the potential of digital technology in cinema, paving the way for future advancements in film projection. source: theguardian.com
  • 1990: On February 2, 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk delivered a landmark speech at the opening of Parliament, announcing the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress, and the South African Communist Party. He also committed to releasing Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, signaling the beginning of the end of apartheid. This pivotal moment set the stage for negotiations leading to a democratic South Africa. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 1987: Alistair MacLean, a renowned Scottish author known for his thrillers and adventure novels, passed away on February 2, 1987. His works, including 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare', have left a lasting impact on the genre. MacLean's storytelling and character development have influenced many writers and filmmakers. source: britannica.com
  • 1985: On February 2, 1985, Foreigner's power ballad 'I Want To Know What Love Is' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's first and only chart-topping single in the United States. The song also achieved number one status in the United Kingdom on January 15, 1985, and topped charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Sweden. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1983: Giovanni Vigliotto, who admitted to marrying 105 women, began his fraud and bigamy trial in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 2, 1983. The trial attracted significant media attention, with numerous women testifying against him. Vigliotto was later convicted on all counts and sentenced to 34 years in prison. source: upi.com
  • 1977: On February 2, 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80, one of the first mass-produced personal computers. It became a significant player in the early personal computing market, offering a range of features that appealed to hobbyists and businesses alike. source: computerhistory.org
  • 1975: On February 2, 1975, Ugandan military leader Idi Amin declared himself President of Uganda, consolidating his power after a series of political maneuvers. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on February 2 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on February 2?

On February 2nd there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Shakira
    Shakira (1977)

    Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer renowned for her unique fusion of Latin pop, rock, and world music. Gaining global fame with hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don't Lie," she has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Shakira is recognized for her dynamic stage presence, innovative music videos, and philanthropic work, making her one of … [bio]

  • David Jason
    David Jason (1940)

    David Jason is an English actor and comedian best known for his role as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the long-running BBC sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses.' He is one of Britain's most iconic television actors with a career spanning over five decades. [bio]

  • Ina Garten
    Ina Garten (1948)

    Ina Garten is an American author, television host, and former White House nuclear policy analyst. She is best known for her Food Network television show, 'Barefoot Contessa,' and her successful line of cookbooks, which focus on simple, elegant home cooking. [bio]

  • Stan Getz
    Stan Getz (1927)

    Stan Getz was an American jazz saxophonist, widely celebrated for his smooth and lyrical tenor saxophone style and his influential role in popularizing bossa nova in the United States. [bio]

  • Nathan Fielder
    Nathan Fielder (1983)

    Nathan Fielder is a Canadian comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the Comedy Central series 'Nathan for You.' His work is recognized for its dry, deadpan humor and unconventional comedic style. More recently, he co-created and starred in the HBO show 'The Rehearsal.' [bio]

  • Gemma Arterton
    Gemma Arterton (1986)

    Gemma Arterton is an English actress and producer known for her roles in major films such as 'Quantum of Solace', 'Clash of the Titans', and 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'. She has also worked extensively in theater and television. [bio]

  • James Joyce
    James Joyce (1882)

    James Joyce was an influential Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet, best known for his landmark works 'Ulysses,' 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,' and 'Dubliners.' He is celebrated for pioneering modernist literature, particularly through his innovative use of stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, and remains a central figure in 20th-century fiction. [bio]

  • Brent Spiner
    Brent Spiner (1949)

    Brent Spiner is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of the android Lieutenant Commander Data in the television series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and its related films. He is also recognized for his work in theater, voice acting, and various film and television roles outside the 'Star Trek' franchise. [bio]

  • Elaine Stritch
    Elaine Stritch (1925)

    Elaine Stritch was an acclaimed American actress and singer, celebrated for her work on stage, film, and television. Known for her distinctive voice and sharp wit, Stritch enjoyed a long career on Broadway, earning multiple Tony Award nominations and winning several prestigious honors. [bio]

  • Jascha Heifetz
    Jascha Heifetz (1901)

    Jascha Heifetz was a Lithuanian-American violinist renowned as one of the greatest violinists of all time. Celebrated for his virtuosic technique, expressive playing, and profound influence on classical violin performance, Heifetz's career spanned over six decades, during which he set new standards for violinists worldwide. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on February 2

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RIP

Who died on February 2?

On February 2nd the following celebrities died:


  • Philip Seymour Hoffman
    Philip Seymour Hoffman (2014)

    Philip Seymour Hoffman was a renowned American actor and director known for his extraordinary versatility and depth in portraying complex characters. Widely respected in film, theater, and television, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Truman Capote in the film 'Capote' (2005), and received multiple Oscar nominations throughout his career. Hoffman's unique ability to inhabit … [bio]

  • Boris Karloff
    Boris Karloff (1969)

    Boris Karloff was an English actor best known for his iconic roles in horror films during the early 20th century, particularly for playing Frankenstein's monster in the Universal Pictures 'Frankenstein' series. [bio]

  • Donald Pleasence
    Donald Pleasence (1995)

    Donald Pleasence was an English actor renowned for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in film, television, and theatre. He is best known for his roles in the "Halloween" film series as Dr. Sam Loomis and as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." Pleasence's prolific career spanned over four decades, including over 200 film … [bio]

  • Anna May Wong
    Anna May Wong (1961)

    Anna May Wong was a pioneering Chinese American actress, widely regarded as the first Chinese American movie star in Hollywood. She gained international recognition in both silent film and talkies, breaking barriers for Asian American actors in the U.S. and Europe. [bio]

  • Bert Parks
    Bert Parks (1992)

    Bert Parks was an American actor, singer, and radio and television announcer, best known for hosting the Miss America Pageant for over two decades. [bio]

  • Barry Morse
    Barry Morse (2008)

    Barry Morse was a British-Canadian actor best known for his roles on television, stage, and in film. He gained widespread fame for his portrayal of Lt. Philip Gerard in the television series "The Fugitive" (1963–1967) and as Professor Victor Bergman in the science fiction series "Space: 1999" (1975–1976). [bio]

  • Wendy Barrie
    Wendy Barrie (1978)

    Wendy Barrie was a British-American actress who appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s. She is remembered for her work both in British cinema and Hollywood, as well as for her later work as a television host. [bio]

  • Gene Kelly
    Gene Kelly (1996)

    American actor/dancer ("singing in the rain") dies at the age of 83.

  • Vijay Arora
    Vijay Arora (2007)

    Indian actor in television and film (born 1944).

  • Jessie Royce Landis
    Jessie Royce Landis (1972)

    Actress in north by northwest, dies at 67.

  • More famous people died on February 2

calendar

What day of the year is February 2?


February 2nd marks the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 332 days remaining until the end of the year (or 333 days in case of leap years).

February 2nd is the 2nd day of the month of February.

What day of the week is February 2?

On February 2nd, 2026 the day of the week is Monday.

February 2026
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728

Holidays and Observances on February 2

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 2?