August 3: What Happened on This Day in History
August 3rd marks the 215th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 216th in case of leap years). There are 150 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on August 3rd in history, famous birthdays on August 3rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to August 3.
What happened on August 3?
Here's what happened on August 3rd in history:
- 2023: Former US President Donald Trump appeared in Washington D.C. and entered a not guilty plea to criminal charges alleging a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, marking a significant moment in US political history.
- 2018: On August 3, 2018, Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner of the presidential election, securing just over 50% of the vote. The announcement followed the ruling party, ZANU-PF, winning a majority in parliamentary elections held on July 30. source: aljazeera.com
- 2015: On August 3, 2015, airstrikes in the town of Ariha, Syria, resulted in significant civilian casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The strikes were part of the ongoing conflict involving various factions, including government forces and rebel groups. This incident underscored the devastating impact of the Syrian civil war on local populations. source: bbc.com
- 2013: On August 3, 2013, Zimbabwe announced the results of its presidential election, which were met with widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. The election was a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process. source: bbc.com
- 1997: On August 3, 1997, the Oued El-Had and Mezouara massacre occurred in Algeria, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians. This event was part of the Algerian Civil War, which saw widespread violence and human rights abuses. source: bbc.com
- 1991: On August 3, 1991, the Pan American Games opened in Havana, Cuba. This multi-sport event featured athletes from across the Americas competing in various disciplines, fostering regional unity and sportsmanship.
- 1984: On August 3, 1984, 16-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title, scoring perfect 10s on both the floor exercise and vault at the Los Angeles Games. source: history.com
- 1982: On August 3, 1982, Venezuela officially recognized the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as an independent state. This recognition was followed by the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in December 1982, during the presidency of Luis Herrera Campins. A Sahrawi embassy was inaugurated in Caracas in 1982, and the Venezuelan embassy in Algiers was accredited to the SADR. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1976: On August 3, 1976, NASA's Viking 2 spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Mars. This mission was crucial for the exploration of the Martian surface and provided valuable data about the planet's atmosphere and geology. source: nasa.gov
- 1970: Hurricane Celia formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas, causing significant damage and flooding. It was one of the most intense hurricanes of the 1970 season, impacting coastal communities and leading to evacuations. source: nhc.noaa.gov
What famous birthdays are on August 3?
On August 3rd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Martha Stewart]()
Martha Stewart (1941)Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, television personality, writer, and former fashion model, widely known for her expertise in home living, including cooking, entertaining, and decorating. She achieved national prominence with her books, magazine publications, and television shows focused on lifestyle and home improvement. [bio]
![Martin Sheen]()
Martin Sheen (1940)Martin Sheen is an acclaimed American actor best known for his roles on both film and television, most notably as President Josiah Bartlet in the acclaimed TV series 'The West Wing' and Captain Benjamin L. Willard in the film 'Apocalypse Now'. [bio]
![Isaiah Washington]()
Isaiah Washington (1963)Isaiah Washington is an American actor and producer, best known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the television series 'Grey's Anatomy'. His career spans film and television, with notable work in both independent and mainstream projects. [bio]
![John Landis]()
John Landis (1950)John Landis is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor best known for directing iconic comedies and thrillers such as 'National Lampoon's Animal House' and 'An American Werewolf in London.' He has played a significant role in shaping the comedic and horror genres in American cinema. [bio]
![Evangeline Lilly]()
Evangeline Lilly (1979)Evangeline Lilly is a Canadian actress and author, best known for her role as Kate Austen in the acclaimed television series 'Lost'. She has also gained recognition for her performances in blockbuster films such as Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit' series and Marvel's 'Ant-Man' franchise. [bio]
![Jean Hagen]()
Jean Hagen (1923)Jean Hagen was an American actress, best known for her role as Lina Lamont in the classic 1952 film 'Singin' in the Rain.' Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Hagen also had a successful career in television and other films during the 1940s and 1950s. [bio]
![John McGinley]()
John McGinley (1959)John C. McGinley is an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Perry Cox on the television series 'Scrubs' and his appearances in iconic films like 'Platoon' and 'Office Space.' Renowned for his rapid-fire delivery, comedic timing, and distinctive on-screen presence, he has enjoyed a successful career in both film and television. [bio]
![Travis Willingham]()
Travis Willingham (1981)Travis Willingham is an American voice actor best known for his roles in anime, video games, and animation, as well as for being a prominent cast member of the web series Critical Role. [bio]
![Mathieu Kassovitz]()
Mathieu Kassovitz (1967)Mathieu Kassovitz is a renowned French actor, director, producer, and screenwriter best known internationally for his film 'La Haine' and for roles in movies such as 'Amélie' and 'Munich.' He has been a significant figure in French cinema since the 1990s and has received numerous awards for his work as a filmmaker and performer. [bio]
![Lambert Wilson]()
Lambert Wilson (1958)Lambert Wilson is a renowned French actor and singer, best known for his performances in both French and international films, including his role as The Merovingian in 'The Matrix' series. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on August 3?
On August 3rd the following celebrities died:
![Lenny Bruce]()
Lenny Bruce (1966)Lenny Bruce was an influential American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist known for his open, free-style, and critical form of comedy, which integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. He broke cultural taboos and faced numerous legal battles over obscenity, paving the way for future generations of stand-up comedians. [bio]
![Mark Margolis]()
Mark Margolis (2023)Mark Margolis was an American actor best known for his role as Hector Salamanca in the television series 'Breaking Bad' and its prequel 'Better Call Saul.' With a career spanning film, television, and stage, Margolis was recognized for his intense character work, particularly in films directed by Darren Aronofsky. [bio]
![Carolyn Jones]()
Carolyn Jones (1983)Carolyn Jones was an American actress best known for her role as Morticia Addams in the television series 'The Addams Family' (1964–1966). She also appeared in films such as 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956) and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in 'The Bachelor Party' (1957). [bio]
![Bubba Smith]()
Bubba Smith (2011)Bubba Smith was an American professional football player and actor. He gained fame as an NFL defensive end before transitioning into acting, where he became best known for his roles in the 'Police Academy' film series. [bio]
![Ida Lupino]()
Ida Lupino (1995)Ida Lupino was a pioneering British-American actress, director, and producer, often recognized as one of the first female filmmakers working in Hollywood. Active from the 1930s through the 1970s, Lupino is celebrated for her work both in front of and behind the camera, particularly in film noir and socially conscious dramas. [bio]
![Henri Cartier-Bresson]()
Henri Cartier-Bresson (2004)Renowned French photographer considered a pioneer of street photography and modern photojournalism.
![Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn]()
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (2008)Renowned Russian novelist and dissident who exposed the brutal realities of Stalin's Soviet regime through powerful literary works.
![Flannery O'Connor]()
Flannery O'Connor (1964)Influential Southern Gothic writer known for her dark, satirical short stories exploring religious themes and human nature.
![Makarios III]()
Makarios III (1977)Archbishop of Cyprus who played a pivotal role in the island's independence movement and became its first president, leading the country...
![Elisabeth Schwarzkopf]()
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (2006)Renowned German soprano who became an internationally acclaimed opera singer, particularly celebrated for her exceptional interpretations of...
What day of the year is August 3?
August 3rd marks the 215th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 216th in case of leap years).
There are 150 days remaining until the end of the year.
August 3rd is the 3rd day of the month of August.
What day of the week is August 3?
On August 3rd, 2026 the day of the week is Monday.
| August | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | ||||||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day August 3?
The zodiac sign associated with August 3rd is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.
