January 3: What Happened on This Day in History
January 3rd marks the 3rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 362 days (363 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 3rd in history, famous birthdays on January 3rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 3.

What happened on January 3?
Here's what happened on January 3rd in history:
- 2020: On January 3, 2020, a targeted U.S. military drone strike near Baghdad International Airport killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, a highly influential Iranian military leader and commander of the Quds Force. The strike, authorized by the Trump administration, was carried out in response to perceived imminent threats to American personnel in the region. Soleimani was considered one of the most powerful and strategic military figures in Iran, responsible for coordinating foreign military operations and proxy groups across the Middle East. His assassination dramatically escalated tensions between the United States and Iran, raising global concerns about potential armed conflict and retaliatory actions. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 2014: On December 30, 2013, Jose Rodrigo Arechiga-Gamboa, also known as "Chino Antrax," was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at the request of the United States. He faced charges related to drug trafficking and was sought for extradition to the Southern District of California. source: justice.gov
- 2011: In early January 2011, Queensland, Australia, experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, leading to widespread damage and displacement of residents. The floods were among the worst in the region's history, affecting thousands of homes and businesses.
- 2010: On January 3, 2010, the United States and the United Kingdom closed their embassies in Yemen in response to security threats from Al Qaeda.
- 2004: On January 3, 2004, Flash Airlines Flight 604 crashed into the Red Sea shortly after takeoff from Sharm El Sheikh, resulting in the tragic loss of all 148 passengers and crew on board. This incident raised concerns about airline safety regulations. source: bbc.com
- 2001: Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as the junior U.S. Senator from New York on January 3, 2001. This marked the first time a First Lady held a Senate seat, as she simultaneously served as First Lady until January 20, 2001. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1999: NASA's Mars Polar Lander was launched on January 3, 1999, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The mission aimed to study the soil and climate of Mars' south polar region. Unfortunately, the lander failed to reestablish communication after its descent phase, leading to mission loss. source: jpl.nasa.gov
- 1996: Terence Cuneo, a renowned British artist known for his paintings of royal events, passed away on January 3, 1996. His works, particularly those depicting the British monarchy, have left a lasting legacy in the art world. source: theguardian.com
- 1993: On January 3, 1993, the United States and Russia signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), a landmark agreement aimed at reducing the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both nations. This treaty marked a significant step in nuclear disarmament efforts. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1988: On January 3, 1988, Margaret Thatcher surpassed the record for the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century, having held office since May 4, 1979. Her tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and a strong stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Thatcher's leadership style and policies have had a lasting impact on British politics. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on January 3?
On January 3rd there are the following famous birthdays:
Michael Schumacher (1969)Michael Schumacher is a German former Formula One racing driver, acclaimed as one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history. He is renowned for his record-breaking achievements, including seven World Drivers' Championship titles, a feat matched only by Lewis Hamilton. Schumacher’s dominance in Formula One during the late 1990s and early 2000s set a new standard in motorsport … [bio]
John Paul Jones (1946)John Paul Jones is an acclaimed English musician, best known as the bassist and keyboardist for the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Renowned for his versatile musicianship and innovative arrangements, Jones has had a significant influence on the development of rock, blues, and folk music. [bio]
Mel Gibson (1956)Mel Gibson is an American-born Australian actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his leading roles in the 'Mad Max' and 'Lethal Weapon' film series, as well as for directing and producing the Academy Award-winning movie 'Braveheart.' [bio]
George Martin (1926)George Martin was a renowned English record producer, arranger, composer, conductor, audio engineer, and musician. He is best known for his pioneering work with the Beatles, earning the nickname 'the Fifth Beatle' due to his significant influence on the band's evolution, sound, and recording techniques. Martin is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential producers in the … [bio]
Victor Borge (1909)Victor Borge was a Danish-American comedian, conductor, and pianist, best known for his unique blend of music and comedy on stage and television. He was internationally renowned for his witty performances that mixed classical music with humor, earning him the nickname 'The Clown Prince of Denmark.' [bio]
Jodie Whittaker (1982)Jodie Whittaker is an English actress best known for her role as the Thirteenth Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who. She has also appeared in acclaimed films and television shows, earning recognition for her versatility and talent. [bio]
Dabney Coleman (1932)Dabney Coleman is an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, particularly playing comedic or villainous supporting characters in productions such as '9 to 5' and 'Tootsie'. He has had a prolific career spanning six decades and is recognized for his wry, sarcastic delivery and distinctive mustache. [bio]
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Anna May Wong (1905)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]
Robert Loggia (1930)Robert Loggia was an American actor and director renowned for his gravelly voice and commanding screen presence. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in numerous prominent films and television series, earning acclaim for both character and leading roles. [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 January 3?
On January 3rd the following celebrities died:
Judith Anderson (1992)Judith Anderson was an acclaimed Australian-born British-American actress, widely recognized for her work on stage, television, and film. She is best known for her powerful performances in classic theater roles as well as her Oscar-nominated performance in Alfred Hitchcock's film 'Rebecca' (1940). [bio]
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Jack Ruby (1967)Jack Ruby was a nightclub owner who became infamous for assassinating Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused killer of President John F. Kennedy, in...
Joseph Joffre (1931)French soldier who was the marshall of his nation and commanded armies in the first two years after ww i. he stopped the german invasion in...
Qasem Soleimani (2020)Qasem Soleimani was a powerful Iranian major general who commanded the Quds Force and was assassinated in a US drone strike in 2020.
Herb Kelleher (2019)Legendary American entrepreneur who co-founded Southwest Airlines, revolutionizing low-cost air travel in the United States and transforming...
Phil Everly (2014)Phil Everly was a legendary American rock and roll and country singer, best known as one half of the influential Everly Brothers duo.
Gladys Aylward (1970)Gladys Aylward was a courageous British missionary who dedicated her life to serving children in China during the early 20th century.
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What day of the year is January 3?
January 3rd marks the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 362 days remaining until the end of the year (or 363 days in case of leap years).
January 3rd is the 3rd day of the month of January.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 3?
The zodiac sign associated with January 3rd is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.












