April 4: What Happened on This Day in History
April 4th marks the 94th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 95th in case of leap years). There are 271 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on April 4th in history, famous birthdays on April 4th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to April 4.
What happened on April 4?
Here's what happened on April 4th in history:
- 2017: On April 4, 2017, a chemical weapons attack occurred in Khan Shaykhun, Syria, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. The attack drew international condemnation and led to discussions about military intervention and accountability for war crimes. source: bbc.com
- 2016: On April 4, 2016, reports emerged detailing the ongoing casualties in the Iraqi civil war, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict continued to result in significant loss of life and displacement of civilians, drawing international concern and calls for intervention. source: bbc.com
- 2012: On April 4, 2012, President Barack Obama signed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act) into law. This legislation prohibits members of Congress, executive branch employees, federal judges, and judicial employees from using nonpublic information derived from their official positions for personal profit. It also requires certain federal government employees' financial forms to be made available to the public electronically. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
- 2009: On April 4, 2009, a devastating earthquake struck L'Aquila, Italy, causing significant destruction and resulting in over 300 fatalities. The earthquake prompted a national emergency response and international aid efforts. source: usgs.gov
- 2005: On April 4, 2005, Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Iraq War. He was recognized for his extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor, which resulted in the defeat of an enemy attack and the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. source: defense.gov
- 1992: Alexa Nikolas, an American actress known for her role in "Zoey 101," was born on April 4, 1992. source: imdb.com
- 1989: On April 4, 1989, after two months of negotiations, the Polish government and the opposition Solidarity movement signed the Round Table Agreement, legalizing Solidarity and setting the stage for partially free parliamentary elections. This agreement marked a significant step toward Poland's transition from communist rule to democracy. source: tvp.pl
- 1980: On April 4, 1980, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of 24 nuclear tests carried out by the Soviet Union in 1980, involving various test sites including Semipalatinsk. The Semipalatinsk Test Site, located in East Kazakhstan Province, was the primary location for Soviet nuclear testing between 1949 and 1989, hosting a total of 456 nuclear tests. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1974: On April 3–4, 1974, the United States experienced the Super Outbreak, one of the most intense tornado outbreaks in history. This event produced 148 tornadoes across 13 states and Ontario, Canada, resulting in approximately 310–335 fatalities and over 5,400 injuries. The outbreak caused extensive damage, with total losses estimated at $600 million (1974 USD). source: britannica.com
- 1969: On April 4, 1969, the Basque separatist group ETA carried out a violent act in Spain, marking a significant moment in the group's history of political violence. This event contributed to the ongoing conflict in the region and highlighted the tensions surrounding Basque nationalism during Franco's regime. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on April 4?
On April 4th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Robert Downey]()
Robert Downey (1965)Robert Downey Jr. is an acclaimed American actor and producer, known for his diverse roles in film and television, particularly as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has earned widespread recognition for his performances, as well as for his journey overcoming personal and professional challenges. [bio]
![Maya Angelou]()
Maya Angelou (1928)Maya Angelou was an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her groundbreaking autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' Her work highlighted themes of identity, family, and racism, earning her international recognition as a literary and cultural icon. [bio]
![Heath Ledger]()
Heath Ledger (1979)Heath Ledger was a critically acclaimed Australian actor renowned for his transformative performances in films such as 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Dark Knight.' His portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and is considered one of the most iconic performances in modern cinema. [bio]
![Hugo Weaving]()
Hugo Weaving (1960)Hugo Weaving is a renowned English-Australian actor best known for his roles in major film franchises such as 'The Matrix', 'The Lord of the Rings', and 'V for Vendetta'. With a career spanning several decades, Weaving is celebrated for his versatility and powerful screen presence. [bio]
![Clive Davis]()
Clive Davis (1932)Clive Davis is an acclaimed American record producer, A&R executive, and music industry executive known for launching and supporting the careers of numerous legendary artists. He is credited with transforming the landscape of popular music in the U.S. over several decades. [bio]
![Muddy Waters]()
Muddy Waters (1913)Muddy Waters was an influential American blues musician, often cited as the 'father of modern Chicago blues.' His powerful singing and electric guitar playing helped shape the sound of the Chicago blues scene and had a major influence on the development of rock and roll. [bio]
![Natasha Lyonne]()
Natasha Lyonne (1979)Natasha Lyonne is an American actress, director, writer, and producer known for her distinctive voice and sharp comedic sensibility. She has gained acclaim for her roles in popular television series and independent films, becoming a prominent figure in contemporary American entertainment. [bio]
![Anthony Perkins]()
Anthony Perkins (1932)Anthony Perkins was an American actor and singer best known for his iconic role as Norman Bates in the Alfred Hitchcock classic 'Psycho' (1960) and its sequels. His performance left a lasting legacy in the thriller and horror genres. [bio]
![Rachel Bloom]()
Rachel Bloom (1987)Rachel Bloom is an American actress, comedian, writer, and singer best known for co-creating and starring in the critically acclaimed television series 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.' She has been widely recognized for her work in musical comedy, earning prestigious awards including a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy. [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 April 4?
On April 4th the following celebrities died:
![Martin Luther King]()
Martin Luther King (1968)Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and civil rights leader who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the American civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience inspired by his Christian beliefs and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. [bio]
![Roger Ebert]()
Roger Ebert (2013)Roger Ebert was a prominent American film critic, journalist, and screenwriter, best known for his long-running film review column and his television shows like 'Siskel & Ebert.' He was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. [bio]
![Gloria Swanson]()
Gloria Swanson (1983)Gloria Swanson was an American actress and producer best known as one of the most prominent stars of the silent film era and for her iconic comeback role in 'Sunset Boulevard' (1950). She was celebrated for her charisma, dramatic range, and contributions to early Hollywood cinema. [bio]
![Priscilla Lane]()
Priscilla Lane (1995)Priscilla Lane was an American film actress best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s, including 'Arsenic and Old Lace' and 'Saboteur.' [bio]
![Faith Domergue]()
Faith Domergue (1999)Faith Domergue was an American film and television actress, best known for her roles in science fiction and horror films during the 1950s. She became particularly recognized for her performances in movies such as 'It Came from Beneath the Sea' and 'This Island Earth.' [bio]
![Jacqueline Logan]()
![Adam Clayton Powell Jr.]()
Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (1972)Prominent African American Baptist minister and influential civil rights leader who served in the U.S.
What day of the year is April 4?
April 4th marks the 94th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 95th in case of leap years).
There are 271 days remaining until the end of the year.
April 4th is the 4th day of the month of April.
What day of the week is April 4?
On April 4th, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day April 4?
The zodiac sign associated with April 4th is Aries according to the Western Zodiac.
