February 5: What Happened on This Day in History

5February

February 5th marks the 36th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 329 days (330 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on February 5th in history, famous birthdays on February 5th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 5.

history

What happened on February 5?

Here's what happened on February 5th in history:


  • 2021: Dr. Sergei Maximishin, the physician who played a crucial role in treating Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny after his poisoning, died unexpectedly on February 5, 2021, at the young age of 55. The circumstances surrounding his sudden death raised significant suspicions given the political context of Navalny's case.
  • 2008: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits disaster areas in Guizhou Province, marking his third visit to affected regions in just eight days to support relief efforts during the 2008 winter storms.
  • 2006: On February 5, 2006, Israel conducted a missile strike in the Gaza Strip, targeting a vehicle carrying members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and heightened tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups. source: reuters.com
  • 2000: The Novye Aldi massacre occurred during the Second Chechen War, where Russian forces were involved in the killing of civilians. This event raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations in conflict zones. source: hrw.org
  • 1994: Hermann J. Abs, a prominent German banker and advisor to Chancellor Adenauer, passed away on February 5, 1994, in Bad Soden, Germany. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1990: On February 5, 1990, approximately 250,000 people gathered outside the Kremlin in Moscow, demanding an end to the Soviet Union's one-party rule. This demonstration, one of the largest since the Bolshevik Revolution, highlighted the growing momentum for political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union. The protesters waved pre-revolutionary Russian flags and held placards urging party officials to 'Remember Romania,' referencing the recent overthrow of President Nicolae Ceaușescu. source: latimes.com
  • 1987: The Soyuz TM-2 mission was launched on February 5, 1987, carrying a crew to the Soviet space station Mir. This mission marked the second crewed flight to Mir and was significant for its contributions to long-duration spaceflight and international cooperation in space exploration. The mission lasted for about 7 days, during which the crew conducted various scientific experiments and tests. source: nasa.gov
  • 1985: Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned Portuguese professional footballer, was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, having achieved numerous awards and records throughout his career. Ronaldo's impact on the sport has made him a global icon. source: britannica.com
  • 1981: On February 5, 1981, Marine Pfc. Robert Garwood was convicted by a military jury of collaborating with the enemy during his captivity in North Vietnam. The jury, composed of five Marine Corps officers, found Garwood guilty of communicating with the enemy and assaulting a fellow prisoner of war. He was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, reduction to the lowest rank, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances, but was not sentenced to confinement. Garwood's conviction was upheld on appeal. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1975: On February 5, 1975, a police strike in Lima, Peru, known as the Limazo, led to widespread unrest and violent suppression by the military. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on February 5 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on February 5?

On February 5th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo (1985)

    Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, athleticism, and versatility, he has played for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, as well as captaining the Portugal national team. [bio]

  • Adlai Stevenson
    Adlai Stevenson (1900)

    Adlai Stevenson II was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 31st Governor of Illinois and twice as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in the 1950s. He later served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the administration of President John F. Kennedy. [bio]

  • Jennifer Jason Leigh
    Jennifer Jason Leigh (1962)

    Jennifer Jason Leigh is an acclaimed American actress known for her intense and versatile portrayals across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over four decades, she has earned critical praise for her roles in both independent cinema and major studio productions. [bio]

  • Michael Mann
    Michael Mann (1943)

    Michael Mann is an acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and producer, renowned for his stylish crime dramas and influence on modern cinema. He is best known for directing films such as 'Heat', 'The Insider', and 'Collateral'. [bio]

  • Tim Meadows
    Tim Meadows (1961)

    Tim Meadows is an American actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his long-running tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he became one of the show's longest-serving cast members. He has also appeared in numerous television shows and films, often in comedic roles. [bio]

  • Charlotte Rampling
    Charlotte Rampling (1946)

    Charlotte Rampling is an acclaimed English actress and model, noted for her career spanning over five decades in European arthouse and mainstream cinema. Known for her enigmatic onscreen presence, she is celebrated for her performances in films such as 'The Night Porter,' 'Swimming Pool,' and '45 Years.' Rampling has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, making her one of … [bio]

  • Laura Linney
    Laura Linney (1964)

    Laura Linney is an acclaimed American actress known for her extensive work in film, television, and theater. She has earned a reputation for versatility and powerful performances, with roles spanning from television dramas to major motion pictures. [bio]

  • Barbara Hershey
    Barbara Hershey (1948)

    Barbara Hershey is an acclaimed American actress known for her extensive and diverse film and television career spanning over five decades. She has earned critical praise for a wide range of roles, making her one of the most respected character actresses in the industry. [bio]

  • Michael Sheen
    Michael Sheen (1969)

    Michael Sheen is a Welsh actor, producer, and political activist, acclaimed for his transformative character work in film, television, and theatre. Widely recognized for his portrayals of famous real-life figures and his versatility across genres, Sheen has become a prominent figure in British and international entertainment. [bio]

  • Jussi Björling
    Jussi Björling (1911)

    Jussi Björling was a celebrated Swedish tenor, renowned for his exceptional vocal technique and beautiful tone. Recognized as one of the greatest operatic tenors of the 20th century, Björling achieved international acclaim with performances at leading opera houses and concert venues worldwide. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on February 5

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

RIP

Who died on February 5?

On February 5th the following celebrities died:


  • Christopher Plummer
    Christopher Plummer (2021)

    Christopher Plummer was a renowned Canadian actor recognized for his distinguished career on stage, film, and television, spanning over seven decades. He gained worldwide fame for his role as Captain Georg von Trapp in 'The Sound of Music' (1965) and was acclaimed for his versatility and breadth as an actor. [bio]

  • Kirk Douglas
    Kirk Douglas (2020)

    Kirk Douglas was an American actor, producer, director, and author, widely recognized as one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in more than 90 movies, known for intense, dramatic roles and his distinctive cleft chin. [bio]

  • Thelma Ritter
    Thelma Ritter (1969)

    Thelma Ritter was an acclaimed American actress known for her distinctive voice, comedic timing, and memorable performances in both film and television. Renowned as one of the finest character actresses of the 20th century, she was best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films and her record-tying number of Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]

  • Doug McClure
    Doug McClure (1995)

    Doug McClure was an American actor best known for his role as the lovable Trampas in the long-running Western television series 'The Virginian.' He enjoyed a prolific television and film career spanning four decades and became a recognizable figure in American pop culture of the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

  • Dean Jagger
    Dean Jagger (1991)

    Dean Jagger was an American film, stage, and television actor known for his prolific career in Hollywood, especially from the 1930s through the 1960s. He is perhaps best remembered for his Academy Award-winning role as Major Stovall in 'Twelve O'Clock High' (1949). Jagger appeared in numerous films and television series, establishing himself as a respected character actor. [bio]

  • Franklin Cover
    Franklin Cover (2006)

    Franklin Cover was an American actor best known for his role as Tom Willis, the white neighbor married to a Black woman, on the groundbreaking sitcom 'The Jeffersons' (1975–1985). He appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions throughout his career. [bio]

  • George Arliss
    George Arliss (1946)

    George Arliss was an acclaimed English actor, author, playwright, and filmmaker, best known for his performances in both stage and film. He became the first British actor to win an Academy Award, establishing himself as a major figure in early 20th-century entertainment. [bio]

  • Dolores Moran
    Dolores Moran (1982)

    Actress (yankee doodle dandy), passes away at 56.

  • Gwili Andre
    Gwili Andre (1959)

    Actress (no other woman roar of the dragon).

  • Val Fitch
    Val Fitch (2015)

    Nobel Prize-winning physicist renowned for groundbreaking research on CP violation in particle physics, significantly contributing to our...

  • More famous people died on February 5

calendar

What day of the year is February 5?


February 5th marks the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 329 days remaining until the end of the year (or 330 days in case of leap years).

February 5th is the 5th day of the month of February.

What day of the week is February 5?

On February 5th, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.

February 2026
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728

Holidays and Observances on February 5

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 5?