January 7: What Happened on This Day in History
January 7th marks the 7th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 358 days (359 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 7th in history, famous birthdays on January 7th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 7.

What happened on January 7?
Here's what happened on January 7th in history:
- 2020: Public health officials in China officially identified a novel coronavirus (later named SARS-CoV-2) as the causative agent of an emerging respiratory disease outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province. This marked the initial scientific recognition of what would become the global COVID-19 pandemic, signaling the beginning of a significant worldwide health crisis.
- 2011: On January 7, 2011, South Korea lowered its surveillance alert on North Korea, indicating a de-escalation in military tensions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2010: On January 7, 2010, General Motors announced the opening of its first domestic lithium-ion battery plant in Michigan. This facility was part of GM's efforts to advance electric vehicle technology and reduce dependence on foreign oil. source: autoweek.com
- 2004: On January 7, 2004, a mortar attack targeted a U.S. military base in Iraq, resulting in casualties and highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by coalition forces in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2001: The cast of the television show 'Friends' won a People's Choice Award on January 7, 2001, recognizing their popularity and impact on television. source: imdb.com
- 1999: On January 7, 1999, Zimbabwe announced it would seek international funding to support its military intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This move was part of a broader regional conflict involving multiple African nations. source: theguardian.com
- 1998: Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, requested to represent himself in court during his trial in 1998. This decision drew significant media attention and raised questions about his mental health and legal strategy. source: nytimes.com
- 1996: "Swinging on a Star," a Broadway musical directed by Michael Leeds and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, closed on January 13, 1996, after 96 performances and 19 previews. The show featured a cast including Michael McGrath, Teresa Burrell, and Lewis Cleale. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1993: On January 7, 1993, Bosnian Serb forces launched a surprise attack on the village of Kravica, resulting in significant casualties. This event was part of the ongoing conflict in Bosnia and highlighted the brutal nature of the war. source: bbc.com
- 1988: Alan Alexander Lowing is a Scottish former professional footballer born on January 7, 1988, in Rutherglen, Scotland. He played as a right-back for several clubs, including Rangers, Clyde, East Fife, Fram, and Víkingur. Lowing began his professional career with Rangers in 2005, making his first-team debut on September 20, 2005, in a Scottish League Cup match against Clyde. He later played for Clyde on loan, East Fife, and had stints in Iceland with Fram and Víkingur. He retired from professional football in 2017. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on January 7?
On January 7th there are the following famous birthdays:
Lewis Hamilton (1985)Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential drivers in the history of the sport. Hamilton has won seven Formula One World Drivers' Championships, tying Michael Schumacher for the most in the sport's history. He is celebrated for his record-breaking achievements on the track and his activism for diversity … [bio]
Nicolas Cage (1964)Nicolas Cage is an American actor and film producer known for his intense performances and eclectic choice of roles in both blockbuster and independent films. He is an Academy Award winner and has appeared in numerous acclaimed movies. [bio]
Jeremy Renner (1971)Jeremy Renner is an acclaimed American actor and musician, best known for his roles in major Hollywood films such as 'The Hurt Locker' and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hawkeye. [bio]
Irrfan Khan (1967)Irrfan Khan was a renowned Indian actor known for his work across Bollywood, British, and Hollywood cinema. Celebrated for his subtle, powerful performances, Khan received international recognition for his versatility, depth, and the global impact of his work. [bio]
Mj Rodriguez (1991)Mj Rodriguez, also known as Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, is an American actress and singer best known for her groundbreaking role as Blanca Evangelista in the FX television drama series "Pose." Rodriguez is celebrated for being the first transgender woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a major acting category and the first to win a Golden Globe Award. [bio]
Robert Sheehan (1988)Robert Sheehan is an Irish actor best known for his roles in television series such as 'Misfits,' 'Love/Hate,' and 'The Umbrella Academy.' Recognized for his versatility and dynamic performances, Sheehan has built a career in both film and television, garnering critical and popular acclaim. [bio]
Ruth Negga (1982)Ruth Negga is an award-winning Ethiopian-Irish actress renowned for her powerful and nuanced performances in film, television, and theatre. She received widespread acclaim for her role as Mildred Loving in the 2016 film 'Loving,' earning nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award. [bio]
David Caruso (1956)David Caruso is an American actor and producer best known for his roles in television series such as 'NYPD Blue' and 'CSI: Miami.' His intense screen presence and iconic delivery made him one of the most recognizable TV detectives of the 1990s and 2000s. [bio]
Lauren Cohan (1982)Lauren Cohan is a British-American actress and model, best known for her role as Maggie Greene on the television series 'The Walking Dead.' She has also appeared in other television series such as 'Supernatural,' 'The Vampire Diaries,' and 'Whiskey Cavalier,' as well as in films like 'The Boy' and 'Mile 22.' [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 7?
On January 7th the following celebrities died:
Nikola Tesla (1943)Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist. He is best known for his revolutionary contributions to the development of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity system, as well as for inventions and experiments in electromagnetism, wireless communication, and energy transmission. [bio]
Rod Taylor (2015)Rod Taylor was an Australian actor best known for his roles in classic films such as 'The Time Machine' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds.' A prominent leading man in the 1960s, Taylor's dynamic career spanned film, television, and voice acting. [bio]
Trevor Howard (1988)Trevor Howard was a distinguished English film, stage, and television actor, best known for his roles in films such as 'Brief Encounter' and 'The Third Man.' He was recognized for his nuanced and powerful performances, earning him a reputation as one of Britain's finest actors. [bio]
Heinrich Harrer (2006)Heinrich Harrer was an Austrian mountaineer, sportsman, geographer, and author, best known for his escape from a British internment camp in India during World War II and his subsequent journey to Tibet, where he became a tutor and friend to the young 14th Dalai Lama. His experiences were recounted in his famous book 'Seven Years in Tibet.' [bio]
Ingrid Thulin (2004)Ingrid Thulin was a renowned Swedish actress best known for her frequent collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman and her impactful performances in European cinema during the mid-20th century. [bio]
Vittorio Mezzogiorno (1994)Vittorio Mezzogiorno was an acclaimed Italian actor best known for his intense performances on stage and screen, particularly his roles in European cinema and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
Franz Beckenbauer (2024)Legendary German footballer known as 'Der Kaiser', who revolutionized the sweeper position and became one of the most influential players in...
Neil Peart (2020)Legendary drummer and lyricist of the iconic progressive rock band Rush, known for his extraordinary technical skill and profound...
Mario Soares (2017)Prominent Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister and President of Portugal, playing a crucial role in Portugal's transition to...
Tommy Lasorda (2021)Legendary baseball manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who led the team to two World Series championships and was inducted into the Baseball...
What day of the year is January 7?
January 7th marks the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 358 days remaining until the end of the year (or 359 days in case of leap years).
January 7th is the 7th day of the month of January.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 7?
The zodiac sign associated with January 7th is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.















