April 8: What Happened on This Day in History
April 8th marks the 98th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 99th in case of leap years). There are 267 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on April 8th in history, famous birthdays on April 8th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to April 8.
What happened on April 8?
Here's what happened on April 8th in history:
- 2023: Significant classified documents related to the Russo-Ukrainian War were leaked online, revealing sensitive intelligence about the United States' knowledge of geopolitical situations involving North Korea, China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The leak represents a major breach of national security protocols.
- 2018: On April 8, 2018, the aftermath of the chemical attack in Douma, Syria, was reported, with many victims showing symptoms consistent with chemical exposure. This incident led to international outrage and calls for accountability against the Syrian government. source: nytimes.com
- 2017: On April 8, 2017, Neil Gorsuch was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice after the Senate invoked the nuclear option to lower the threshold for confirmation. His appointment was seen as a significant victory for the Republican Party. source: nytimes.com
- 2016: On April 8, 2016, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule with cargo for the International Space Station. The mission was notable for the successful landing of the Falcon 9's first stage on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant milestone in reusable rocket technology. source: cnbc.com
- 2015: The jury delivered a verdict in the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the man accused of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombing. The verdict concluded a high-profile case that had significant implications for national security and public safety. source: bbc.com
- 2012: On April 8, 2012, the Syrian Army intensified its operations in the Idlib Governorate, retaking key towns such as Sarmin, Zardana, and Taftanaz. This offensive aimed to reclaim territory from opposition forces ahead of a UN-brokered ceasefire scheduled for April 10, 2012. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2009: The United Kingdom Independent Police Complaints Commission announced an inquest into Ian Tomlinson's death, indicating ongoing investigations into potential police misconduct.
- 1997: On April 8, 1997, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 4.0, a significant update that introduced new features and improved web browsing capabilities. This version played a crucial role in the browser wars of the late 1990s. source: microsoft.com
- 1992: On April 8, 1992, tennis legend Arthur Ashe publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis, stating he contracted the virus from a blood transfusion during heart surgery in 1983. He had kept his condition private since 1988 but chose to disclose it after rumors emerged. Ashe's announcement aimed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding AIDS. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1989: On April 8, 1989, Mexican drug lord Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo was arrested in Mexico. He was a key figure in the Guadalajara Cartel and was later convicted for his role in various drug trafficking activities. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on April 8?
On April 8th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Mary Pickford]()
Mary Pickford (1892)Mary Pickford was a Canadian-American film actress, producer, and screenwriter, renowned as one of the most significant pioneers of the early Hollywood film industry. She was a co-founder of United Artists and one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [bio]
![Chris Kyle]()
Chris Kyle (1974)Chris Kyle was a United States Navy SEAL sniper whose autobiography, 'American Sniper,' recounted his military service in Iraq and was later adapted into a feature film. He is recognized as one of the most lethal snipers in U.S. military history. [bio]
![Jacques Brel]()
Jacques Brel (1929)Jacques Brel was a Belgian singer, songwriter, and actor widely regarded as one of the most influential chanson performers of the 20th century. His emotionally charged performances and poetic lyrics have left a lasting impact on French music and global pop culture. [bio]
![Robert Kiyosaki]()
Robert Kiyosaki (1947)Robert Kiyosaki is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and author best known for his book 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' which advocates financial education and independence. [bio]
![Patricia Arquette]()
Patricia Arquette (1968)Patricia Arquette is an American actress known for her versatile roles across film and television. She has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. [bio]
![María Félix]()
María Félix (1914)María Félix was a renowned Mexican actress and one of the most iconic figures of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Nicknamed 'La Doña' after her role in 'Doña Bárbara', Félix was celebrated for her striking beauty, strong and commanding screen presence, and performances that broke new ground for women in Latin American film. Her legacy persists as a cultural … [bio]
![John Schneider]()
John Schneider (1960)John Schneider is an American actor, singer, and filmmaker, best known for his portrayal of Bo Duke in the television series 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and his role as Jonathan Kent in 'Smallville.' [bio]
![Biz Markie]()
Biz Markie (1964)Biz Markie was an American rapper, singer, DJ, and record producer, best known for his hit single 'Just a Friend.' He was recognized for his humorous style and beatboxing skills, which influenced the development of hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. [bio]
![Seymour Hersh]()
Seymour Hersh (1937)Seymour Hersh is an American investigative journalist and political writer, best known for exposing the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War and his extensive reporting on government misconduct. [bio]
![Sung Kang]()
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 8?
On April 8th the following celebrities died:
![Pablo Picasso]()
Pablo Picasso (1973)Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Renowned for co-founding the Cubist movement and for his pioneering works in a broad array of artistic styles, Picasso's legacy spans over 20,000 artworks and numerous foundational innovations in modern art. [bio]
![Ben Johnson]()
Ben Johnson (1996)Ben Johnson is a retired Canadian sprinter who gained international fame after winning the gold medal in the 100 meters at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, only to be stripped of his medal after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. [bio]
![María Félix]()
María Félix (2002)María Félix was a renowned Mexican actress and one of the most iconic figures of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Nicknamed 'La Doña' after her role in 'Doña Bárbara', Félix was celebrated for her striking beauty, strong and commanding screen presence, and performances that broke new ground for women in Latin American film. Her legacy persists as a cultural … [bio]
![Sara Montiel]()
Sara Montiel (2013)Sara Montiel was a renowned Spanish actress and singer, famous for her roles in Spanish and international films during the mid-20th century. Known for her beauty and sultry voice, she became one of Spain's most iconic film stars and an international celebrity. [bio]
![Annette Funicello]()
Annette Funicello (2013)Annette Funicello was an American actress and singer, best known for being one of the original Mouseketeers on the Disney television show 'The Mickey Mouse Club' and for her roles in a series of 'beach party' movies in the 1960s. [bio]
![Claire Trevor]()
Claire Trevor (2000)Claire Trevor was an American actress best known for her roles in early Hollywood films, particularly in the film noir and Western genres. Her career spanned over seven decades, and she was renowned for her portrayals of complex, often troubled women. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'Key Largo' (1948). [bio]
![Lars Hanson]()
Lars Hanson (1965)Lars Hanson was a Swedish actor, best known for his work during the silent film era in both Sweden and Hollywood. He was renowned for his expressive acting and distinguished collaborations with leading directors of his time. [bio]
![Arleen Whelan]()
![Frank Milan]()
![Margaret Thatcher]()
Margaret Thatcher (2013)Margaret Thatcher was a groundbreaking British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, known for...
What day of the year is April 8?
April 8th marks the 98th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 99th in case of leap years).
There are 267 days remaining until the end of the year.
April 8th is the 8th day of the month of April.
What day of the week is April 8?
On April 8th, 2026 the day of the week is Wednesday.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day April 8?
The zodiac sign associated with April 8th is Aries according to the Western Zodiac.
