February 8: What Happened on This Day in History
February 8th marks the 39th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 326 days (327 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 8th in history, famous birthdays on February 8th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 8.
What happened on February 8?
Here's what happened on February 8th in history:
- 2021: Former Secretary of State George Shultz passed away at 100, marking the end of an era for a distinguished diplomat who played a crucial role in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era under President Ronald Reagan.
- 2008: On February 8, 2008, Scotland Yard released findings regarding the investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination. The report provided insights into the circumstances of her death and the security failures that contributed to the incident. source: theguardian.com
- 2002: The 2002 Winter Olympics commenced on February 8, 2002, in Salt Lake City, Utah, marking the first time the city hosted the Winter Games. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2000: Electronic Arts released 'The Sims,' a life simulation video game developed by Maxis. The game allowed players to create and control virtual characters, leading to a new genre in gaming and spawning numerous sequels and expansions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1995: On February 8, 1995, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing significant damage and resulting in at least 28 fatalities and over 150 injuries. The epicenter was located approximately 42.5 kilometers west-northwest of Buga, affecting cities such as Pereira, Cali, and Manizales. The earthquake led to the collapse of numerous buildings and disrupted essential services. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1990: In February 1990, CBS News suspended '60 Minutes' commentator Andy Rooney for three months after he was quoted in The Advocate magazine as saying that black people 'watered down' their genes because the less intelligent have the most children. Rooney vehemently denied making these remarks, stating, 'I did not say, nor would I ever have thought, that 'blacks have watered down their genes.'' He accepted the suspension in hopes it would not end his career. The suspension was later reduced to one month after public outcry and internal pressure from '60 Minutes' staff. Rooney returned to the program on March 1, 1990. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1985: On February 8, 1985, former South Korean opposition leader Kim Dae Jung returned to South Korea after years of exile. His return marked a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape, as he had been a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement against the authoritarian regime. Kim's return was celebrated by supporters and symbolized a shift towards greater political openness in the country. source: bbc.com
- 1981: On February 8, 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC, which revolutionized the computing industry. This launch marked a significant shift towards personal computing, making technology more accessible to individuals and small businesses. The IBM PC set standards for hardware and software that are still influential today. source: britannica.com
- 1977: On February 8, 1977, Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine, was sentenced to 6-8 years in prison for obscenity charges. This case became a significant moment in the discussion of free speech and obscenity laws in the United States. source: nytimes.com
- 1975: On February 8, 1975, the Unification Church conducted a mass wedding ceremony in New York City, officiated by its founder, Sun Myung Moon. This event was part of the church's efforts to promote its teachings on family and marriage. source: washingtonpost.com
What famous birthdays are on February 8?
On February 8th there are the following famous birthdays:
![John Grisham]()
John Grisham (1955)John Grisham is an American novelist, attorney, and former politician, best known for his legal thrillers. His books have sold over 300 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 40 languages. [bio]
![James Dean]()
James Dean (1931)James Dean was an iconic American actor who emerged as a cultural symbol of youthful rebellion in the 1950s. Best known for his performances in 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955), 'East of Eden' (1955), and 'Giant' (1956), Dean's tragic death at the age of 24 cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. His portrayal of alienated and troubled young men … [bio]
![Jack Lemmon]()
Jack Lemmon (1925)Jack Lemmon was an acclaimed American actor and musician, renowned for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles from the 1950s through the 1990s. Lemmon won two Academy Awards and became famous for his work in classics such as 'Some Like It Hot,' 'The Apartment,' and 'Days of Wine and Roses.' He is widely celebrated as one of the … [bio]
![Lana Turner]()
Lana Turner (1921)Lana Turner was an American actress and one of the most glamorous stars of classic Hollywood cinema, renowned for her roles in both film noir and melodramas from the 1940s and 1950s. She became a leading lady for MGM and was known for her captivating screen presence and dramatic performances. [bio]
![Gary Coleman]()
Gary Coleman (1968)Gary Coleman was an American actor best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes', where his catchphrase 'What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?' became iconic. Coleman was recognized for his small stature resulting from a congenital kidney disease, which contributed to his youthful appearance. [bio]
![Mary Steenburgen]()
Mary Steenburgen (1953)Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter, known for her versatile film and television roles as well as her work as a songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1970s and has won several prestigious awards. [bio]
![Elizabeth Bishop]()
Elizabeth Bishop (1911)Elizabeth Bishop was an acclaimed American poet best known for her vivid imagery, precise language, and emotional restraint. Over her career, she produced four major volumes of poetry and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1956 as well as the National Book Award in 1970. Bishop has been celebrated for her unique observational skills and ability to transform … [bio]
![Seth Green]()
Seth Green (1974)Seth Green is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, producer, and writer best known for his roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' the 'Austin Powers' films, and as the co-creator and voice talent for the animated television series 'Robot Chicken.' [bio]
![Paul Wight]()
Paul Wight (1972)Paul Wight is an American professional wrestler and actor, best known for his work under the ring name 'The Big Show' in WWE and later as 'Paul Wight' in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Recognized for his immense size and presence, he has held multiple world championships and is one of the most prominent giants in wrestling history. [bio]
![Creed Bratton]()
Creed Bratton (1943)Creed Bratton is an American actor, musician, and former member of the band The Grass Roots, best known for his role as a fictionalized version of himself on the US television series 'The Office.' [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 February 8?
On February 8th the following celebrities died:
![Robert Conrad]()
Robert Conrad (2020)Robert Conrad was an American actor, singer, and stuntman best known for his starring role as Secret Service agent James T. West in the television series 'The Wild Wild West.' His rugged persona and action-packed performances made him a household name from the 1960s through the 1980s. [bio]
![Del Shannon]()
Del Shannon (1990)Del Shannon was an influential American rock and roll and country musician and songwriter, best known for his 1961 hit single "Runaway." He became one of the early American rock and roll stars, recognized for his falsetto and innovative use of the Musitron. [bio]
![Anna Nicole Smith]()
Anna Nicole Smith (2007)Iconic American model and actress known for her controversial life, Playboy career, and high-profile legal battles over her late husband's...
![John von Neumann]()
John von Neumann (1957)Renowned Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to multiple scientific fields, including...
![John Hay Whitney]()
John Hay Whitney (1982)Prominent American financier, media executive, and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom during the 1950s.
![Cem Karaca]()
Cem Karaca (2004)Influential Turkish rock musician who significantly shaped Anatolian rock music and was known for his politically charged songs during the...
![Derrick Thomas]()
Derrick Thomas (2000)Derrick Thomas was a legendary NFL linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his extraordinary...
![Mary Wilson]()
Mary Wilson (2021)Iconic founding member of The Supremes, a legendary Motown girl group that revolutionized popular music in the 1960s alongside Diana Ross...
![Connie Mack]()
Connie Mack (1956)Legendary American baseball player and manager who was a key figure in early 20th-century baseball history.
![Iris Murdoch]()
Iris Murdoch (1999)Renowned Irish-British novelist and philosopher known for her complex literary works exploring moral and philosophical themes.
What day of the year is February 8?
February 8th marks the 39th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 326 days remaining until the end of the year (or 327 days in case of leap years).
February 8th is the 8th day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 8?
The zodiac sign associated with February 8th is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
