November 8: What Happened on This Day in History
November 8th marks the 312th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 313th in case of leap years). There are 53 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on November 8th in history, famous birthdays on November 8th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to November 8.

What happened on November 8?
Here's what happened on November 8th in history:
- 2022: Americans went to the polls to elect members of the next Congress, 39 governors, and numerous other state and local officials, marking a significant moment in the U.S. democratic process.
- 2020: Joe Biden defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. Multiple major news networks and media outlets, including Fox, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times, and The Associated Press, projected Biden's victory, setting the stage for him to become the 46th President of the United States.
- 2011: On November 8, 2011, reports emerged of intensified crackdowns by Syrian forces against protesters in the ongoing uprising. The violence was part of a broader conflict that had escalated throughout the year. source: bbc.com
- 2010: On November 8, 2010, a series of bomb attacks in Iraq resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The attacks targeted security forces and civilians, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the country. source: reuters.com
- 2007: On November 8, 2007, mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto announced a proposed merger, creating one of the world's largest mining companies. The merger aimed to combine their resources and operations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. The announcement led to significant discussions regarding its potential impact on the mining industry and global markets. source: reuters.com
- 2004: Yasser Arafat's health remained critical, with ongoing concerns about his ability to lead. His condition continued to dominate headlines and discussions regarding Palestinian governance. source: bbc.com
- 1999: On November 8, 1999, Egon Krenz, the last communist leader of East Germany, was sentenced to prison for his role in the deaths of individuals attempting to flee to the West during the Cold War. This case highlighted the human rights violations during the regime. source: bbc.com
- 1998: On November 8, 1998, Unocal and Petrobangla signed an agreement to develop gas fields in Bangladesh. This agreement was part of a larger strategy to enhance energy resources in the region and involved significant investment from Unocal. source: reuters.com
- 1996: On November 8, 1996, a Boeing 727 crashed shortly after takeoff from Lagos, Nigeria, resulting in numerous fatalities. The incident raised concerns about aviation safety in the region. source: ntsb.gov
- 1988: The 1988 United States Presidential Election took place on November 8, 1988. George H.W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won against Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis, marking a significant victory for the Republican Party. This election was notable for its focus on foreign policy and the economy. source: archives.gov
What famous birthdays are on November 8?
On November 8th there are the following famous birthdays:
Margaret Mitchell (1900)Margaret Mitchell was an American novelist best known for writing 'Gone with the Wind,' one of the most popular books in American literature and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. [bio]
Kazuo Ishiguro (1954)Kazuo Ishiguro is a British novelist and screenwriter, best known for his works exploring memory, time, and self-deception. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated contemporary writers in the English language. [bio]
Morley Safer (1931)Morley Safer was a renowned Canadian-American broadcast journalist, best known for his five-decade career as a correspondent and anchor for CBS News, particularly on the news magazine program '60 Minutes.' [bio]
Alain Delon (1935)Alain Delon is a renowned French actor, producer, and businessman, widely regarded as one of Europe's most prominent film stars since the 1960s. He achieved international fame for his intense performances and striking looks, appearing in classics such as 'Purple Noon' and 'Le Samouraï.' His career also includes significant work as a producer and occasional singer. [bio]
Patti Page (1927)Patti Page was an American singer and one of the most popular female vocalists of the 1950s, widely known for her smooth vocal style and numerous chart-topping hits. [bio]
Judy Parfitt (1935)Judy Parfitt is an acclaimed English actress, best known for her extensive work in film, television, and theatre. She is particularly recognized for her performances in ‘Call the Midwife’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’ [bio]
Michael Nyqvist (1960)Michael Nyqvist was a renowned Swedish actor best known internationally for his leading roles in the original Swedish film adaptations of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and its sequels, as well as appearances in Hollywood films like 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' and 'John Wick'. [bio]
Matthew Rhys (1974)Matthew Rhys is a Welsh actor best known for his roles in television dramas such as 'The Americans' and 'Brothers & Sisters.' He has also appeared in film and stage productions, earning critical acclaim for his versatility and depth as an actor. [bio]
Dania Ramirez (1979)Dania Ramirez is a Dominican-American actress known for her roles in popular television series such as "Heroes," "Devious Maids," and "Once Upon a Time." She has built a reputation for her dynamic performances and versatility in both television and film. [bio]
Courtney Thorne-Smith (1967)Courtney Thorne-Smith is an American actress best known for her roles in popular television series such as 'Melrose Place,' 'Ally McBeal,' and 'According to Jim.' [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 November 8?
On November 8th the following celebrities died:
Alex Trebek (2020)Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality best known as the long-time host of the quiz show 'Jeopardy!'. [bio]
Jean Marais (1998)Jean Marais was a renowned French actor, director, and sculptor, best known for his roles in classic French cinema, especially in films directed by Jean Cocteau. His career spanned several decades from the 1930s to the 1990s, earning him acclaim for his versatility and screen presence. [bio]
Wendell Corey (1968)Wendell Corey was an American actor and politician, best known for his supporting roles in classic Hollywood films and his later service as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [bio]
Norman Rockwell (1978)Norman Rockwell was a renowned American illustrator best known for his evocative paintings and illustrations depicting American culture and everyday life. His works frequently appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post and became iconic representations of 20th-century Americana. Rockwell's vivid storytelling and attention to character made him one of the most celebrated illustrators in U.S. history. [bio]
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Vitaly Ginzburg (2009)A Nobel Prize-winning Soviet and Russian theoretical physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to quantum electrodynamics,...
Basil Poledouris (2006)Renowned Greek-American film composer known for iconic movie soundtracks, including works for 'Conan the Barbarian' and 'RoboCop'.
Heavy D (2011)Jamaican-American rapper, record producer, and actor known for his influential hip-hop career and acting roles.
Ivory Joe Hunter (1974)Influential African American R&B and blues singer-songwriter known for his piano skills and significant contributions to mid-20th century...
What day of the year is November 8?
November 8th marks the 312th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 313th in case of leap years).
There are 53 days remaining until the end of the year.
November 8th is the 8th day of the month of November.
What day of the week is November 8?
On November 8th, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.
| November | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | ||||||

What zodiac sign is associated with the day November 8?
The zodiac sign associated with November 8th is Scorpio according to the Western Zodiac.














