March 13: What Happened on This Day in History

13March

March 13th marks the 72nd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 73rd in case of leap years). There are 293 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on March 13th in history, famous birthdays on March 13th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 13.

history

What happened on March 13?

Here's what happened on March 13th in history:


  • 2013: On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Francis. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2006: Between March 9 and 13, 2006, a significant tornado outbreak occurred across the central United States, producing 99 confirmed tornadoes, including an F4 tornado in Monroe County, Missouri. The outbreak resulted in 10 fatalities and over 180 injuries, with damages exceeding $1 billion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1991: On March 13, 1991, Polish President Lech Wałęsa made his first official visit to the United States. This visit was significant in strengthening diplomatic relations between Poland and the US following the end of the Cold War. source: state.gov
  • 1990: Farzad Bazoft, an Iranian-born journalist working for The Observer, was executed in Baghdad on March 15, 1990, after being convicted of espionage. He had been arrested in September 1989 for investigating an explosion at a military complex near Baghdad. Despite international appeals for clemency, including from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Bazoft was hanged at dawn. His execution led to Britain recalling its ambassador from Iraq and suspending all visits to the country. source: theguardian.com
  • 1987: On March 13, 1987, John Gotti, the reputed boss of the Gambino crime family, and six co-defendants were acquitted of all charges, including racketeering and murder, in a federal trial. The acquittal was a significant setback for federal prosecutors and led to Gotti being dubbed "The Teflon Don" by the media, as no charges seemed to "stick" against him. Five years later, in 1992, a juror from the trial, George Pape, was convicted of accepting a bribe to influence the verdict. source: cbsnews.com
  • 1986: Microsoft Corporation went public on March 13, 1986, offering 2.5 million shares at an initial price of $21 per share. The IPO raised $61 million, and the company's stock quickly rose, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry. This event helped establish Microsoft as a major player in the software market and contributed to the growth of the personal computer revolution. source: sec.gov
  • 1984: On March 13, 1984, U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech at the United Jewish Appeal Conference. In his address, Reagan emphasized the importance of supporting Israel and the Jewish community, highlighting the U.S. commitment to Israel's security and prosperity. source: upi.com
  • 1983: On March 13, 1983, the NC State Wolfpack defeated the Virginia Cavaliers 81–78 in the championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Tournament. The tournament was held at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the first time the event was hosted in Atlanta. Sidney Lowe of NC State was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1982: On March 13, 1982, American figure skater Elaine Zayak clinched the World Figure Skating Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark. After placing seventh in the short program, she delivered a flawless free skate, landing six triple jumps, to secure the gold medal. This victory marked a significant comeback, as she had previously finished third at the 1982 U.S. Nationals. source: upi.com
  • 1975: Following the fall of Ban Me Thuot on March 12, 1975, South Vietnamese forces began evacuating the Central Highlands region to the coast, facing significant challenges. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on March 13 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on March 13?

On March 13th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • William Macy
    William Macy (1950)

    William H. Macy is an acclaimed American actor and director, known for his work in both film and television. With a career spanning several decades, Macy is recognized for his distinctive character roles and acclaimed performances. [bio]

  • Dana Delany
    Dana Delany (1956)

    Dana Delany is an American actress known for her roles in television, film, and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her performance as Colleen McMurphy in the ABC television drama series 'China Beach' (1988–1991), for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards. Delany has also starred in popular TV series such as 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Body of Proof.' [bio]

  • Kaya Scodelario
    Kaya Scodelario (1992)

    Kaya Scodelario is a British actress best known for her roles in the television series 'Skins' and the 'Maze Runner' film series. Her performances have earned critical acclaim and a strong following among fans of teen drama and science fiction genres. [bio]

  • Neil Sedaka
    Neil Sedaka (1939)

    Neil Sedaka is an American pop singer, pianist, composer, and record producer who has been active since the 1950s, best known for his solo hits and work as a songwriter. [bio]

  • Danny Masterson
    Danny Masterson (1976)

    Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the television sitcom 'That '70s Show'. He has also appeared in series such as 'The Ranch'. In recent years, Masterson has faced significant legal issues, including a conviction for rape in 2023. [bio]

  • Joe Bugner
    Joe Bugner (1950)

    Joe Bugner is a British-Australian former professional heavyweight boxer and actor. He was a top-ranked contender during the 1970s and 1980s and is known for fighting world champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. [bio]

  • Noel Fisher
    Noel Fisher (1984)

    Noel Fisher is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Mickey Milkovich on the Showtime series "Shameless." He has also appeared in the "Twilight" film series and played Michelangelo in the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" reboot films. [bio]

  • George MacKay
    George MacKay (1992)

    George MacKay is a British actor best known for his roles in film and television, particularly his critically acclaimed performance in the war drama '1917.' Over a career spanning more than two decades since his childhood, MacKay has earned recognition for his versatility and dedication to his craft. [bio]

  • Tim Story
    Tim Story (1970)

    Tim Story is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for directing successful comedy films such as 'Barbershop' and comic book adaptations like 'Fantastic Four' (2005) and its sequel. [bio]

  • Emile Hirsch
    Emile Hirsch (1985)

    Emile Hirsch is an American actor recognized for his roles in both independent films and mainstream Hollywood movies. He gained critical acclaim for portraying Christopher McCandless in the film 'Into the Wild' (2007). [bio]

  • More celebrities born on March 13

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RIP

Who died on March 13?

On March 13th the following celebrities died:


  • William Hurt
    William Hurt (2022)

    William Hurt was an acclaimed American actor known for his versatile film roles and for winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was celebrated for his work in both stage and screen, rising to prominence during the 1980s with a series of critically acclaimed performances. [bio]

  • Clarence Darrow
    Clarence Darrow (1938)

    Clarence Darrow was a prominent American lawyer and leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union, best known for his involvement in several high-profile cases including the Scopes 'Monkey' Trial and the defense of Leopold and Loeb. [bio]

  • Maureen Stapleton
    Maureen Stapleton (2006)

    Maureen Stapleton was an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful stage, film, and television performances. A recipient of several prestigious awards including an Academy Award, an Emmy, and a Tony, she is recognized as one of the few performers to achieve the 'Triple Crown of Acting.' [bio]

  • Betsy Blair
    Betsy Blair (2009)

    Betsy Blair was an American actress known for her acclaimed work both on stage and in films, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. She achieved widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'Marty' (1955), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]

  • Ivo Andric
    Ivo Andric (1975)

    Nobel Prize-winning Yugoslav novelist known for works like 'The Bridge on the Drina'.

  • Susan B. Anthony
    Susan B. Anthony (1906)

    Susan B. Anthony was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

  • Hans von Ohain
    Hans von Ohain (1998)

    Pioneering German-American aerospace engineer who developed the first operational jet engine, significantly contributing to aviation...

  • Marvin Hagler
    Marvin Hagler (2021)

    Legendary middleweight boxing champion who dominated the sport from 1976 to 1987, known for his incredible fighting skills and memorable...

  • Alexander II
    Alexander II (1881)

    Alexander II was the Czar of Russia from 1855 to 1881, known for his emancipation of the serfs.

  • Clive Burr
    Clive Burr (2013)

    Legendary rock drummer who played with Iron Maiden, Samson, and Trust, contributing significantly to the heavy metal music scene.

  • More famous people died on March 13

calendar

What day of the year is March 13?


March 13th marks the 72nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 73rd in case of leap years).

There are 293 days remaining until the end of the year.

March 13th is the 13th day of the month of March.

What day of the week is March 13?

On March 13th, 2026 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on March 13

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 13?