October 15: What Happened on This Day in History
October 15th marks the 288th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 289th in case of leap years). There are 77 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 15th in history, famous birthdays on October 15th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 15.
What happened on October 15?
Here's what happened on October 15th in history:
- 2022: A devastating public health crisis unfolded in Gambia, where at least 70 children died from acute kidney injuries linked to tainted cough syrup. The medication was manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, an Indian company that subsequently had one of its factories shut down. Gambian President Adama Barrow confirmed the escalating death toll, and officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.
- 2019: The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey in response to its military offensive in northern Syria, targeting Turkish officials and entities involved in the operation. The sanctions aimed to pressure Turkey to cease its military actions and negotiate with Kurdish forces. source: reuters.com
- 2009: On October 15, 2009, the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to U.S. President Barack Obama sparked controversy. Critics questioned the decision, citing that Obama had been in office for less than a year and had not yet achieved significant accomplishments in promoting peace. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2007: The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China commenced on October 15, 2007, in Beijing. The congress, held at the Great Hall of the People, lasted for seven days and was attended by 2,213 delegates and 57 specially invited delegates. The event focused on setting the political direction for the country and enshrined the Scientific Development Concept into the Party Constitution. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2005: Prince Christian, the son of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, was born on October 15, 2005. He is the first child of the couple and is second in line to the Danish throne. source: bbc.com
- 2003: On October 15, 2003, China launched its first manned space mission, Shenzhou 5, carrying astronaut Yang Liwei into orbit. This marked a significant milestone in China's space exploration program. source: cnn.com
- 1980: On October 15, 1980, James Callaghan resigned as leader of the UK's Labour Party, following his defeat in the 1979 general election. His resignation led to a leadership election, which Michael Foot won, becoming the new leader of the opposition. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1979: The Imperial Valley earthquake struck Southern California on October 15, 1979, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale. It caused significant damage in the Imperial Valley region, particularly in the city of El Centro, and resulted in injuries and some fatalities. The earthquake highlighted the seismic risks in California and led to increased awareness and preparedness for future seismic events. source: earthquake.usgs.gov
- 1974: On October 15, 1974, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Professor Paul J. Flory of Stanford University for his fundamental achievements in the physical chemistry of macromolecules. Flory's work significantly advanced the understanding of polymers, including plastics and biological compounds like proteins and nucleic acids. source: nobelprize.org
- 1971: The 2500-Year Celebration of the Persian Empire took place on October 15, 1971, in Iran. This event was organized by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to commemorate the long history of the Persian Empire. It was marked by lavish festivities and international attention. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on October 15?
On October 15th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Mesut Ozil]()
Mesut Ozil (1988)Mesut Özil is a German former professional footballer, widely regarded for his technical skills, creativity, and vision as a midfielder. Özil played key roles at major European clubs, most notably Real Madrid and Arsenal, and was an integral part of Germany’s FIFA World Cup-winning squad in 2014. [bio]
![Penny Marshall]()
Penny Marshall (1942)Penny Marshall was an influential American actress, director, and producer. She gained fame as Laverne DeFazio on the sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley' and became one of the first women to direct major Hollywood films, including 'Big' and 'A League of Their Own.' [bio]
![John Kenneth Galbraith]()
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908)John Kenneth Galbraith was a Canadian-American economist, public official, and diplomat, renowned for his influence on 20th-century economic thought and his advocacy of government intervention in the economy. [bio]
![Tito Jackson]()
Tito Jackson (1953)Tito Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as a founding member of the Jackson 5, one of the most successful pop-music bands of the late 1960s and 1970s. He is also known for his later solo work in blues music. [bio]
![Michel Foucault]()
Michel Foucault (1926)Michel Foucault was a French philosopher, historian of ideas, social theorist, and literary critic. He is best known for his critical studies of various social institutions, such as psychiatry, medicine, the prison system, and for his profound analyses on the relationships between power and knowledge. Foucault's work has had a significant influence across the humanities and social sciences, particularly through … [bio]
![Linda Lavin]()
Linda Lavin (1937)Linda Lavin is an American actress and singer best known for her starring role in the sitcom 'Alice' (1976–1985). She has also had a significant career in theater, winning several awards including a Tony Award, and remains active in television, film, and stage productions. [bio]
![Dominic West]()
Dominic West (1969)Dominic West is an English actor, director, and musician, best known for his leading roles in acclaimed television series such as 'The Wire' and 'The Affair.' [bio]
![Kiko Mizuhara]()
Kiko Mizuhara (1990)Kiko Mizuhara is an American-born Japanese model, actress, singer, and designer recognized for her contributions to fashion and film in Japan. She has gained international fame through her modeling work, her roles in acclaimed films, and collaborations with numerous fashion brands. [bio]
![Mira Nair]()
Mira Nair (1957)Mira Nair is an acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker and producer best known for her work in international cinema, including films such as 'Salaam Bombay!', 'Monsoon Wedding', and 'The Namesake.' Her films often explore themes of identity, society, and diaspora, earning her numerous awards and recognition for her impactful storytelling. [bio]
![Bailee Madison]()
Bailee Madison (1999)Bailee Madison is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as 'Bridge to Terabithia' and 'Just Go with It,' as well as for her work in television series like 'The Fosters' and 'Good Witch.' [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 October 15?
On October 15th the following celebrities died:
![Paul Allen]()
Paul Allen (2018)Paul Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation alongside Bill Gates. He played a significant role in the development of the personal computing revolution before becoming an influential investor and philanthropist. [bio]
![Betty Driver]()
Betty Driver (2011)Betty Driver was an English singer, actress, and author, best known for her long-running role as Betty Williams in the British soap opera 'Coronation Street.' [bio]
![Edie Adams]()
Edie Adams (2008)Edie Adams was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman known for her versatile performances on stage, television, and film. She gained fame through her work in musicals and comedy, notably as a star on 'The Ernie Kovacs Show' and for her Tony Award-winning Broadway role in 'Li'l Abner.' [bio]
![Henny Porten]()
Henny Porten (1960)Henny Porten was a pioneering German film actress and producer, widely regarded as one of the most prominent stars of German silent cinema. She appeared in over 170 films between 1906 and 1955 and was known for her expressive acting style and versatility. Porten was also a film producer and played a significant role in shaping early German film history. [bio]
![Pat O'Brien]()
Pat O'Brien (1983)Pat O'Brien was an American stage, film, and television actor known for his energetic, often fast-talking persona and his appearances in many classic Hollywood films, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. [bio]
![Virginia Lee Burton]()
Virginia Lee Burton (1968)Renowned children's book author and illustrator, best known for classic works like 'Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel' and 'The Little...
![Konrad Bloch]()
Konrad Bloch (2000)Renowned biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1964 for his groundbreaking research on cholesterol biosynthesis.
![Thomas Sankara]()
Thomas Sankara (1987)Revolutionary leader and president of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, known as 'Africa's Che Guevara'.
![Norodom Sihanouk]()
Norodom Sihanouk (2012)Prominent Cambodian political leader who served as Prime Minister, Head of State, and King of Cambodia during a tumultuous period of the...
![Raymond Poincaré]()
Raymond Poincaré (1934)He was a french politician who served four terms as prime minister of france's third republic and was president during world war i..
What day of the year is October 15?
October 15th marks the 288th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 289th in case of leap years).
There are 77 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 15th is the 15th day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 15?
On October 15th, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.
| October | 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 | 31 | |
What zodiac sign is associated with the day October 15?
The zodiac sign associated with October 15th is Libra according to the Western Zodiac.
