January 16: What Happened on This Day in History

16January

January 16th marks the 16th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 349 days (350 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on January 16th in history, famous birthdays on January 16th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 16.

history

What happened on January 16?

Here's what happened on January 16th in history:


  • 2020: The first impeachment of President Donald Trump formally moved into its trial phase in the United States Senate. The historic proceedings centered on allegations that Trump had abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden, and Biden's son Hunter, in an attempt to gain political advantage. This marked only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, highlighting the significant political tension of the era. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2011: On January 16, 2011, the Stuxnet computer worm was publicly revealed. This sophisticated cyberweapon was designed to target and disrupt Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities, marking a significant development in cyber warfare. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2010: Florence Green, at 108 years old, is recognized as Britain's oldest surviving and last female World War I veteran. She served in the Women's Royal Air Force in 1918, representing a significant historical milestone.
  • 2007: On January 16, 2007, a bombing occurred at Mustansiriya University in Baghdad, Iraq. The attack resulted in multiple casualties and highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the region. source: wsws.org
  • 2001: On January 16, 2001, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was assassinated in his office at the Palais de Marbre in Kinshasa by his bodyguard, Rashidi Kasereka. Kabila was subsequently transported to Zimbabwe for medical treatment but was declared dead on January 18, 2001. source: britannica.com
  • 1998: On January 16, 1998, Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern, was questioned by FBI agents and prosecutors regarding her alleged affair with President Bill Clinton. This event marked a significant development in the investigation into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. source: time.com
  • 1996: On January 16, 1996, a military coup led by Julius Maada Bio ousted Captain Valentine Strasser, the leader of Sierra Leone's National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). Strasser was arrested by his own bodyguards and flown into exile in Guinea. Bio stated that the coup aimed to return Sierra Leone to a democratically elected civilian government and to end the ongoing civil war. source: press.un.org
  • 1993: On January 16, 1993, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously to President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his leadership during World War II. This honor recognized Roosevelt's significant contributions to the nation and the world during a pivotal time in history. source: archives.gov
  • 1973: On January 16, 1973, Corning Glass Works was granted a patent for its optical fiber technology, which would later revolutionize telecommunications. This innovation allowed for the transmission of data over long distances with minimal loss, paving the way for modern internet and communication systems. source: nytimes.com
  • 1972: On January 16, 1972, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, defeating the Miami Dolphins. This victory marked the Cowboys' first Super Bowl title, solidifying their place in NFL history. source: britannica.com
Discover all events on January 16 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on January 16?

On January 16th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
    Lin-Manuel Miranda (1980)

    Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American composer, lyricist, actor, singer, and playwright, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals 'Hamilton' and 'In the Heights.' He has earned acclaim for his innovative blending of musical genres and for telling culturally resonant stories about American and immigrant experiences. [bio]

  • Debbie Allen
    Debbie Allen (1950)

    Debbie Allen is an acclaimed American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, director, and producer best known for her work on the musical-drama television series 'Fame.' She has had a prominent career on stage and screen, including numerous awards for her contributions to the arts. [bio]

  • John Carpenter
    John Carpenter (1948)

    John Carpenter is an influential American filmmaker, screenwriter, and composer best known for his work in the horror, science fiction, and action genres. He rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of highly regarded films that have become cult classics. [bio]

  • James May
    James May (1963)

    James May is a British television presenter, journalist, and author best known as a co-presenter of the motoring program 'Top Gear' alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, and later for 'The Grand Tour.' [bio]

  • Ethel Merman
    Ethel Merman (1908)

    Ethel Merman was an American actress, singer, and Broadway star renowned for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. She became an iconic figure in musical theatre, best known for her performances in classic Broadway productions. [bio]

  • Laura Schlessinger
    Laura Schlessinger (1947)

    Laura Schlessinger, widely known as Dr. Laura, is an American talk radio host, author, and conservative commentator. She is best recognized for hosting 'The Dr. Laura Program,' a long-running radio advice show. [bio]

  • Sidharth Malhotra
    Sidharth Malhotra (1985)

    Sidharth Malhotra is an Indian actor and former model, best known for his work in Hindi cinema. He rose to fame with his acting debut in the 2012 film 'Student of the Year' and has since appeared in several commercially successful Bollywood films. [bio]

  • Harry Carey
    Harry Carey (1878)

    Harry Carey was an influential American actor known for his work in silent films and early Hollywood Westerns, often collaborating with director John Ford. He appeared in over 250 films and was a key figure in shaping the Western genre in American cinema. [bio]

  • Kabir Bedi
    Kabir Bedi (1945)

    Kabir Bedi is an acclaimed Indian actor known internationally for his roles in film, television, and theatre. He has worked in three continents, starring in Bollywood, British, and Italian productions. Bedi is especially recognized in Europe for his leading role in the TV miniseries 'Sandokan.' [bio]

  • Vijay Sethupathi
    Vijay Sethupathi (1978)

    Vijay Sethupathi is an acclaimed Indian actor, producer, and screenwriter, primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. Renowned for his versatility and compelling performances, he has become one of the leading contemporary actors in South Indian films. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on January 16

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

RIP

Who died on January 16?

On January 16th the following celebrities died:


  • Carole Lombard
    Carole Lombard (1942)

    Carole Lombard was a renowned American actress best known for her roles in screwball comedies during the 1930s. Her charismatic screen presence, comic timing, and beauty made her one of Hollywood's most beloved leading ladies of her era. [bio]

  • John Mortimer
    John Mortimer (2009)

    John Mortimer was an English barrister, dramatist, screenwriter, and author, best known for creating the character Horace Rumpole in the "Rumpole of the Bailey" series. Mortimer was also a celebrated advocate for civil liberties and free expression. [bio]

  • Bernard Lee
    Bernard Lee (1981)

    Bernard Lee was a distinguished English actor best known for his portrayal of M, the head of MI6, in the first eleven James Bond films released between 1962 and 1979. [bio]

  • Andrew Wyeth
    Andrew Wyeth (2009)

    Renowned American realist painter known for his tempera and watercolor works, particularly his intimate portraits and landscapes of rural...

  • John C. Bogle
    John C. Bogle (2019)

    Founder of The Vanguard Group and pioneer of index investing, who revolutionized the mutual fund industry by creating low-cost index funds...

  • Phil Spector
    Phil Spector (2021)

    Legendary music producer who pioneered the 'Wall of Sound' recording technique and worked with iconic artists like The Ronettes and The...

  • Marjorie Williams
    Marjorie Williams (2005)

    Marjorie Williams was a prominent American journalist and political columnist known for her insightful writing in prestigious publications...

  • Arturo Toscanini
    Arturo Toscanini (1957)

    Arturo toscanini was an italian conductor known for his intensity, perfectionism, and his work with the nbc symphony orchestra.

  • Red Smith
    Red Smith (1982)

    Red Smith was a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning sports columnist known for his witty and insightful writing about sports.

  • Pauline Phillips
    Pauline Phillips (2013)

    American journalist and radio host best known for creating the iconic advice column 'Dear Abby', which became a cultural phenomenon.

  • More famous people died on January 16

calendar

What day of the year is January 16?


January 16th marks the 16th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 349 days remaining until the end of the year (or 350 days in case of leap years).

January 16th is the 16th day of the month of January.

What day of the week is January 16?

On January 16th, 2026 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on January 16

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 16?