March 16: What Happened on This Day in History

16March

March 16th marks the 75th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 76th in case of leap years). There are 290 days remaining until the end of the year.

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

history

What happened on March 16?

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


  • 2013: On March 16, 2013, Zimbabwe held a constitutional referendum to approve a new constitution aimed at limiting presidential powers and enhancing human rights. The referendum was a significant step in the country's political reform process. source: bbc.com
  • 2006: The Iraqi National Assembly holds its first meeting since the December 2005 elections, signaling a continued effort to establish democratic governance in post-invasion Iraq.
  • 1991: On March 16, 1991, a plane crash in San Diego claimed the lives of several members of Reba McEntire's band. This tragic event shocked the country music community and led to widespread mourning. source: billboard.com
  • 1990: On March 11, 1990, Lithuania's Supreme Soviet declared the restoration of its independence from the Soviet Union, renaming itself the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. This marked the first Soviet republic to assert independence, initiating a wave of secessions that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. source: theguardian.com
  • 1987: Supernova 1987A was discovered on March 16, 1987, in the Large Magellanic Cloud, marking the closest observed supernova since 1604. It provided a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the explosion and its aftermath, significantly advancing the understanding of stellar evolution and supernova mechanisms. The event was widely observed and remains a key subject in astrophysics. source: nasa.gov
  • 1986: Daisuke Takahashi, a prominent Japanese figure skater, was born on March 16, 1986. He is known for his artistic performances and has won multiple championships, including the World Figure Skating Championships. Takahashi is celebrated for his contributions to the sport and his influence on figure skating in Japan. source: britannica.com
  • 1983: On March 16, 1983, the Ismaning Radio Transmitter, a 163-meter wooden lattice tower near Munich, Germany, was demolished. Constructed in 1932, it was the last remaining wooden radio tower in Germany, often referred to as the "Bavarian Eiffel Tower." After ceasing operations in 1977, the tower deteriorated and was ultimately dismantled. Today, its concrete foundations and the former tuning house are still visible at the site. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1982: On March 16, 1982, Claus von Bülow was convicted by a jury in Newport, Rhode Island, of two counts of attempted murder for allegedly injecting his wife, Martha "Sunny" von Bülow, with insulin, leading to her comatose state. The prosecution argued that von Bülow sought to inherit his wife's fortune and marry his mistress. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case attracted significant media attention and was later depicted in the film "Reversal of Fortune." source: csmonitor.com
  • 1978: On March 16, 1978, Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades, a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization. After 55 days in captivity, Moro was found dead on May 9, 1978, leading to a national crisis in Italy. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1975: On March 16, 1975, NASA's Mariner 10 spacecraft completed its third and final flyby of Mercury, providing detailed images and data about the planet's surface and magnetic field. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on March 16 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on March 16?

On March 16th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Andrew Jackson
    Andrew Jackson (1767)

    Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. He was a military hero known for his leadership in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 and played a key role in the founding of the Democratic Party. Jackson's presidency is notable for his populist approach, expansion of presidential powers, and … [bio]

  • James Madison
    James Madison (1751)

    James Madison was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Widely regarded as the 'Father of the Constitution,' Madison played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He was a leading advocate for a strong federal government … [bio]

  • Jerry Lewis
    Jerry Lewis (1926)

    Jerry Lewis was an iconic American comedian, actor, singer, filmmaker, and humanitarian. He became famous for his slapstick humor in movies and his partnership with Dean Martin. Lewis was also renowned for hosting the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, which helped raise more than $2 billion for muscular dystrophy research over decades. [bio]

  • Alexandra Daddario
    Alexandra Daddario (1986)

    Alexandra Daddario is an American actress best known for her roles in the 'Percy Jackson' film series, 'San Andreas,' and the HBO series 'The White Lotus.' She gained widespread recognition for her performances in both film and television, showcasing her versatility and talent. [bio]

  • Lauren Graham
    Lauren Graham (1967)

    Lauren Graham is an American actress and author best known for her role as Lorelai Gilmore on the television series 'Gilmore Girls' and as Sarah Braverman on 'Parenthood.' She has also authored several books and appeared in various films and TV shows. [bio]

  • Erik Estrada
    Erik Estrada (1949)

    Erik Estrada is an American actor best known for his role as California Highway Patrol officer Frank 'Ponch' Poncherello on the television series 'CHiPs' during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He has also worked as a voice actor and television personality. [bio]

  • Isabelle Huppert
    Isabelle Huppert (1953)

    Isabelle Huppert is an acclaimed French actress known internationally for her work in film, television, and theater. She has gained recognition for her roles in dramatic and challenging films, frequently collaborating with renowned directors, and is considered one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation. [bio]

  • Henny Youngman
    Henny Youngman (1906)

    Henny Youngman was a British-born American comedian and violinist, widely known for his rapid-fire one-liner jokes and his title as the 'King of the One Liners.' [bio]

  • Victor Garber
    Victor Garber (1949)

    Victor Garber is a Canadian actor and singer known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. He has gained acclaim for roles in productions such as 'Titanic,' 'Alias,' and numerous Broadway shows. [bio]

  • Jerome Flynn
    Jerome Flynn (1963)

    Jerome Flynn is an English actor and singer best known for his roles as Bronn in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' and as Paddy Garvey in the ITV series 'Soldier Soldier'. He also achieved chart success in the 1990s as one half of the musical duo Robson & Jerome. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on March 16

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Who died on March 16?

On March 16th the following celebrities died:


  • Arthur Godfrey
    Arthur Godfrey (1983)

    Arthur Godfrey was a prominent American radio and television broadcaster and entertainer, best known for his informal, conversational style and for hosting popular variety shows in the mid-20th century. [bio]

  • Frank Thornton
    Frank Thornton (2013)

    Frank Thornton was an English actor best known for his roles in classic British sitcoms, particularly as Captain Stephen Peacock in 'Are You Being Served?' and as Truly in 'Last of the Summer Wine.' His career spanned television, film, and stage, where he gained a reputation for his comedic timing and distinguished presence. [bio]

  • Bebe Daniels
    Bebe Daniels (1971)

    Bebe Daniels was an American actress, singer, dancer, writer, and producer who began her prolific career in silent films before transitioning successfully into talkies, radio, and television. She was one of early Hollywood's first great child stars, and later became a popular entertainer in the UK. [bio]

  • June Collyer
    June Collyer (1968)

    June Collyer was an American film and television actress prominent during the late 1920s through the 1950s, best known for her roles during Hollywood's silent and early sound eras, as well as her appearances on television. [bio]

  • Paul Kohner
    Paul Kohner (1988)

    Prominent Hollywood film producer who represented many notable actors and played a significant role in the entertainment industry during the...

  • Derek Barton
    Derek Barton (1998)

    Derek Barton was a renowned British organic chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his groundbreaking work on...

  • Aldo Moro
    Aldo Moro (1978)

    Prominent Italian Christian Democratic politician who was kidnapped and murdered by the Red Brigades terrorist group in 1978, marking a...

  • Eddie Shore
    Eddie Shore (1985)

    Eddie Shore was a legendary Canadian-American professional ice hockey defenseman who played primarily for the Boston Bruins.

  • T-Bone Walker
    T-Bone Walker (1975)

    Legendary blues guitarist who pioneered the electric blues style and influenced generations of musicians with his innovative playing...

  • Dick Dale
    Dick Dale (2019)

    Pioneering surf rock guitarist known for his innovative playing style and influential role in developing the surf rock genre, particularly...

  • More famous people died on March 16

calendar

What day of the year is March 16?


March 16th marks the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 76th in case of leap years).

There are 290 days remaining until the end of the year.

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

What day of the week is March 16?

On March 16th, 2026 the day of the week is Monday.

Holidays and Observances on March 16

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 16?