October 18: What Happened on This Day in History
October 18th marks the 291st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 292nd in case of leap years). There are 74 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 18th in history, famous birthdays on October 18th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 18.
What happened on October 18?
Here's what happened on October 18th in history:
- 2022: A Russian military jet catastrophically crashed into a residential apartment building in the port city of Yeysk, resulting in a devastating fire that consumed multiple floors. The tragic incident claimed 13 lives, including three children, and left 19 others injured, highlighting the potential civilian risks during military operations.
- 2017: On October 18, 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party. He outlined his vision for China's future, emphasizing the importance of socialism and national rejuvenation. source: bbc.com
- 2016: On October 18, 2016, U.S. officials publicly accused Russia of interfering in the upcoming presidential election. This marked a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into foreign influence in American politics. source: nytimes.com
- 2009: Hurricane Rick intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, becoming the strongest hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean in a decade.
- 2005: On October 18, 2005, the last Australian World War I veteran, Jack Ross, passed away. His death marked the end of an era, as he was one of the last surviving links to the experiences of Australians during the Great War. source: bbc.com
- 2003: Officials declare a state of emergency in Squamish, British Columbia, due to severe flooding. Parts of the town are evacuated to ensure public safety.
- 1980: On October 18, 1980, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser's Liberal-National Country Party (NCP) coalition was re-elected in the Australian federal election, securing a third term in office. The coalition won 74 seats in the House of Representatives, a reduction from their previous majority, while the Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Bill Hayden, increased their representation to 51 seats. In the Senate, the Australian Democrats gained the balance of power, marking a significant shift in Australia's political landscape. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1979: On October 18, 1979, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permitted individuals to establish home satellite earth stations without requiring a federal government license. This decision enabled private citizens to set up and operate their own satellite communication systems, previously restricted to government agencies and large corporations. The move marked a significant shift in the accessibility of satellite technology for personal and commercial use. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1969: On October 18, 1969, Caravaggio's 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence' was stolen from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Italy. The thieves cut the painting from its frame, and it has remained missing since. The FBI estimates its value at $20 million. source: fbi.gov
- 1968: On October 18, 1968, Bob Beamon set a world record in the long jump at the Mexico City Olympics, leaping 8.90 meters. This remarkable jump not only shattered the previous record but also marked a significant moment in Olympic history, showcasing Beamon's extraordinary athletic ability. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on October 18?
On October 18th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Martina Navratilova]()
Martina Navratilova (1956)Martina Navratilova is a legendary Czech-American tennis player who achieved unparalleled success during the 1970s and 1980s. She is renowned for her dominant athleticism, left-handed play, and versatility on all court surfaces. Navratilova won a total of 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles over her career, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships. She is widely considered one of … [bio]
![Mike Ditka]()
Mike Ditka (1939)Mike Ditka is a former American football player, coach, and television commentator best known for his tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears, whom he led to victory in Super Bowl XX. Ditka is one of the few people to have won an NFL title as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. [bio]
![Jean-Claude Van Damme]()
Jean-Claude Van Damme (1960)Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian actor, martial artist, and film producer, best known for his roles in action films during the late 1980s and 1990s. Nicknamed 'The Muscles from Brussels,' he is renowned for his martial arts skills, impressive high-kicks, and flexible splits in Hollywood movies. [bio]
![Zac Efron]()
Zac Efron (1987)Zac Efron is an American actor and singer who rose to fame with his leading role as Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel 'High School Musical' series. He has since become a prominent figure in both film and television, recognized for his versatility in genres ranging from musical comedies to dramas. [bio]
![Tyler Posey]()
Tyler Posey (1991)Tyler Posey is an American actor and musician, best known for his lead role as Scott McCall in the MTV television series 'Teen Wolf.' He has also acted in various films and TV shows and is recognized for his work as a musician and band frontman. [bio]
![Dawn Wells]()
Dawn Wells (1938)Dawn Wells was an American actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the classic television sitcom 'Gilligan's Island.' She built a career in television, film, and theater, and became a beloved figure in American pop culture. [bio]
![Norm MacDonald]()
Norm MacDonald (1963)Norm Macdonald was a Canadian stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, best known for his deadpan style, influential stand-up, and stint as a Saturday Night Live cast member, where he anchored 'Weekend Update' from 1994 to 1997. [bio]
![Peter Boyle]()
Peter Boyle (1935)Peter Boyle was an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, notably for his portrayal of the Monster in "Young Frankenstein" and as Frank Barone on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." [bio]
![Erin Moran]()
Erin Moran (1960)Erin Moran was an American actress best known for her role as Joanie Cunningham on the television sitcom 'Happy Days' and its spin-off 'Joanie Loves Chachi.' [bio]
![Toby Regbo]()
Toby Regbo (1991)Toby Regbo is an English film, television, and stage actor known for his roles in period dramas and science fiction films. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of young Albus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1' and its sequel, and for his main role as Francis II of France in the television series 'Reign.' [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 18?
On October 18th the following celebrities died:
![Thomas Edison]()
Thomas Edison (1931)Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman renowned for his development of many key devices in modern life, including the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and early motion picture cameras. Nicknamed 'The Wizard of Menlo Park,' Edison held more than 1,000 patents and played a critical role in the commercialization of electric power and sound recording. [bio]
![Henry Travers]()
Henry Travers (1965)Henry Travers was an English actor best known for his role as Clarence Odbody, the angel in the classic film 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946). Travers had a prolific stage and film career spanning over four decades. [bio]
![Gwen Verdon]()
Gwen Verdon (2000)Gwen Verdon was an acclaimed American actress and dancer, best known for her work in musical theater. She was a four-time Tony Award winner and is recognized as one of Broadway's greatest dancers, celebrated for her distinctive style and collaborations with choreographer Bob Fosse. [bio]
![Elizabeth Arden]()
Elizabeth Arden (1966)Elizabeth Arden was a Canadian-American entrepreneur, best known for founding the cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden, Inc. She was a pioneering figure in the beauty industry, introducing innovative beauty products and concepts such as the 'makeover' and establishing luxurious salons. Arden is also recognized for her contributions to modern cosmetics and skin care, and for being one of the wealthiest women … [bio]
![Julie London]()
Julie London (2000)Julie London was an American singer and actress known for her sultry, smoky voice and her roles in both film and television. She was one of the most popular female vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s, and also gained recognition as an actress, particularly for her role as nurse Dixie McCall on the television series 'Emergency!'. [bio]
![Sylvia Kristel]()
Sylvia Kristel (2012)Sylvia Kristel was a Dutch actress and model, best known internationally for her role in the popular 'Emmanuelle' film series. She gained fame in the 1970s for her portrayal of sensual characters and was a symbol of European erotic cinema. [bio]
![Tsuru Aoki]()
Tsuru Aoki (1961)Tsuru Aoki was a pioneering Japanese-American actress, best known for being one of the first Asian actresses to achieve stardom in the American silent film era. [bio]
![Charles Babbage]()
![Colin Powell]()
Colin Powell (2021)Colin Powell was a groundbreaking American statesman, the first African American Secretary of State, and a highly respected four-star...
![Pierre Mendès France]()
Pierre Mendès France (1982)French lawyer and politician who served as the 142nd Prime Minister of France, known for his progressive reforms and commitment to...
What day of the year is October 18?
October 18th marks the 291st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 292nd in case of leap years).
There are 74 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 18th is the 18th day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 18?
On October 18th, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.
| 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 18?
The zodiac sign associated with October 18th is Libra according to the Western Zodiac.
