March 19: What Happened on This Day in History

19March

March 19th marks the 78th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 79th in case of leap years). There are 287 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on March 19th in history, famous birthdays on March 19th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 19.

history

What happened on March 19?

Here's what happened on March 19th in history:


  • 2013: On March 19, 2013, a series of coordinated bombings and shootings occurred across Iraq, resulting in at least 98 fatalities and over 240 injuries. The attacks targeted Shia civilians and Iraqi security forces, marking the tenth anniversary of the Iraq War. The Islamic State of Iraq claimed responsibility for the violence. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2008: On March 19, 2008, gold prices reached the milestone of $1,000 per ounce for the first time, driven by fears of inflation and economic instability. This surge in gold prices reflected investors' flight to safety amid the ongoing financial crisis. The rise in gold was seen as a response to the weakening U.S. dollar and increasing demand for precious metals. source: reuters.com
  • 2006: On March 19, 2006, assessments of the ongoing civil war in Iraq indicated escalating violence and sectarian conflict. Reports detailed the impact on civilians and the challenges faced by coalition forces in stabilizing the country. source: bbc.com
  • 2000: On March 19, 2000, President Bill Clinton embarked on a state visit to India. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, discuss economic cooperation, and address regional security issues. It marked a significant moment in U.S.-India relations. source: whitehouse.gov
  • 1990: On March 19, 1990, ethnic tensions escalated in Târgu Mureș, Romania, when a large group of ethnic Romanians attacked the headquarters of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR). The police and army delayed their response, resulting in numerous injuries among ethnic Hungarians inside. The following day, approximately 15,000 ethnic Hungarians gathered in the town square to protest, leading to further confrontations as ethnic Romanians, some transported from neighboring villages, joined the scene. The violence continued into the night, with the army intervening late on March 20 to disperse the crowds. The clashes resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1987: Louis de Broglie, a French theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum theory, died on March 19, 1987, in Louveciennes, France. He was 94 years old at the time of his death. source: britannica.com
  • 1986: On March 19, 1986, the Soviet spacecraft Vega 1 made a close encounter with Halley's Comet, providing valuable data and images of the comet's nucleus and atmosphere. This mission was part of a dual spacecraft effort, with Vega 2 also launched to study the comet shortly after. The data collected significantly advanced our understanding of comets and their composition. source: nasa.gov
  • 1983: On March 19, 1983, First Lady Nancy Reagan made a special appearance on the NBC sitcom 'Diff’rent Strokes,' portraying herself to discuss the dangers of drug use with the show's characters. This episode served as an early promotion for her 'Just Say No' anti-drug campaign, which officially launched in 1985. source: history.com
  • 1977: The series finale, titled 'The Last Show,' features the WJM-TV newsroom staff being fired, except for Ted, and concludes with the cast singing 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary.' source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1975: On March 19, 1975, Pennsylvania made headlines by breaking gender barriers in high school sports, allowing girls to compete in previously male-dominated sports. This was a significant step towards gender equality in athletics. source: pennlive.com
Discover all events on March 19 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on March 19?

On March 19th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Bruce Willis
    Bruce Willis (1955)

    Bruce Willis is an American actor and film producer, best known for his roles in blockbuster action movies, especially the 'Die Hard' series, as well as his work in television and comedy. Over his four-decade career, he has become one of Hollywood's most recognizable and bankable stars. [bio]

  • Glenn Close
    Glenn Close (1947)

    Glenn Close is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and powerful performances across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over four decades, she is recognized as one of the finest actresses of her generation, earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. [bio]

  • Ursula Andress
    Ursula Andress (1936)

    Ursula Andress is a Swiss actress and former model best known for her role as Honey Ryder in the first James Bond film, 'Dr. No' (1962). Her appearance in the famous white bikini scene made her an international sex symbol and a prominent star of the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

  • Kajal Aggarwal
    Kajal Aggarwal (1985)

    Kajal Aggarwal is a prominent Indian actress and model who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil cinema, with appearances in Hindi films as well. She has gained critical and commercial recognition for her leading roles in several successful movies, establishing herself as one of South Indian cinema's leading actresses. [bio]

  • Jorma Taccone
    Jorma Taccone (1977)

    Jorma Taccone is an American comedian, writer, director, and actor, best known as a member of the comedy group The Lonely Island and for his work on 'Saturday Night Live' and various film projects. [bio]

  • Philip Roth
    Philip Roth (1933)

    Philip Roth was an acclaimed American novelist best known for his provocative explorations of Jewish-American identity, sexuality, and personal freedom. He became one of the most awarded authors of his generation, with works often blending autobiography and fiction. [bio]

  • Simon Yam
    Simon Yam (1955)

    Simon Yam is a renowned Hong Kong actor and film producer, acclaimed for his extensive career in the Hong Kong film industry, particularly in crime and action films. He has earned widespread recognition for his versatility and longevity, with credits in both local and international productions. [bio]

  • Garrett Clayton
    Garrett Clayton (1991)

    Garrett Clayton is an American actor, singer, and dancer best known for his role as Tanner in Disney Channel's 'Teen Beach Movie' and its sequel. He has also appeared in various television series and stage productions. [bio]

  • Tanushree Dutta
    Tanushree Dutta (1984)

    Tanushree Dutta is an Indian actress and model who gained widespread recognition after winning the Femina Miss India Universe title in 2004. She is best known for her roles in Bollywood films and for her pivotal role in sparking the #MeToo movement in India. [bio]

  • Irving Wallace
    Irving Wallace (1916)

    Irving Wallace was a prolific American author and screenwriter known for his best-selling novels and for contributing to popular culture through fiction and non-fiction writing. His works often blended meticulous research with compelling storytelling, making him a prominent figure in mid-to-late 20th-century American literature. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on March 19

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RIP

Who died on March 19?

On March 19th the following celebrities died:


  • Paul Scofield
    Paul Scofield (2008)

    Paul Scofield was an acclaimed English actor, renowned for his powerful stage and screen performances. He is best known for his portrayal of Sir Thomas More in the film 'A Man for All Seasons,' for which he won an Academy Award. Scofield was widely respected for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, earning a reputation as one of Britain's … [bio]

  • Richard Beckinsale
    Richard Beckinsale (1979)

    Actor (doing time.

  • Arthur C. Clarke
    Arthur C. Clarke (2008)

    A renowned British science fiction writer, futurist, and inventor who co-wrote the screenplay for '2001: A Space Odyssey', profoundly...

  • Randy Rhoads
    Randy Rhoads (1982)

    Legendary heavy metal guitarist known for his groundbreaking work with Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne.

  • Jaime Sabines
    Jaime Sabines (1999)

    Renowned Mexican contemporary poet known as the "sniper of literature".

  • Vasily Surikov
    Vasily Surikov (1916)

    Prominent Russian historical painter famous for his epic canvases.

  • Willem de Kooning
    Willem de Kooning (1997)

    Willem de Kooning was a pioneering Dutch-American abstract expressionist artist who significantly influenced 20th-century modern art through...

  • Fred Phelps
    Fred Phelps (2014)

    Controversial American pastor and lawyer who founded the Westboro Baptist Church, known for extreme anti-gay rhetoric and provocative...

  • E. M. S. Namboodiripad
    E. M. S. Namboodiripad (1998)

    Prominent Indian communist leader and politician who served as the first Chief Minister of Kerala.

  • Paul Kossoff
    Paul Kossoff (1976)

    Renowned British rock guitarist and founding member of the band Free, known for his influential blues-rock guitar style and tragically short...

  • More famous people died on March 19

calendar

What day of the year is March 19?


March 19th marks the 78th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 79th in case of leap years).

There are 287 days remaining until the end of the year.

March 19th is the 19th day of the month of March.

What day of the week is March 19?

On March 19th, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.

Holidays and Observances on March 19

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 19?