March 20: What Happened on This Day in History
March 20th marks the 79th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 80th in case of leap years). There are 286 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on March 20th in history, famous birthdays on March 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 20.
What happened on March 20?
Here's what happened on March 20th in history:
- 2013: On March 20, 2013, NASA scientists reported that Voyager 1, launched in 1977, had entered a new region of space, indicating it was on the verge of leaving the solar system. The spacecraft had traveled over 11 billion miles from Earth. source: nasa.gov
- 2008: On March 20, 2008, protests took place across the United States to mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. Activists and citizens gathered to voice their opposition to the war and call for an end to U.S. military involvement in Iraq. The protests highlighted ongoing public discontent regarding the war and its consequences. source: nytimes.com
- 2006: On March 20, 2006, Tropical Cyclone Larry struck Queensland, Australia, causing widespread destruction and significant damage to infrastructure. The cyclone prompted emergency responses and recovery efforts in the affected areas. source: bbc.com
- 2000: Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, was captured by U.S. marshals in Georgia. He was wanted for the murder of two men in 2000, leading to a nationwide manhunt. source: nytimes.com
- 1994: On March 20, 1994, El Salvador held its first presidential election after the end of its civil war, marking a significant step towards democracy. The election was closely monitored by international observers and was seen as a crucial moment for the country's political stability and reconciliation efforts. source: bbc.com
- 1990: On March 21, 1990, Namibia officially became an independent nation after over a century of German and South African rule. The independence ceremony in Windhoek was attended by international dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar and South African President F.W. de Klerk. Sam Nujoma, leader of the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO), was sworn in as the first President of Namibia. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1987: On March 20, 1987, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zidovudine (AZT) as the first antiretroviral drug for the treatment of AIDS. Developed in the 1960s as a potential cancer therapy, AZT was repurposed in the 1980s to combat HIV/AIDS. Its approval marked a significant milestone in the fight against the epidemic, offering a treatment option for patients with severe immune system compromise. source: fda.gov
- 1986: On March 20, 1986, the New York City Council passed the Gay Rights Bill, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The bill, which had been debated for 15 years, passed with a 21-14 vote. Mayor Edward Koch supported the legislation, emphasizing its role in protecting civil rights. The bill imposed fines up to $500 and up to one year in jail for violations. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1983: On March 20, 1983, Martina Navratilova defeated Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–2, 6–0 in the final of the Virginia Slims Championships held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This victory marked Navratilova's ninth title of the year and the 156th of her career. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1978: On March 20, 1978, the Soyuz 28 spacecraft successfully docked with the Salyut 6 space station. This mission was significant as it marked the first time a Czechoslovak cosmonaut participated in a space mission, contributing to international cooperation in space exploration. source: nasa.gov
What famous birthdays are on March 20?
On March 20th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Fred Rogers]()
Fred Rogers (1928)Fred Rogers was an American television host, creator, producer, and writer best known for his pioneering children's program, 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.' Revered for his gentle demeanor and deep empathy, Rogers became an iconic figure in children's media and advocacy. Through his show, he promoted kindness, emotional intelligence, and the importance of community, making a profound impact on generations of children … [bio]
![William Hurt]()
William Hurt (1950)William Hurt was an acclaimed American actor known for his versatile film roles and for winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was celebrated for his work in both stage and screen, rising to prominence during the 1980s with a series of critically acclaimed performances. [bio]
![Holly Hunter]()
Holly Hunter (1958)Holly Hunter is an acclaimed American actress best known for her powerful performances in film, television, and stage. She has received numerous accolades including an Academy Award, as well as Emmy and Golden Globe wins for her work across a variety of prominent roles. [bio]
![Spike Lee]()
![Carl Reiner]()
Carl Reiner (1922)Carl Reiner was an acclaimed American actor, comedian, director, screenwriter, and author, known as a pioneering figure in television comedy and film. He earned widespread recognition for creating and starring in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show,' and for directing classic hit comedies such as 'The Jerk.' Reiner's career spanned over seven decades, showcasing his versatile talent and significant influence on … [bio]
![Kathy Ireland]()
Kathy Ireland (1963)Kathy Ireland is an American model, actress, author, and entrepreneur who became widely known as a supermodel in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly for her long-running appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She later established a successful business empire, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, making her one of the most influential former models-turned-entrepreneurs. [bio]
![Freema Agyeman]()
Freema Agyeman (1979)Freema Agyeman is a British actress best known for her role as Martha Jones in the long-running science fiction television series 'Doctor Who', as well as notable performances in 'Law & Order: UK' and 'Sense8'. [bio]
![David Thewlis]()
David Thewlis (1963)David Thewlis is an English actor, director, screenwriter, and author, best known for his roles in 'Naked', 'The Theory of Everything', and the 'Harry Potter' film series as Professor Remus Lupin. [bio]
![Vera Lynn]()
![Ruby Rose]()
Ruby Rose (1986)Ruby Rose is an Australian model, actress, and television presenter who rose to international fame with her role as Stella Carlin in the Netflix series 'Orange Is the New Black.' Known for her androgynous style and activism for LGBTQ+ rights, Rose has also worked as a DJ, television host, and appeared in several feature films. [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 March 20?
On March 20th the following celebrities died:
![Fred Rogers]()
![Kenny Rogers]()
Kenny Rogers (2020)Legendary country music singer known for hits like 'The Gambler' and 'Islands in the Stream', who had a successful career spanning multiple...
![Lev Yashin]()
Lev Yashin (1990)Lev Yashin was a legendary Soviet goalkeeper nicknamed the 'Black Spider', revolutionizing the goalkeeper position in football and widely...
![David Rockefeller]()
David Rockefeller (2017)Prominent American banker and philanthropist from the influential Rockefeller family, who played a significant role in global finance and...
![Malcolm Fraser]()
Malcolm Fraser (2015)Malcolm Fraser was a prominent Australian politician who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1975 to 1983, leading the Liberal Party...
![Polykarp Kusch]()
Polykarp Kusch (1993)Renowned physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1955 for his groundbreaking work on electron magnetic movement.
![Ota Benga]()
Ota Benga (1916)Congolese man who was exhibited as a 'pygmy' at the Bronx Zoo in the early 20th century.
![Jim Stynes]()
Jim Stynes (2012)Renowned Irish-Australian footballer who became a prominent sports figure and humanitarian, known for his significant contributions to...
![James Herbert]()
James Herbert (2013)Renowned British horror and science fiction author whose chilling novels have sold over 40 million copies worldwide, establishing him as a...
![Brendan Behan]()
Brendan Behan (1964)Renowned Irish playwright, IRA member, and writer known for his provocative works exploring Irish nationalism with dark humor, including...
What day of the year is March 20?
March 20th marks the 79th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 80th in case of leap years).
There are 286 days remaining until the end of the year.
March 20th is the 20th day of the month of March.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 20?
The zodiac sign associated with March 20th is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
