April 21: What Happened on This Day in History
April 21st marks the 111th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 112th in case of leap years). There are 254 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on April 21st in history, famous birthdays on April 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to April 21.
What happened on April 21?
Here's what happened on April 21st in history:
- 2023: The ongoing conflict in Sudan escalated with international diplomatic tensions. The Belgian head of the EU humanitarian mission, Wim Fransen, was shot in Khartoum. Multiple countries, including Indonesia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, initiated emergency evacuation protocols for their citizens amid increasing violence and instability.
- 2018: On April 21, 2018, significant developments occurred in the Syrian Civil War, including intensified clashes between Syrian government forces and opposition groups, as well as ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Specific details of these developments are not provided in the available sources. source: aljazeera.com
- 2015: On April 21, 2015, an Egyptian court sentenced former President Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in prison for inciting violence and the killing of protesters in 2012. This ruling was part of a series of trials against Morsi following his ousting in 2013. The verdict was seen as a significant moment in Egypt's ongoing political turmoil. source: bbc.com
- 2012: In April 2012, the United Nations expanded its monitoring mission in Syria to oversee the ceasefire between government forces and opposition groups. The mission aimed to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid, though challenges persisted in achieving lasting peace. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1997: On April 21, 1997, Celestis' Earthview 01: The Founders Flight launched, carrying samples of the remains of 24 people, including notable figures like Gene Roddenberry and Timothy Leary, into Earth orbit. The remains re-entered the atmosphere on May 20, 2002. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1992: Following Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich's death, a dispute arose over the headship of the Russian Imperial Family. His daughter, Maria Vladimirovna, claimed succession based on her father's interpretation of the Romanov family laws, while others, including Nicholas Romanov, contested her claim. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1989: The Nintendo Game Boy was launched in Japan on April 21, 1989. This handheld gaming device became a significant milestone in gaming history, popularizing portable gaming and leading to a series of successful titles and sequels. source: bbc.com
- 1984: On April 21, 1984, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the identification of the virus responsible for AIDS. This discovery was pivotal in understanding and combating the disease. source: cdc.gov
- 1976: On April 21, 1976, testing for a swine flu vaccine began in response to concerns about a potential outbreak. The initiative was part of a public health effort to prevent the spread of the virus following a military base outbreak. source: cdc.gov
- 1970: On April 21, 1970, the Apollo 13 mission faced a critical crisis when an oxygen tank exploded, jeopardizing the lives of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise. The explosion led to a life-threatening situation, but through ingenuity and teamwork, NASA's Mission Control and the crew managed to safely return to Earth. source: reuters.com
What famous birthdays are on April 21?
On April 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Elizabeth II]()
Elizabeth II (1926)Queen Elizabeth II was the Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. She was Britain's longest-reigning monarch and one of the most respected world leaders, celebrating several major milestones throughout her reign. [bio]
![Iggy Pop]()
![Tony Danza]()
Tony Danza (1951)Tony Danza is an American actor, television personality, and former professional boxer, best known for his roles on the sitcoms 'Taxi' and 'Who's the Boss?'. [bio]
![James McAvoy]()
James McAvoy (1979)James McAvoy is a renowned Scottish actor, acclaimed for his versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. He gained prominence for his roles in movies such as 'Atonement,' 'X-Men' series, and 'Split.' [bio]
![Charles Grodin]()
Charles Grodin (1935)Charles Grodin was an American actor, comedian, author, and television talk show host, known for his deadpan delivery and roles in both films and television. He gained fame with performances in movies like 'The Heartbreak Kid,' 'Midnight Run,' and the 'Beethoven' series. [bio]
![Max Weber]()
Max Weber (1864)Max Weber was a German philosopher, sociologist, and political economist, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern sociology. He is best known for his thesis on the relationship between Protestant ethics and the spirit of capitalism and for his conceptualization of bureaucracy in social and economic organizations. [bio]
![Robbie Amell]()
Robbie Amell (1988)Robbie Amell is a Canadian actor and producer, best known for his roles in television series such as 'The Flash' and 'The Tomorrow People,' as well as his appearances in film franchises like 'The Babysitter' and 'Code 8.' [bio]
![Gugu Mbatha-Raw]()
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (1983)Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a British actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She has received critical acclaim for her roles in 'Belle,' 'Beyond the Lights,' and the TV anthology series 'Black Mirror.' [bio]
![James Dobson]()
James Dobson (1936)James Dobson is an American evangelical Christian author, psychologist, and founder of Focus on the Family, a prominent Christian organization. He is recognized for his influential role in conservative Christian activism, particularly regarding family values and social policy in the United States. [bio]
![John Cameron Mitchell]()
John Cameron Mitchell (1963)John Cameron Mitchell is an American actor, playwright, screenwriter, and director, best known for co-creating and starring in the musical 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' as well as directing its film adaptation. He has garnered significant critical acclaim for his work in theater and film, and is recognized for his contributions to LGBTQ+ culture. [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 April 21?
On April 21st the following celebrities died:
![Mark Twain]()
Mark Twain (1910)Mark Twain was a celebrated American author and humorist, famed for his wit, social commentary, and enduring literary works such as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in American literature, noted for his vivid characters and incisive critique of society. [bio]
![Nina Simone]()
Nina Simone (2003)Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist known for her eclectic musical style that blended classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. She was an iconic voice of both artistry and activism for civil rights and social justice. [bio]
![Ursula Jeans]()
Ursula Jeans (1973)Ursula Jeans was a British actress known for her prolific stage, film, and television career, spanning the early 20th century. She was recognized for her roles in both British and American productions, appearing in notable films and collaborating with leading directors and actors of her time. [bio]
![Jean-François Lyotard]()
Jean-François Lyotard (1998)Jean-François Lyotard was a prominent French philosopher and literary theorist celebrated for his influential role in the development of post-structuralism and postmodern philosophy. His seminal work, 'The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge,' profoundly shaped contemporary thought, especially surrounding the legitimacy of knowledge and narratives in postmodern societies. [bio]
![Charles 'Buddy' Rogers]()
![James Melton]()
![Prince (musician)]()
Prince (musician) (2016)Prince was a legendary musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who revolutionized pop, rock, and funk music with his...
![Elisabeth Sladen]()
Elisabeth Sladen (2011)Renowned British actress best known for her iconic role as Sarah Jane Smith in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, spanning multiple...
![Mary McGrory]()
Mary McGrory (2004)Renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered major political events for over five decades, providing critical insights into...
![Sandy Denny]()
Sandy Denny (1978)Influential British folk-rock singer and songwriter, best known for her work with Fairport Convention.
What day of the year is April 21?
April 21st marks the 111th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 112th in case of leap years).
There are 254 days remaining until the end of the year.
April 21st is the 21st day of the month of April.
What day of the week is April 21?
On April 21st, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day April 21?
The zodiac sign associated with April 21st is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
