January 21: What Happened on This Day in History
January 21st marks the 21st day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 344 days (345 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 21st in history, famous birthdays on January 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 21.
What happened on January 21?
Here's what happened on January 21st in history:
- 2022: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a critical diplomatic meeting in Geneva to discuss the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine, attempting to prevent potential military conflict through high-level diplomatic negotiations.
- 2020: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially announced the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (later known as COVID-19) in the United States, specifically in Snohomish County, Washington. This marked the beginning of the pandemic's spread in the United States, which would dramatically transform global health and society in the following months.
- 2019: The United States observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader's birthday. Various events and ceremonies took place nationwide to commemorate his legacy. source: weather.gov
- 2007: On January 21, 2007, Serbia held its first parliamentary elections since declaring independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. The Serbian Radical Party (SRS) emerged as the largest party, winning 28.7% of the vote and 81 seats in the 250-member National Assembly. The Democratic Party (DS) and the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) followed, securing 22.9% and 16.7% of the vote, respectively. source: robert-schuman.eu
- 2001: On January 21, 2001, President Bill Clinton granted a full pardon to Patricia Hearst, who had been convicted in 1976 for bank robbery and other crimes committed during her kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The pardon was part of a series of clemencies issued by Clinton in his final days in office.
- 1993: On January 21, 1993, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti was arrested during a controversial incident involving his political activism and music. His arrest sparked widespread protests and discussions about freedom of expression in Nigeria. source: bbc.com
- 1979: On January 21, 1979, Neptune was confirmed as the outermost planet in our solar system after the discovery of Pluto's small size and its reclassification as a dwarf planet. This marked a significant change in our understanding of the solar system's structure. Neptune, discovered in 1846, is the eighth planet from the Sun and is known for its striking blue color and strong winds. source: solarsystem.nasa.gov
- 1973: On January 21, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. The ruling was based on the right to privacy and has since been a focal point in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights in the United States. This decision significantly impacted American law and society. source: oyez.org
- 1972: On January 21, 1972, India granted full statehood to Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, elevating them from Union Territories to full-fledged states. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1971: On January 21, 1971, Carl Albert was elected as the 46th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, succeeding John W. McCormack. Albert, a Democrat from Oklahoma, served as Speaker from 1971 to 1977. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on January 21?
On January 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Placido Domingo]()
Placido Domingo (1936)Plácido Domingo is a world-renowned Spanish opera singer, conductor, and arts administrator, celebrated as one of the most prominent and versatile tenors in classical music history. Over his multi-decade career, he has performed more than 150 different roles, a record for a tenor, and has also gained international fame as a conductor and as a member of the legendary 'Three … [bio]
![Paul Allen]()
Paul Allen (1953)Paul Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation alongside Bill Gates. He played a significant role in the development of the personal computing revolution before becoming an influential investor and philanthropist. [bio]
![Geena Davis]()
Geena Davis (1956)Geena Davis is an American actress and producer known for her roles in both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. She is a recipient of an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and is recognized for her advocacy on issues of gender in media. [bio]
![Emma Bunton]()
Emma Bunton (1976)Emma Bunton is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and radio presenter, best known as a member of the iconic pop group Spice Girls, where she was nicknamed 'Baby Spice.' She has also enjoyed a solo music career and appeared on television and radio. [bio]
![Sushant Singh Rajput]()
Sushant Singh Rajput (1986)Sushant Singh Rajput was an Indian actor best known for his work in Hindi cinema. He rose to fame with his roles in popular television and film projects, gaining acclaim for his versatility and talent. [bio]
![Billy Ocean]()
Billy Ocean (1950)Billy Ocean is a Trinidadian-British recording artist recognized for his soulful voice and a string of international pop hits in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for chart-topping singles such as 'Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)' and 'When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going.' His unique blend of R&B, pop, and dance music … [bio]
![Benny Hill]()
Benny Hill (1924)Benny Hill was a renowned British comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his long-running television program 'The Benny Hill Show'. His slapstick humor, sight gags, and innuendo-laden comedy routines made him an international star. [bio]
![Christian Dior]()
Christian Dior (1905)Christian Dior was a legendary French fashion designer, best known for founding the House of Dior and revolutionizing 20th-century fashion with the launch of his 'New Look' in 1947. His elegant and innovative designs brought a new era of glamour and femininity to post-war fashion and established Dior as a leading global brand. [bio]
![Telly Savalas]()
Telly Savalas (1922)Telly Savalas was an American actor and singer best known for his role as the bald, lollipop-sucking police detective Theo Kojak in the television series 'Kojak', which aired from 1973 to 1978. He was also recognized for his performances in films such as 'The Dirty Dozen' (1967) and 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' (1969), establishing himself as a prominent figure … [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 January 21?
On January 21st the following celebrities died:
![George Orwell]()
George Orwell (1950)George Orwell was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his dystopian social commentary in novels such as '1984' and 'Animal Farm.' His work addressed themes of totalitarianism, social injustice, and opposition to authoritarian regimes. [bio]
![Peggy Lee]()
![Jackie Wilson]()
Jackie Wilson (1984)Jackie Wilson was an American singer and performer renowned for his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. Dubbed 'Mr. Excitement,' Wilson played a key role in transforming rhythm and blues (R&B) into soul, influencing generations of artists. His dynamic vocal range and energetic dancing made him a standout figure in music during the late 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
![Terry Jones]()
Terry Jones (2020)Terry Jones was a Welsh comedian, writer, actor, film director, and historian best known as a founding member of the influential comedy troupe Monty Python. With a career spanning television, film, and literature, he played a pivotal role in the creation, writing, and performance of Monty Python's Flying Circus and co-directed the iconic films Monty Python and the Holy Grail … [bio]
![Ann Sheridan]()
Ann Sheridan (1967)Ann Sheridan was an American actress renowned for her roles in the 1930s and 1940s Hollywood films. She gained fame as 'The Oomph Girl,' admired for her beauty, wit, and talent. Sheridan starred in notable movies such as 'Angels with Dirty Faces,' 'They Drive by Night,' and 'Kings Row.' [bio]
![Jack Lord]()
Jack Lord (1998)Jack Lord was an American actor, best known for his role as Steve McGarrett in the long-running television series 'Hawaii Five-O.' In addition to his acting career, he was also a director and producer, and became a television icon for his authoritative and memorable performances. [bio]
![Kaye Ballard]()
Kaye Ballard (2019)Kaye Ballard was an American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her work on stage, film, and television. Renowned for her comedic timing and dynamic stage presence, Ballard made significant contributions to the entertainment industry over her decades-long career. [bio]
![Geeta Bali]()
Geeta Bali (1965)Geeta Bali was a popular Indian film actress known for her spirited performances in Hindi cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. She became famous for her expressive acting and vivacious dance numbers, frequently appearing in both dramatic and comedic roles. [bio]
![Joseph Schildkraut]()
Joseph Schildkraut (1964)Joseph Schildkraut was an Austrian-American actor renowned for his work on stage and screen, notably winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Life of Emile Zola' (1937). He had a distinguished career in both Europe and the United States, transitioning from silent films to talkies and television. [bio]
![Marie Prevost]()
Marie Prevost (1937)Marie Prevost was a Canadian-born American film actress who was a prominent star in silent films during the 1920s, known for her comedic roles, charismatic screen presence, and contributions to the scree's transition from silent to early sound films. [bio]
What day of the year is January 21?
January 21st marks the 21st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 344 days remaining until the end of the year (or 345 days in case of leap years).
January 21st is the 21st day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 21?
The zodiac sign associated with January 21st is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
