July 21: What Happened on This Day in History

21July

July 21st marks the 202nd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 203rd in case of leap years). There are 163 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on July 21st in history, famous birthdays on July 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to July 21.

history

What happened on July 21?

Here's what happened on July 21st in history:


  • 2021: In July 2021, the Taliban launched a major military offensive across Afghanistan, rapidly gaining control of approximately 50% of the country's districts. This aggressive campaign coincided with the imminent withdrawal of foreign military forces, particularly U.S. and NATO troops, creating a critical turning point in Afghanistan's long-standing conflict. The Taliban's strategic advances signaled an impending shift in the country's political and territorial control, setting the stage for a significant geopolitical transformation.
  • 2014: On July 21, 2014, an international investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 commenced, coinciding with renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine. The investigation faced significant challenges due to the conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 2011: On July 21, 2011, NASA officially concluded its Space Shuttle program with the landing of Atlantis. This marked the end of an era in human spaceflight, having launched numerous missions since 1981. source: nasa.gov
  • 2004: Edward B. Lewis, an American developmental geneticist and Nobel laureate, passed away on July 21, 2004, in Pasadena, California. He was renowned for his groundbreaking research on the genetic control of early embryonic development in fruit flies, which had profound implications for understanding human genetics. source: britannica.com
  • 2002: WorldCom Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing $107 billion in assets and $41 billion in debt, marking the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history at that time. source: money.cnn.com
  • 1999: On July 21, 1999, a tragic diving accident occurred in the Deer Island Outfall Tunnel in Massachusetts, resulting in the death of a diver. The incident raised concerns about safety protocols in underwater construction projects. source: boston.com
  • 1995: The Third Taiwan Strait Crisis began on July 21, 1995, marked by heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. This crisis involved military maneuvers and political posturing, significantly impacting cross-strait relations. source: bbc.com
  • 1988: Michael Dukakis formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on July 21, 1988, during the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. His acceptance speech was a key moment in his campaign. source: nytimes.com
  • 1985: On July 21, 1985, Christa McAuliffe was selected as the first teacher in space by NASA. She was chosen from over 11,000 applicants to participate in the STS-51-L mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. McAuliffe's selection aimed to inspire students and promote education in science and technology. source: nasa.gov
  • 1981: In the third Ashes Test at Headingley, England achieved a remarkable 18-run victory over Australia. After following on and facing a daunting target of 130 runs, England's Ian Botham played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 149 runs. In response, Bob Willis delivered an inspired bowling performance, taking 8 wickets for 43 runs, leading to Australia's collapse and England's victory. source: independent.co.uk
Discover all events on July 21 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on July 21?

On July 21st there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Robin Williams
    Robin Williams (1951)

    Robin Williams was a celebrated American comedian and actor renowned for his improvisational skills, rapid-fire humor, and emotive acting. He gained national attention as the alien Mork in the sitcom 'Mork & Mindy' and became well known for both his comedic and dramatic roles, earning multiple accolades including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. [bio]

  • Don Knotts
    Don Knotts (1924)

    Don Knotts was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on the television sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show.' His distinctive comedic talent and nervous persona made him one of the most recognizable character actors on American television. [bio]

  • Romeo Santos
    Romeo Santos (1981)

    Romeo Santos is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist of the bachata group Aventura and for his successful solo career spreading Latin music globally. [bio]

  • Charlotte Gainsbourg
    Charlotte Gainsbourg (1971)

    Charlotte Gainsbourg is a French-British actress and singer known for her eclectic performances in both European and international cinema, as well as for her music career. She is the daughter of English actress Jane Birkin and French musician Serge Gainsbourg. [bio]

  • Rebecca Ferguson
    Rebecca Ferguson (1986)

    Rebecca Ferguson is a Swedish actress and producer, internationally recognized for her roles in both television and major Hollywood films. She became widely known for her performance in the television miniseries 'The White Queen,' for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, and later achieved global fame through roles in the 'Mission: Impossible' film series. [bio]

  • Jon Lovitz
    Jon Lovitz (1957)

    Jon Lovitz is an American comedian, actor, and singer, best known for being a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' from 1985 to 1990 and for his numerous roles in film, television, and voice acting. [bio]

  • Juno Temple
    Juno Temple (1989)

    Juno Temple is an English actress known for her wide-ranging roles in both independent films and major studio productions. She achieved widespread recognition for her performance in the Apple TV+ series 'Ted Lasso,' for which she received multiple award nominations. [bio]

  • Edward Herrmann
    Edward Herrmann (1943)

    Edward Herrmann was an American actor and narrator, best known for his work in film, television, and theater. He was recognized for his distinct voice and portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as roles in popular series and movies. [bio]

  • Josh Hartnett
    Josh Hartnett (1978)

    Josh Hartnett is an American actor and producer who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, starring in several successful films. He is recognized for roles in movies such as 'Pearl Harbor,' 'Black Hawk Down,' and '30 Days of Night.' [bio]

  • Mollie Sugden
    Mollie Sugden (1922)

    Mollie Sugden was an English actress best known for her comedic role as Mrs. Slocombe in the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" Her performances were marked by impeccable comic timing and became iconic within British television comedy. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on July 21

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RIP

Who died on July 21?

On July 21st the following celebrities died:


  • John Heard
    John Heard (2017)

    John Heard was an American actor best known for his roles in films such as 'Home Alone' and 'Big.' He had a prolific career in both film and television spanning several decades. [bio]

  • Basil Rathbone
    Basil Rathbone (1967)

    Basil Rathbone was an English actor, widely recognized for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in 14 Hollywood films from 1939 to 1946 and in a radio series. He was also noted for his roles as a suave villain in many films and was an accomplished Shakespearean stage performer. [bio]

  • Angharad Rees
    Angharad Rees (2012)

    Angharad Rees was a Welsh actress best known for her leading role as Demelza in the BBC television drama series 'Poldark' (1975–1977). [bio]

  • Herb Edelman
    Herb Edelman (1996)

    Herb Edelman was an American actor best known for his work in television and film, particularly for his roles in 'The Odd Couple' and 'The Golden Girls.' [bio]

  • Tony Bennett
    Tony Bennett (2023)

    Legendary American singer who defined jazz and pop standards for decades, winning multiple Grammy Awards and known for his timeless hits.

  • Alan Shepard
    Alan Shepard (1998)

    Pioneering American astronaut who was the first American in space and later walked on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission.

  • Jimmie Foxx
    Jimmie Foxx (1967)

    Legendary Hall of Fame baseball player renowned for his exceptional hitting power and considered one of the greatest first basemen in...

  • Arshile Gorky
    Arshile Gorky (1948)

    Arshile Gorky was a pioneering Armenian-American abstract expressionist painter who significantly influenced modern art.

  • Claus von Stauffenberg
    Claus von Stauffenberg (1944)

    German military officer who led the most significant internal resistance attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II.

  • Jerry Goldsmith
    Jerry Goldsmith (2004)

    Renowned American film composer who created iconic musical scores for numerous movies and TV shows, including Star Trek and Planet of the...

  • More famous people died on July 21

calendar

What day of the year is July 21?


July 21st marks the 202nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 203rd in case of leap years).

There are 163 days remaining until the end of the year.

July 21st is the 21st day of the month of July.

What day of the week is July 21?

On July 21st, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.

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Holidays and Observances on July 21

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day July 21?