March 21: What Happened on This Day in History
March 21st marks the 80th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 81st in case of leap years). There are 285 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on March 21st in history, famous birthdays on March 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 21.
What happened on March 21?
Here's what happened on March 21st in history:
- 2013: On March 21, 2013, a suicide bombing at the Iman Mosque in Damascus, Syria, killed at least 42 people, including prominent Sunni cleric Sheikh Mohammed Said Ramadan al-Bouti, and injured 84 others. The attack was condemned by the UN Security Council, which reaffirmed its determination to combat all forms of terrorism. source: press.un.org
- 2008: A significant earthquake strikes the Xinjiang region of China, causing widespread damage and casualties. The quake raises concerns about the region's preparedness for natural disasters and the response of local authorities. source: reuters.com
- 2006: On March 21, 2006, Twitter, originally known as Odeo, was founded by Jack Dorsey and his team. The platform would go on to revolutionize social media and communication worldwide. source: bbc.com
- 1990: Namibia officially gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, following a long struggle for liberation. The transition was marked by the establishment of a democratic government and the adoption of a new constitution. This event is celebrated annually as Independence Day in Namibia. source: britannica.com
- 1987: Robert Preston, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Music Man' and 'Victor/Victoria,' passed away on March 21, 1987. His career spanned several decades, earning him recognition on both stage and screen. Preston's performances were celebrated for their charisma and depth, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
- 1986: On March 21, 1986, Debi Thomas made history by becoming the first African-American to win the Women's World Figure Skating Championship in Geneva, Switzerland. This achievement followed her earlier victory at the U.S. National Championships in February 1986, where she became the first African-American to win a non-novice title. Thomas's groundbreaking performances in 1986 earned her the ABC's Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year award. source: latimes.com
- 1983: On March 21, 1983, a series of fainting incidents began at a girls' secondary school in Arrabah, West Bank, affecting 66 schoolgirls. Over the following weeks, similar cases were reported, leading to 943 hospitalizations. Investigations concluded that the epidemic was primarily a mass psychogenic illness, with psychological factors playing a significant role. Both Israeli and Palestinian authorities initially accused each other of causing the illness through chemical means, but later accepted the findings of mass hysteria as the cause. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1978: On March 21, 1978, Chiang Ching-kuo was elected as the president of Taiwan. His presidency marked a pivotal moment in Taiwan's political landscape, influencing its relations with China and the international community. source: bbc.com
- 1977: On March 21, 1977, following a significant electoral defeat, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lifted the state of emergency she had imposed in 1975. This decision restored civil liberties and ended the 21-month period of authoritarian rule. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1975: On March 21, 1975, Ethiopia officially ended its monarchy, leading to the establishment of a socialist state under the Derg, a military junta. This marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, resulting in widespread land reforms and nationalization of industries. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on March 21?
On March 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Ayrton Senna]()
Ayrton Senna (1960)Ayrton Senna was a legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of motorsport. With three Formula One World Championships for McLaren in 1988, 1990, and 1991, Senna became renowned for his exceptional skill, particularly in wet conditions, his aggressive and charismatic driving style, and his intense rivalry with Alain Prost. … [bio]
![Gary Oldman]()
Gary Oldman (1958)Gary Oldman is an acclaimed English actor and filmmaker, known for his transformative performances and versatility across a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. [bio]
![Matthew Broderick]()
Matthew Broderick (1962)Matthew Broderick is an American actor known for his roles in both film and theater, most notably for starring as Ferris in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and voicing Simba in 'The Lion King'. He has had a prolific career in both comedic and dramatic roles. [bio]
![Rosie O'Donnell]()
Rosie O'Donnell (1962)Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, author, and television personality, widely known for her stand-up comedy, roles in film and television, and as the host of 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show.' She has also gained acclaim as a Broadway actress and for her outspoken activism on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and adoption. [bio]
![Timothy Dalton]()
Timothy Dalton (1946)Timothy Dalton is a Welsh actor best known for playing James Bond in 'The Living Daylights' (1987) and 'Licence to Kill' (1989). He has had a distinguished career across film, television, and stage, earning recognition for his intense and nuanced performances. [bio]
![Suraj Sharma]()
Suraj Sharma (1993)Suraj Sharma is an Indian actor best known for his breakout role as Pi Patel in the Academy Award-winning film 'Life of Pi' (2012). He has since appeared in several international projects in film and television. [bio]
![Murray Bartlett]()
Murray Bartlett (1971)Murray Bartlett is an Australian actor best known for his roles in acclaimed television series such as 'Looking', 'Tales of the City', and HBO's 'The White Lotus', for which he received critical praise and won a Primetime Emmy Award. [bio]
![Sonequa Martin-Green]()
Sonequa Martin-Green (1985)Sonequa Martin-Green is an American actress and producer best known for her lead role as Michael Burnham on 'Star Trek: Discovery' and for her performances on 'The Walking Dead'. She has been acclaimed for her strong, memorable presence in science fiction television. [bio]
![Eddie Money]()
Eddie Money (1949)Eddie Money was an American rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for a string of Top 40 hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s such as "Two Tickets to Paradise," "Baby Hold On," "Take Me Home Tonight," and "Shakin'." [bio]
![Scott Eastwood]()
Scott Eastwood (1986)Scott Eastwood is an American actor and model, known for his roles in films such as 'The Longest Ride', 'Suicide Squad', and 'Pacific Rim: Uprising'. He is the son of renowned actor-director Clint Eastwood. [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 21?
On March 21st the following celebrities died:
![Ernie Wise]()
Ernie Wise (1999)Ernie Wise was an English comedian best known as one half of the comic double act Morecambe and Wise, alongside Eric Morecambe. Their partnership became one of the most beloved and enduring acts in British television history. [bio]
![Michael Redgrave]()
Michael Redgrave (1985)Michael Redgrave was an acclaimed English stage and film actor, director, and writer. Renowned for his performances with the Old Vic and Royal Shakespeare Company, he was also a prominent film star in British cinema from the 1930s through the 1970s. [bio]
![Ludmilla Tchérina]()
Ludmilla Tchérina (2004)Ludmilla Tchérina was a French prima ballerina, choreographer, actress, and painter known for her extraordinary stage presence and versatility within the world of ballet and the performing arts. She gained international fame for her roles with the Ballets Russes and performances in major ballet companies, as well as notable appearances in classic ballet-themed films. [bio]
![Macdonald Carey]()
Macdonald Carey (1994)Macdonald Carey was an American actor best known for his long-running role as Dr. Tom Horton on the soap opera 'Days of Our Lives.' He was active in both film and television from the 1940s through the 1990s. [bio]
![Lili Damita]()
Lili Damita (1994)Lili Damita was a French-American actress best known for her roles in European and American films in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as for being the first wife of actor Errol Flynn. [bio]
![Dack Rambo]()
Dack Rambo (1994)Dack Rambo was an American actor best known for his roles in television series of the 1970s and 1980s, most notably as Jack Ewing on the popular TV show 'Dallas.' [bio]
![Alberta Watson]()
Alberta Watson (2015)Alberta Watson was a Canadian film and television actress best known for her roles in the TV series 'La Femme Nikita' and '24', as well as in the films 'Spanking the Monkey' and 'The Sweet Hereafter'. She was admired for her versatility, intensity, and strong screen presence, earning recognition both in Canada and internationally. [bio]
![Lilyan Tashman]()
Lilyan Tashman (1934)Lilyan Tashman was an American stage and film actress, best known for her work in the 1920s and early 1930s. She appeared in both vaudeville and Broadway productions before making a successful transition to silent films and early talkies. Renowned for her wit, sophistication, and fashion sense, Tashman was a prominent figure in Hollywood's social scene. [bio]
![Andrew Grove]()
Andrew Grove (2016)Andrew Grove was a Hungarian-American engineer, businessman, and author best known for his leadership at Intel Corporation, where he served as the company's third employee, later becoming President, CEO, and Chairman. Grove played an instrumental role in transforming Intel into the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors and a driving force behind the personal computer revolution. Known for his sharp management … [bio]
![Galina Ulanova]()
Galina Ulanova (1998)Legendary Russian prima ballerina assoluta who revolutionized ballet in the 20th century, considered one of the greatest dancers of her...
What day of the year is March 21?
March 21st marks the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 81st in case of leap years).
There are 285 days remaining until the end of the year.
March 21st is the 21st day of the month of March.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 21?
The zodiac sign associated with March 21st is Aries according to the Western Zodiac.
