October 21: What Happened on This Day in History
October 21st marks the 294th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 295th in case of leap years). There are 71 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 21st in history, famous birthdays on October 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 21.
What happened on October 21?
Here's what happened on October 21st in history:
- 2022: Ukraine confronted a critical energy emergency following extensive Russian infrastructure attacks, leading to nationwide power and heat shortages. Ukrainian authorities implemented electricity supply limitations between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- 2017: In the 2017 Czech legislative election, Andrej Babis' ANO movement won a substantial plurality of seats in the Chamber of Deputies but failed to secure a majority. The Civic Democratic Party and Czech Pirate Party also emerged as significant political forces.
- 2016: On October 21, 2016, ISIL militants launched coordinated attacks in Kirkuk, Iraq, targeting government buildings, police stations, and a power station. The assault resulted in at least 18 security personnel and workers killed, with eight ISIL fighters also killed. The attackers infiltrated the city in groups, leading to gun battles and explosions throughout the day. A curfew was imposed, and airstrikes were conducted to restore order. source: washingtonpost.com
- 2009: In a historic political moment, President Litokwa Tomeing was defeated in the country's first-ever vote of no confidence. Ruben Zackhras became acting president, with a new election scheduled for October 23, 2009.
- 2005: On October 21, 2005, a UN investigator revealed findings implicating Syrian and Lebanese officials in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, leading to international condemnation. source: un.org
- 1980: On October 21, 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies secured their first World Series championship by defeating the Kansas City Royals 4-1 in Game 6. The game was held at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, with Steve Carlton pitching seven innings and Mike Schmidt contributing a two-run single in the third inning. Tug McGraw closed the game by striking out Willie Wilson with the bases loaded in the ninth inning. source: apnews.com
- 1979: On October 21, 1979, Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan resigned, citing disagreements with Prime Minister Menachem Begin's policies on Palestinian autonomy negotiations. Dayan felt sidelined in the talks and reduced to handling minor foreign policy matters. His resignation raised questions about the future of Middle East peace negotiations and Israel's foreign policy direction. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1974: On October 21, 1974, the New York Islanders achieved their first shutout victory, defeating the Washington Capitals 5-0. source: kpolsson.com
- 1971: On October 21, 1971, President Richard Nixon nominated Lewis F. Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the U.S. Supreme Court. These nominations were significant in shaping the Court's direction in the following decades. source: britannica.com
- 1969: Willy Brandt was elected Chancellor of West Germany on October 21, 1969. His leadership was notable for its focus on social reforms and improving relations with East Germany. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on October 21?
On October 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Snoop Dogg]()
Snoop Dogg (1971)Snoop Dogg is a legendary rapper, actor, and media personality who has played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing West Coast hip-hop. Known for his distinctive laid-back style and smooth flow, he has influenced generations of artists and remains a prominent figure in entertainment. [bio]
![Carrie Fisher]()
Carrie Fisher (1956)Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and comedian, best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. Beyond her acting, Fisher was also a successful author and advocate for mental health awareness. [bio]
![Glen Powell]()
Glen Powell (1988)Glen Powell is an American actor, producer, and writer best known for his roles in blockbuster films such as 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Hidden Figures.' He has established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary Hollywood with a growing list of acclaimed performances. [bio]
![Andrew Scott]()
Andrew Scott (1976)Andrew Scott is an acclaimed Irish actor known for his versatile roles in television, film, and stage. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the BBC series 'Sherlock' and 'The Hot Priest' in 'Fleabag.' Scott has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for his performances across different media. [bio]
![Ken Watanabe]()
Ken Watanabe (1959)Ken Watanabe is a Japanese actor acclaimed internationally for his performances in both Japanese cinema and Hollywood. Best known for roles in films such as "The Last Samurai," "Inception," and "Godzilla," Watanabe has established himself as one of the most prominent Asian actors in the global film industry. [bio]
![Shammi Kapoor]()
Shammi Kapoor (1931)Shammi Kapoor was a legendary Indian film actor and director who was a prominent figure in Hindi cinema from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Known as the 'Elvis Presley of India' for his vibrant energy and unique dancing style, he played a pivotal role in changing the image of the Hindi film hero, making him more youthful, free-spirited, and … [bio]
![Mandy Rice-Davies]()
Mandy Rice-Davies (1944)Mandy Rice-Davies was a British model and showgirl who gained notoriety as one of the central figures in the 1963 Profumo affair, a major political scandal in the United Kingdom. She became famous for her involvement with high-profile men and for her witticism during the trial, which became legendary. [bio]
![Aaron Tveit]()
Aaron Tveit (1983)Aaron Tveit is an American actor and singer, known for his versatile performances on Broadway, television, and film. He gained prominence for his roles in stage musicals such as 'Next to Normal,' 'Catch Me If You Can,' and his Tony-winning performance in 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical.' Tveit has also appeared in television series including 'Graceland' and 'Braindead,' and in the … [bio]
![Leonard Rossiter]()
Leonard Rossiter (1926)Leonard Rossiter was an English actor best known for his comedic roles in British television and film during the 1970s and 1980s. He is particularly remembered for starring as Rupert Rigsby in 'Rising Damp' and Reginald Perrin in 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.' His deadpan delivery and distinctive presence made him one of Britain’s beloved comic performers. [bio]
![Louis Koo]()
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 October 21?
On October 21st the following celebrities died:
![Maxene Andrews]()
Maxene Andrews (1995)Maxene Andrews was an American singer and a member of the world-renowned Andrews Sisters, a vocal trio famous for their close harmonies and major impact on the swing and boogie-woogie eras of popular music. [bio]
![Marie McDonald]()
![Jack Kerouac]()
Jack Kerouac (1969)Iconic Beat Generation writer who revolutionized American literature with spontaneous prose style.
![Bobby Charlton]()
Bobby Charlton (2023)Legendary English footballer who was a key member of the 1966 World Cup-winning England national team and Manchester United icon.
![Ben Bradlee]()
Ben Bradlee (2014)Ben Bradlee was a legendary American journalist who served as executive editor of The Washington Post during the pivotal Watergate scandal.
![Elliott Smith]()
Elliott Smith (2003)Elliott Smith was an influential indie rock singer-songwriter who gained critical acclaim for his deeply personal and melancholic music,...
![George McGovern]()
![Jim Garrison]()
![Gough Whitlam]()
Gough Whitlam (2014)Prominent Australian politician who served as the 21st Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975, known for significant progressive...
![Dan White]()
Dan White (1985)Infamous San Francisco city employee who assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978, sparking significant...
What day of the year is October 21?
October 21st marks the 294th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 295th in case of leap years).
There are 71 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 21st is the 21st day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 21?
On October 21st, 2026 the day of the week is Wednesday.
| October | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
What zodiac sign is associated with the day October 21?
The zodiac sign associated with October 21st is Libra according to the Western Zodiac.
