February 22: What Happened on This Day in History
February 22nd marks the 53rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 312 days (313 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 22nd in history, famous birthdays on February 22nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 22.
What happened on February 22?
Here's what happened on February 22nd in history:
- 2021: On February 22, 2021, the United States reached a devastating milestone as the COVID-19 pandemic death toll surpassed 500,000 lives lost. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a solemn candle-lighting ceremony outside the White House to commemorate the immense human tragedy. During the ceremony, they emphasized the importance of remembering each life lost and urged the nation not to become desensitized to the profound grief and suffering caused by the pandemic.
- 2014: On February 22, 2014, the Ukrainian parliament voted to expel President Viktor Yanukovych from office amid ongoing protests and violence. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian Revolution of 2014. source: bbc.com
- 2011: On February 22, 2011, a devastating earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The 6.3 magnitude quake caused widespread destruction, particularly in the central business district, and resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in New Zealand's history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2004: A suicide bombing in Jerusalem on February 22, 2004, resulted in multiple casualties and heightened tensions in the region. The attack was attributed to militant groups and drew widespread condemnation. source: bbc.com
- 2002: On February 22, 2002, a military helicopter crashed in the Philippines, resulting in casualties. The incident raised concerns about military operations and safety protocols in the region. source: reuters.com
- 1999: Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr, a prominent Shia cleric in Iraq, was assassinated on February 22, 1999. His death had significant implications for Shia politics in Iraq and contributed to the rise of his son, Muqtada al-Sadr, in the political landscape. source: bbc.com
- 1998: On February 22, 1998, Iraq announced its agreement to lift the ban on arms inspections imposed by the United Nations. This decision was significant in the context of international relations and security concerns regarding Iraq's weapons program. source: un.org
- 1995: On February 22, 1995, the U.S. government declassified information about the Corona satellite program, which was the first series of reconnaissance satellites used during the Cold War. This program provided critical intelligence and marked a significant advancement in satellite technology. source: cia.gov
- 1988: On February 22, 1988, during the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Bonnie Blair set a new world record in the women's 500-meter speed skating event with a time of 39.10 seconds, surpassing Christa Rothenburger's previous record of 39.12 seconds. Blair's victory marked the first Olympic gold medal in speed skating for an American woman since 1976. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1981: On February 22, 1981, Amy Alcott secured victory at the Bent Tree Ladies Golf Classic in Sarasota, Florida, finishing with a score of 276 (−12). This win marked her 14th LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on February 22?
On February 22nd there are the following famous birthdays:
![George Washington]()
George Washington (1732)George Washington was an American statesman, military leader, and the first President of the United States (1789–1797). He is often called the 'Father of His Country' for his pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Washington also served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787. [bio]
![Drew Barrymore]()
Drew Barrymore (1975)Drew Barrymore is an acclaimed American actress, producer, director, and talk show host. She rose to fame as a child actress with her role in 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' (1982) and has since built a diverse career in both film and television. Barrymore is known for her work in romantic comedies, as well as her candid openness about her personal life … [bio]
![Robert Baden-Powell]()
Robert Baden-Powell (1857)Robert Baden-Powell was a British Army officer, writer, and founder of the worldwide Scouting movement. He is best known for establishing the Boy Scouts in 1907 and later the Girl Guides with his sister Agnes Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell's pioneering work in youth development has had a lasting influence globally. [bio]
![Julie Walters]()
Julie Walters (1950)Julie Walters is an acclaimed English actress, author, and comedienne known for her extensive work in film, television, and theatre. She has received multiple BAFTA awards and is recognized for her roles in 'Educating Rita', 'Billy Elliot', and the 'Harry Potter' series. [bio]
![Bruce Forsyth]()
Bruce Forsyth (1928)Bruce Forsyth was a legendary British television presenter, entertainer, actor, singer, and dancer, known for his long-spanning career in show business. He became one of the most recognizable and celebrated personalities on British TV, hosting a string of successful variety and game shows over more than 70 years. [bio]
![Lea Salonga]()
Lea Salonga (1971)Lea Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress acclaimed for her roles in musical theatre, particularly for originating the role of Kim in 'Miss Saigon' on both West End and Broadway. She is also known for being the singing voice of two Disney Princesses: Jasmine in 'Aladdin' and Mulan in 'Mulan' and its sequel. [bio]
![Kyle MacLachlan]()
Kyle MacLachlan (1959)Kyle MacLachlan is an American actor, best known for his roles in David Lynch’s works such as "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet," as well as television series like "Desperate Housewives" and "Portlandia." [bio]
![Jonathan Demme]()
Jonathan Demme (1944)Jonathan Demme was an acclaimed American director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his versatile work in film, notably the Academy Award-winning 'The Silence of the Lambs.' [bio]
![Rachel Dratch]()
Rachel Dratch (1966)Rachel Dratch is an American actress, comedian, and writer, best known for her work as a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' from 1999 to 2006. She is recognized for her comedic versatility and memorable characters. [bio]
![Marguerite Clark]()
Marguerite Clark (1883)Marguerite Clark was a prominent American stage and silent film actress, particularly popular in the early 20th century. She was renowned for her youthful appearance and starred in numerous Broadway productions and silent films. [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 February 22?
On February 22nd the following celebrities died:
![Andy Warhol]()
Andy Warhol (1987)Andy Warhol was a pioneering American artist and filmmaker, best known as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. He gained international fame for his innovative works featuring celebrities, iconic brands, and everyday consumer products, most notably his silkscreen paintings of Campbell's soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. His work challenged traditional notions of art and mass culture, profoundly influencing … [bio]
![Ed Flanders]()
Ed Flanders (1995)Ed Flanders was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Donald Westphall on the television series 'St. Elsewhere,' for which he won an Emmy Award. His career spanned television, film, and stage, and he was renowned for his powerful and nuanced performances. [bio]
![Simone Simon]()
Simone Simon (2005)Simone Simon was a French film actress best known for her roles in 1930s and 1940s cinema, including the classic horror film 'Cat People' (1942). Her career spanned both European and American films, with performances marked by her distinctive look and enigmatic presence. [bio]
![Efrem Zimbalist]()
Efrem Zimbalist (1985)Efrem Zimbalist was a renowned Russian-born American violinist, composer, and conductor, celebrated for his virtuosic technique and significant contributions to classical music in the 20th century. [bio]
![Morgan Woodward]()
![Joan Woodbury]()
![Edith Barrett]()
![Charles Lyell]()
Charles Lyell (1875)Charles Lyell was a Scottish geologist who is best known as the author of the famous book 'Principles of Geology', which presented the...
![Daniel Pearl]()
Daniel Pearl (2002)American journalist tragically kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002, becoming a symbol of press freedom and journalistic courage...
![Oskar Kokoschka]()
Oskar Kokoschka (1980)An Austrian expressionist painter and poet, known for his intense, psychologically charged portraits and landscapes.
What day of the year is February 22?
February 22nd marks the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 312 days remaining until the end of the year (or 313 days in case of leap years).
February 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 22?
The zodiac sign associated with February 22nd is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
