July 22: What Happened on This Day in History
July 22nd marks the 203rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 204th in case of leap years). There are 162 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on July 22nd in history, famous birthdays on July 22nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to July 22.
What happened on July 22?
Here's what happened on July 22nd in history:
- 2021: On July 22, 2021, a devastating attack occurred in the Spin Boldak District of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, where gunmen killed at least 100 people, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region during the final stages of U.S. troop withdrawal.
- 2014: On July 22, 2014, authorities began the process of identifying victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. International teams worked to recover and identify the remains of the 298 passengers and crew members. source: dw.com
- 2011: On July 22, 2011, Norway experienced twin terror attacks, including a bombing in Oslo and a mass shooting at a Workers' Youth League camp on Utøya island. The attacks were carried out by Anders Behring Breivik, resulting in 77 deaths and numerous injuries, marking one of the deadliest days in modern Norwegian history. source: bbc.com
- 2004: On July 22, 2004, the bipartisan 9/11 Commission released its final report, detailing the events leading up to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and providing recommendations to prevent future attacks.
- 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 22, 1999, the Chinese government initiated a nationwide crackdown on the Falun Gong spiritual movement. This marked the beginning of a severe and ongoing campaign against practitioners, leading to widespread human rights abuses. source: hrw.org
- 1998: Hermann Prey, a celebrated German baritone known for his performances in opera and lieder, passed away on July 22, 1998. His contributions to the world of classical music were significant, and he was recognized for his versatility and artistry. source: nytimes.com
- 1995: The Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-70 mission concluded on July 22, 1995, after an eight-day journey. The mission's primary objective was to deploy the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-G (TDRS-G). The crew included Commander Terence T. Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, Donald A. Thomas, and Mary Ellen Weber. The mission lasted 8 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes, with a total of 143 orbits completed. source: nasa.gov
- 1988: More than 500 scientists, including several Nobel laureates, announced their refusal to participate in U.S. military biological research, citing concerns over a potential biological arms race and the ethical implications of such work. source: upi.com
- 1981: On July 22, 1981, Turkish national Mehmet Ali Agca was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in Italy for attempting to assassinate Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981, in St. Peter's Square. Agca admitted to the shooting but refused to accept the jurisdiction of the Italian court, stating he was a foreign national who committed the crime in Vatican City. He also faced additional charges for illegal possession of false identity papers and the weapon used in the attack. source: upi.com
What famous birthdays are on July 22?
On July 22nd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Willem Dafoe]()
Willem Dafoe (1955)Willem Dafoe is a highly regarded American actor known for his intense performances and versatility across film, stage, and voice acting. He has received acclaim for his roles in both independent and mainstream films, earning multiple Academy Award nominations throughout his career. [bio]
![Alex Trebek]()
Alex Trebek (1940)Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality best known as the long-time host of the quiz show 'Jeopardy!'. [bio]
![Shawn Michaels]()
Shawn Michaels (1965)Shawn Michaels is an American retired professional wrestler, widely regarded as one of the greatest in WWE history. Known for his charisma, athleticism, and in-ring storytelling, Michaels has captivated audiences for decades with his iconic matches and persona, 'The Heartbreak Kid.' [bio]
![Bob Dole]()
![David Spade]()
David Spade (1964)David Spade is an American comedian, actor, and television personality best known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live' and a successful career in film and television, including roles in 'Tommy Boy', 'Joe Dirt', and the sitcom 'Just Shoot Me!'. [bio]
![John Leguizamo]()
John Leguizamo (1964)John Leguizamo is an American actor, comedian, producer, playwright, and writer, known for his work in film, television, and on stage. He is recognized for his broad range of roles, from comedy to drama, and has garnered critical acclaim for his energetic and versatile performances. [bio]
![Louise Fletcher]()
Louise Fletcher (1934)Louise Fletcher was an American actress best known for her Academy Award-winning performance as Nurse Ratched in the 1975 film 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.' Her portrayal of the iconic character is considered one of the greatest villain roles in cinema history. [bio]
![Bonnie Langford]()
Bonnie Langford (1964)Bonnie Langford is an English actress, dancer, and singer, best known for her performances in musical theatre and television, including her role as Mel Bush in 'Doctor Who' and Carmel Kazemi in 'EastEnders.' [bio]
![Orson Bean]()
Orson Bean (1928)Orson Bean was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for his long career on television game shows, theatrical productions, and voice acting in animated films. [bio]
![Danny Glover]()
Danny Glover (1946)Danny Glover is an American actor, film director, and political activist best known for his roles in the Lethal Weapon film series and for his extensive stage, film, and television career spanning several decades. [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 July 22?
On July 22nd the following celebrities died:
![Estelle Getty]()
Estelle Getty (2008)Estelle Getty was an American actress best known for her portrayal of Sophia Petrillo, the witty and sharp-tongued Sicilian mother on the beloved television sitcom 'The Golden Girls.' Her comedic timing and memorable character made her a standout star in television history. [bio]
![Dennis Farina]()
Dennis Farina (2013)Dennis Farina was an American actor and former Chicago police officer, best known for his roles in crime dramas such as 'Law & Order' and in films like 'Get Shorty.' He was recognized for bringing a genuine air of authority and experience to his numerous portrayals of law enforcement figures. [bio]
![Sacha Distel]()
Sacha Distel (2004)Sacha Distel was a renowned French singer, guitarist, and composer, known for his smooth vocals and charm. He gained international fame for his popular songs in both French and English, and became a celebrated entertainer in France and the UK. [bio]
![Linda Christian]()
Linda Christian (2011)Linda Christian was a Mexican film actress, best known for being the first 'Bond girl' when she appeared as Valerie Mathis in the 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royale. [bio]
![Duane Jones]()
Duane Jones (1988)Duane Jones was an American actor best known for his groundbreaking role as Ben in the cult classic horror film 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968), which was notable for casting a Black actor in a leading, non-stereotypical part in a major motion picture. [bio]
![Qusay Hussein]()
Qusay Hussein (2003)Qusay Hussein was the son of Saddam Hussein, a prominent figure in the Iraqi regime who was killed during the Iraq War in 2003 alongside his...
![John Dillinger]()
John Dillinger (1934)Notorious American gangster of the Great Depression era, known for spectacular bank robberies and prison escapes.
![Jessica Mitford]()
Jessica Mitford (1996)Influential British author and investigative journalist known for her groundbreaking exposés of American social institutions, particularly...
![Claude Sautet]()
Claude Sautet (2000)Renowned French film director who significantly influenced French cinema, known for his nuanced character studies and compelling dramas.
![Floyd Gottfredson]()
Floyd Gottfredson (1986)Floyd Gottfredson was a renowned Disney animator and cartoonist, famous for his influential work on Mickey Mouse comic strips from the 1930s...
What day of the year is July 22?
July 22nd marks the 203rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 204th in case of leap years).
There are 162 days remaining until the end of the year.
July 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of July.
What day of the week is July 22?
On July 22nd, 2026 the day of the week is Wednesday.
| July | 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 July 22?
The zodiac sign associated with July 22nd is Cancer according to the Western Zodiac.
