March 22: What Happened on This Day in History

22March

March 22nd marks the 81st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 82nd in case of leap years). There are 284 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on March 22nd in history, famous birthdays on March 22nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 22.

history

What happened on March 22?

Here's what happened on March 22nd in history:


  • 2013: On March 22, 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama visited Jordan, where he met with King Abdullah II to discuss regional security concerns, particularly the situation in Syria. Obama emphasized the need for a political solution to the Syrian conflict and warned against the use of chemical weapons. source: reuters.com
  • 2008: Taiwan holds its presidential election, with significant implications for cross-strait relations with China. The election results reflect the political landscape and public sentiment regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and identity. source: bbc.com
  • 2006: On March 22, 2006, the Christian Peacemaker Team announced the release of four hostages who had been held captive in Baghdad, Iraq, for over four months. The hostages, including two Canadians, an American, and a Briton, were freed after negotiations involving various parties. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 1990: On March 11, 1990, Lithuania's Supreme Soviet declared the restoration of its pre-war independence, renaming the state the Republic of Lithuania. This marked the first Soviet republic to assert independence, initiating a wave of secessions that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. source: theguardian.com
  • 1987: Betsy King secured her first victory of the 1987 LPGA Tour season by winning the Circle K Tucson Open on March 22, 1987. She finished with a score of 281 (−7), two strokes ahead of runner-up Jan Stephenson. This win marked a significant achievement in King's career, contributing to her successful season. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1986: On March 22, 1986, HBO initiated a heavyweight boxing unification tournament aimed at crowning an undisputed champion. The opening bout featured Trevor Berbick defeating Pinklon Thomas by unanimous decision to win the WBC title. This series continued with subsequent matches, including Michael Spinks retaining the IBF title against Larry Holmes on April 19, 1986. source: latimes.com
  • 1983: On March 22, 1983, Chaim Herzog was elected as the sixth President of Israel by the Knesset, defeating Menachem Elon by a vote of 61 to 57. Herzog, a member of the Labor Alignment, assumed office on May 5, 1983, succeeding Yitzhak Navon. He served two five-year terms, retiring in 1993. source: britannica.com
  • 1978: On March 22, 1978, France conducted a nuclear test in the Pacific Ocean. This test was part of France's nuclear weapons program, which had been a subject of international concern due to environmental and geopolitical implications. source: nytimes.com
  • 1977: On March 22, 1977, after the Indian National Congress party's defeat in the general elections, Indira Gandhi resigned as Prime Minister. She acknowledged the people's verdict and offered constructive cooperation to the incoming government. source: indianexpress.com
  • 1975: On March 22, 1975, a fire broke out at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant in Alabama, leading to significant safety concerns and regulatory changes in the nuclear industry. The incident was caused by a candle igniting a plastic insulation material, which raised alarms about fire safety protocols in nuclear facilities. source: nrc.gov
Discover all events on March 22 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on March 22?

On March 22nd there are the following famous birthdays:


  • James Patterson
    James Patterson (1947)

    James Patterson is a prolific American author best known for his thriller and suspense novels, including the Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, and Women's Murder Club series. Patterson holds the record for the most number-one New York Times bestsellers and is recognized for his collaborative writing style and significant contributions to children's literature. [bio]

  • Reese Witherspoon
    Reese Witherspoon (1976)

    Reese Witherspoon is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer, recognized for her performances in films such as 'Legally Blonde', 'Walk the Line', and 'Wild'. She has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and is also active as a producer and entrepreneur. [bio]

  • William Shatner
    William Shatner (1931)

    William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, producer, and director, best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. His extensive career in television, film, and literature spans over seven decades. [bio]

  • Bob Costas
    Bob Costas (1952)

    Bob Costas is an American sportscaster, well-known for his long association with NBC Sports and his work covering major sporting events, notably the Olympics and Major League Baseball. [bio]

  • Stephen Sondheim
    Stephen Sondheim (1930)

    Stephen Sondheim was an influential American composer and lyricist, renowned for revolutionizing the musical theater with his sophisticated lyrics, complex music, and inventive storytelling. His works have left a lasting mark on Broadway and the global stage. [bio]

  • Cole Hauser
    Cole Hauser (1975)

    Cole Hauser is an American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Dazed and Confused,' 'Good Will Hunting,' and the television series 'Yellowstone.' He is recognized for his versatile performances in both movies and TV, often portraying intense and complex characters. [bio]

  • Nick Robinson
    Nick Robinson (1995)

    Nick Robinson is an American actor best known for his roles in the films 'Jurassic World' (2015), 'Love, Simon' (2018), and the television miniseries 'A Teacher' (2020). He has become recognized for his performances in both drama and coming-of-age roles, and is considered one of the leading actors of his generation in young adult media. [bio]

  • Marcel Marceau
    Marcel Marceau (1923)

    Marcel Marceau was a legendary French mime artist, best known for his stage persona 'Bip the Clown.' He revived the art of mime in the 20th century and performed globally, widely considered the world's greatest mime. [bio]

  • Chico Marx
    Chico Marx (1887)

    Chico Marx was an American comedian, musician, and actor, best known as a member of the Marx Brothers, a celebrated family comedy team in vaudeville, Broadway, and motion pictures. [bio]

  • Constance Wu
    Constance Wu (1982)

    Constance Wu is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series 'Fresh Off the Boat' and the film 'Crazy Rich Asians'. She has been recognized for her performances with multiple award nominations and is celebrated for her advocacy for diversity in Hollywood. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on March 22

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RIP

Who died on March 22?

On March 22nd the following celebrities died:


  • Paul Verhoeven
    Paul Verhoeven (1975)

    Paul Verhoeven is a renowned Dutch film director, screenwriter, and producer known for blending graphic violence, satire, and social commentary in his films. He has directed both Dutch and Hollywood films, achieving international recognition for his explicit and provocative storytelling style. [bio]

  • Don Murray
    Don Murray (1996)

    Don Murray is an American actor best known for his performances in classic films such as 'Bus Stop' and his television work in series like 'Knots Landing.' Nominated for an Academy Award early in his career, Murray has enjoyed a decades-long presence on stage, screen, and TV. [bio]

  • Gemini Ganesan
    Gemini Ganesan (2005)

    Gemini Ganesan was a renowned Indian film actor who predominantly appeared in Tamil cinema. Popularly known as the 'Kadhal Mannan' (King of Romance), he was celebrated for his romantic leading roles during Tamil cinema's golden era. With a career spanning over five decades, he starred in more than 200 films and established himself as one of the three most prominent … [bio]

  • Joan Shawlee
    Joan Shawlee (1987)

    Actress (abbott & costello show), died at 58.

  • Scott Walker (musician)
    Scott Walker (musician) (2019)

    Scott Walker was an innovative American musician known for his groundbreaking work with the Walker Brothers and his avant-garde solo career,...

  • Elgin Baylor
    Elgin Baylor (2021)

    Elgin Baylor was a legendary NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers, widely considered one of the most innovative and influential players in...

  • Wayne Huizenga
    Wayne Huizenga (2018)

    Prominent American business entrepreneur who transformed Blockbuster Video into a massive national rental chain and was a significant owner...

  • Johan van Hulst
    Johan van Hulst (2018)

    Dutch politician, academic, and Holocaust hero who saved hundreds of Jewish children during World War II and was honored as a Righteous...

  • Pío Leyva
    Pío Leyva (2006)

    Renowned Cuban singer and songwriter, famous for his participation in the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a musical collective that...

  • Jonathan Edwards
    Jonathan Edwards (1758)

    Revivalist preacher, philosopher and congregationalist protestant theologian.

  • More famous people died on March 22

calendar

What day of the year is March 22?


March 22nd marks the 81st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 82nd in case of leap years).

There are 284 days remaining until the end of the year.

March 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of March.

What day of the week is March 22?

On March 22nd, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.

Holidays and Observances on March 22

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 22?