July 23: What Happened on This Day in History
July 23rd marks the 204th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 205th in case of leap years). There are 161 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on July 23rd in history, famous birthdays on July 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to July 23.

What happened on July 23?
Here's what happened on July 23rd in history:
- 2021: Mississippi formally requested the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark 1973 decision protecting abortion rights, potentially setting the stage for significant legal and social implications.
- 2014: On July 23, 2014, a pro-Russian separatist leader in eastern Ukraine admitted to using a BUK missile system to shoot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, claiming it was a mistake. source: dw.com
- 2011: Amy Winehouse, the British singer-songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, was found dead in her London home on July 23, 2011. Her death was ruled as accidental alcohol poisoning, and it sparked discussions about addiction and mental health issues in the music industry. source: bbc.com
- 2010: On July 23, 2010, investigations into the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster continued, focusing on the causes of the explosion and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident raised significant environmental concerns and led to widespread scrutiny of BP and regulatory practices in the oil industry. source: nytimes.com
- 2004: On July 23, 2004, the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was reopened after reconstruction, symbolizing reconciliation and the rebuilding of the city post-war.
- 2002: Dr. William L. Pierce, a prominent American white supremacist author and founder of the Neo-Nazi organization National Alliance, passed away. Known for his racist ideology and influential writings, Pierce was a controversial figure in extremist political circles.
- 1999: On July 23, 1999, Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by Eileen Collins—the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission—successfully launched the Chandra X-ray Observatory into orbit. This mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration and gender representation in NASA's history. source: nasa.gov
- 1998: On July 23, 1998, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to override President Bill Clinton's veto of a bill banning late-term abortion procedures. This marked a significant moment in the ongoing debate over abortion rights in the United States. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1995: John Daly won the 124th British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland, marking his first major championship victory. His performance was notable for its dramatic flair and resilience, securing a place in golf history. source: bbc.com
- 1981: On July 23, 1981, an underground mine fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, emerged on a 200-foot coal outcropping east of the town. This marked the first surface appearance of the fire, which had been burning underground since at least May 1962. The fire's emergence led to increased concerns about safety and environmental impact, prompting further investigations and mitigation efforts. source: washingtonpost.com
What famous birthdays are on July 23?
On July 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
Daniel Radcliffe (1989)Daniel Radcliffe is a renowned British actor who rose to international fame for playing the title role in the Harry Potter film series. He began acting at a young age and has since established a diverse career in film, theatre, and television. [bio]
Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967)Philip Seymour Hoffman was a renowned American actor and director known for his extraordinary versatility and depth in portraying complex characters. Widely respected in film, theater, and television, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Truman Capote in the film 'Capote' (2005), and received multiple Oscar nominations throughout his career. Hoffman's unique ability to inhabit … [bio]
Woody Harrelson (1961)Woody Harrelson is an American actor and playwright known for his wide-ranging roles in television and film. He first rose to prominence as bartender Woody Boyd on the sitcom 'Cheers,' which earned him an Emmy Award, and later became a successful film actor with acclaimed performances in movies such as 'Natural Born Killers,' 'The People vs. Larry Flynt,' 'No Country … [bio]
Eriq La Salle (1962)Eriq La Salle is an American actor, director, and producer best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama series 'ER.' He has also appeared in notable films such as 'Coming to America' and has directed episodes of various television series. [bio]
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Kathryn Hahn (1974)Kathryn Hahn is an American actress and comedian known for her dynamic performances in both comedic and dramatic roles in film and television. She has achieved widespread recognition for her work in projects like 'WandaVision,' 'Transparent,' and 'Bad Moms.' [bio]
Marlon Wayans (1972)Marlon Wayans is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer, known for his involvement in numerous successful comedy films and television shows, particularly as a member of the Wayans entertainment family. [bio]
Bal Tilak (1856)Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian nationalist, teacher, and independence activist. He was one of the strongest advocates of Swaraj (self-rule) and played a pivotal role in the early years of the Indian independence movement. Known as 'Lokmanya' (beloved leader), Tilak was instrumental in inspiring the masses to fight for freedom from British colonial rule. [bio]
Paul Wesley (1982)Paul Wesley is an American actor, director, and producer best known for his role as Stefan Salvatore on the television series 'The Vampire Diaries.' His work in television has earned him recognition in popular culture, particularly among fans of supernatural and teen drama genres. [bio]
Himesh Reshammiya (1973)Himesh Reshammiya is an Indian playback singer, music director, songwriter, producer, and actor, best known for his work in Bollywood. He gained prominence for his unique singing style and a string of chart-topping hits, emerging as one of the leading figures in Indian popular music in the 2000s. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
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Who died on July 23?
On July 23rd the following celebrities died:
Amy Winehouse (2011)Amy Winehouse was an English singer-songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, jazz, and R&B. Her 2006 album 'Back to Black' won five Grammy Awards, making her one of the most acclaimed British artists of her generation. [bio]
Serge Reggiani (2004)Serge Reggiani was an Italian-born French actor and singer, celebrated for his poignant performances in both cinema and chanson. Renowned for his deep, expressive voice, he became one of France’s most beloved and influential interpreters of French song. [bio]
Van Heflin (1971)Van Heflin was an American stage, film, and television actor, best known for his versatile roles during Hollywood's Golden Age. His career spanned the 1930s through the 1970s, earning him acclaim for both supporting and leading roles across a range of genres. [bio]
Dora Bryan (2014)Dora Bryan was an English actress well-known for her work in film, television, and stage, especially in British comedies and dramas from the 1950s to the 2000s. Her distinctive voice and comic timing made her a beloved character actress for several decades. [bio]
Leo McKern (2002)Leo McKern was an acclaimed Australian-born British actor, best known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained international recognition for his role as Horace Rumpole in the British television series 'Rumpole of the Bailey.' [bio]
Aliki Vougiouklaki (1996)Aliki Vougiouklaki was a renowned Greek actress, widely regarded as one of the most popular and beloved stars in the history of Greek cinema and theater. She is often referred to as 'the National Star of Greece,' celebrated for her extensive career spanning films, stage performances, and as a cultural icon. [bio]
Georges Flamant (1990)Georges Flamant was a French film actor best known for his work during the 1930s and 1940s. He was particularly recognized for his roles in classic French cinema, often collaborating with prominent directors of his era. [bio]
Ulysses Grant (1885)Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, serving from 1869 to 1877. A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, Grant is best known for leading the Union Armies to victory over the Confederacy under President Abraham Lincoln, culminating in General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. His presidency … [bio]
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What day of the year is July 23?
July 23rd marks the 204th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 205th in case of leap years).
There are 161 days remaining until the end of the year.
July 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of July.
What day of the week is July 23?
On July 23rd, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.
| 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 23?
The zodiac sign associated with July 23rd is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.


















