March 23: What Happened on This Day in History
March 23rd marks the 82nd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 83rd in case of leap years). There are 283 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on March 23rd in history, famous birthdays on March 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 23.
What happened on March 23?
Here's what happened on March 23rd in history:
- 2021: On March 23, 2021, the massive container ship Ever Given, measuring 400 meters long, ran aground and became wedged sideways in the Suez Canal, completely obstructing this critical global shipping route. The incident caused significant disruption to international maritime trade, blocking hundreds of vessels and causing substantial economic impact for six days until the ship was successfully refloated. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 2008: The number of US military deaths in Iraq reaches 4,000, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict. This milestone raises questions about the war's impact and the future of US involvement in Iraq. source: bbc.com
- 2006: On March 23, 2006, the four hostages from the Christian Peacemaker Team, who had been held captive in Baghdad since November 2005, were rescued by Iraqi security forces. The hostages were in good health and were reunited with their families.
- 1994: On March 23, 1994, Luis Donaldo Colosio, the leading candidate for the Mexican presidency, was assassinated during a campaign rally in Tijuana. He was shot in the head by Mario Aburto Martínez, who was arrested at the scene. The assassination raised numerous conspiracy theories and had a profound impact on Mexican politics. source: history.com
- 1990: Princess Eugenie of York was born on March 23, 1990, at the Portland Hospital in London, England. She is the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York. Eugenie is known for her charitable work and is a prominent member of the British royal family. source: britannica.com
- 1987: On March 23, 1987, the United States offered to extend military protection to Kuwaiti-owned vessels traveling through the Persian Gulf to counter potential threats from Iran. This offer marked a significant shift in U.S. policy, as Kuwait had previously been hesitant to accept American military assistance due to its large Palestinian and Shiite population. The proposal aimed to safeguard Kuwaiti shipping amid increasing attacks in the Gulf. source: cia.gov
- 1986: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, a prominent Orthodox Jewish scholar and halachic authority, passed away on March 23, 1986, at the age of 91. His funeral in Israel was attended by an estimated 100,000 mourners, reflecting his significant impact on the Jewish community. source: jta.org
- 1985: Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, passed away on March 23, 1985. She was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and later as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter. Her contributions to civil rights and public service have left a lasting legacy. source: nytimes.com
- 1983: On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a proposed missile defense system intended to protect the United States from nuclear missile attacks. The initiative aimed to develop ground-based and space-based systems to intercept and destroy incoming missiles, marking a significant shift in U.S. defense policy during the Cold War. source: archives.gov
- 1978: On March 23, 1978, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established to confirm Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining its authority in the area. source: un.org
What famous birthdays are on March 23?
On March 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Wernher von Braun]()
Wernher von Braun (1912)Wernher von Braun was a German-born aerospace engineer and space architect who played a leading role in the development of rocket technology in Germany and the United States. He was instrumental in Germany's V-2 rocket program during World War II and later became a central figure in the American space program, contributing significantly to the development of the Saturn V … [bio]
![Joan Crawford]()
Joan Crawford (1905)Joan Crawford was a highly influential American actress and dancer, renowned for her commanding screen presence and versatility. She became one of Hollywood's most prominent leading ladies during the Golden Age of cinema, earning critical acclaim and widespread fame for roles in films such as 'Mildred Pierce,' for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. [bio]
![Mo Farah]()
Mo Farah (1983)Mo Farah is a renowned British long-distance runner known for his dominance in the 5000m and 10,000m events, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals. Farah is widely regarded as one of the greatest British athletes, particularly for his double gold medal victories at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. [bio]
![Kyrie Irving]()
Kyrie Irving (1992)Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player, best known for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring ability. He has played for several NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 2016. Irving is also recognized for his time with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. [bio]
![Randall Park]()
Randall Park (1974)Randall Park is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director, best known for his roles in the television series 'Fresh Off the Boat' and films like 'Always Be My Maybe' and 'The Interview.' He is recognized for his versatile performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. [bio]
![Kangana Ranaut]()
Kangana Ranaut (1987)Kangana Ranaut is an acclaimed Indian actress and filmmaker known for her work in Hindi cinema. Recognized for portraying strong-willed characters and her outspoken nature, Ranaut has received numerous awards, including multiple National Film Awards. [bio]
![Keri Russell]()
Keri Russell (1976)Keri Russell is an American actress and dancer, best known for her starring role as Felicity Porter in the television series 'Felicity' and as Elizabeth Jennings in 'The Americans.' She has received numerous accolades for her performances in television and film. [bio]
![Michelle Monaghan]()
Michelle Monaghan (1976)Michelle Monaghan is an American actress known for her roles in film and television. She gained recognition for her performance in movies such as 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', 'Mission: Impossible' series, and the TV anthology series 'True Detective.' [bio]
![Chaka Khan]()
Chaka Khan (1953)Chaka Khan is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, known as the 'Queen of Funk.' With a powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Khan has been a leading figure in R&B, soul, and funk music since the 1970s, both as a solo artist and as the frontwoman of the band Rufus. [bio]
![Karen McDougal]()
Karen McDougal (1971)Karen McDougal is an American model and actress, best known for being Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Year in 1998 and for her appearances in various magazines and media outlets. [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 March 23?
On March 23rd the following celebrities died:
![Elizabeth Taylor]()
Elizabeth Taylor (2011)Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress renowned for her striking beauty, distinctive violet eyes, and iconic roles in classic films. She rose to fame as a child star and became one of Hollywood's most celebrated leading ladies, as well as a prominent public figure and philanthropist. [bio]
![George Segal]()
George Segal (2021)George Segal was an American actor and musician who became well known for his work in film and television from the 1960s onward. He was recognized for his versatility and comedic timing, appearing in numerous prominent roles throughout his career. [bio]
![Peter Lorre]()
Peter Lorre (1964)Peter Lorre was a Hungarian-American actor best known for his distinctive voice and memorable performances in classic films such as 'M' (1931), 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), and 'Casablanca' (1942). His unique screen presence and portrayals of sinister or eccentric characters made him an enduring figure in Hollywood. [bio]
![Giulietta Masina]()
Giulietta Masina (1994)Giulietta Masina was an acclaimed Italian actress, best known for her roles in Federico Fellini's landmark films, most notably 'La Strada' (1954) and 'Nights of Cabiria' (1957). Renowned for her expressive performances and versatility, she became an iconic figure in Italian and world cinema. [bio]
![Lola Albright]()
Lola Albright (2017)Lola Albright was an American singer and actress known primarily for her work in film and television during the mid-20th century. She achieved widespread fame for her role as nightclub singer Edie Hart on the classic television series 'Peter Gunn.' [bio]
![Ken Howard]()
Ken Howard (2016)Ken Howard was an American actor renowned for his roles in television, film, and theater, most notably as Thomas Jefferson in the musical '1776' and as Judge Michael D. Callahan on 'The White Shadow.' [bio]
![Mona Maris]()
![Lee Kuan Yew]()
Lee Kuan Yew (2015)Prominent Singaporean statesman who served as the first Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990, widely considered the founding father...
![Patricia Harris]()
Patricia Harris (1985)Patricia Harris was a groundbreaking African American politician who served as the first Black woman in the U.S.
![Madeleine Albright]()
Madeleine Albright (2022)First female United States Secretary of State, serving from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton.
What day of the year is March 23?
March 23rd marks the 82nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 83rd in case of leap years).
There are 283 days remaining until the end of the year.
March 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of March.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 23?
The zodiac sign associated with March 23rd is Aries according to the Western Zodiac.
