February 24: What Happened on This Day in History

24February

February 24th marks the 55th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 310 days (311 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on February 24th in history, famous birthdays on February 24th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 24.

history

What happened on February 24?

Here's what happened on February 24th in history:


  • 2021: The COVAX initiative, a global collaboration led by the World Health Organization (WHO), GAVI, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), successfully launched its first vaccine delivery to developing nations. On February 24, 2021, Ghana became the first country to receive COVID-19 vaccines through this groundbreaking program, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to ensure equitable vaccine access for middle and low-income countries during the pandemic.
  • 2014: On February 24, 2014, significant developments occurred in the Ukrainian revolution, including the formation of a new interim government. This marked a crucial step in the country's transition following the ousting of President Yanukovych. source: bbc.com
  • 2011: On February 24, 2011, NASA conducted the final launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. This mission, designated STS-133, was the 39th and final flight of Discovery, marking the end of an era for the Space Shuttle program. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2004: On February 24, 2004, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the government, leading to significant political changes in the country. This move was seen as a consolidation of power ahead of upcoming elections. source: bbc.com
  • 2002: The 55th British Academy Film Awards were held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, honoring the best films of 2001. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' won Best Film, Best Director for Peter Jackson, Best Makeup and Hair, and Best Visual Effects. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1999: On February 24, 1999, Karl LaGrand was executed by lethal injection in Arizona, USA. LaGrand was convicted for his role in a 1982 bank robbery that resulted in the death of a bank manager. His execution was notable for being the first in the United States since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. source: nytimes.com
  • 1998: On February 24, 1998, comedian Henny Youngman, known for his one-liners and the catchphrase 'Take my wife... please!', died at the age of 91. source: upi.com
  • 1995: On February 24, 1995, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 4,011.74, surpassing the 4,000-point mark for the first time in its history. This milestone was achieved amid optimism about the economy and speculation that the Federal Reserve might halt interest rate increases. source: deseret.com
  • 1988: On February 24, 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell that parodies of public figures, even those intended to cause emotional distress, are protected by the First Amendment. The case involved a satirical ad depicting Reverend Jerry Falwell in a compromising situation, which the Court determined could not be reasonably interpreted as stating actual facts about him. source: law.cornell.edu
  • 1981: On February 24, 1981, Jean Harris, former headmistress of The Madeira School, was found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of her lover, Dr. Herman Tarnower, a renowned cardiologist and author of 'The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet.' The incident occurred on March 10, 1980, at Tarnower's home in Purchase, New York. Harris was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on March 20, 1981. source: washingtonpost.com
Discover all events on February 24 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on February 24?

On February 24th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Steve Jobs
    Steve Jobs (1955)

    Steve Jobs was a pioneering American entrepreneur and inventor, best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc. He played a key role in the development of revolutionary products such as the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Jobs also served as CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, which he helped transform into a major animation company before its … [bio]

  • George Harrison
    George Harrison (1943)

    George Harrison was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and music and film producer, best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. His work helped shape the sound of modern music, especially through the incorporation of Indian music and culture into Western pop. As a solo artist, Harrison released acclaimed albums and became known for his humanitarian efforts. [bio]

  • Floyd Mayweather
    Floyd Mayweather (1977)

    Floyd Mayweather is an American former professional boxer, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers in history. He won a bronze medal in the featherweight division at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and went on to have an undefeated professional career, earning world titles in five weight classes. [bio]

  • Kristin Davis
    Kristin Davis (1965)

    Kristin Davis is an American actress best known for her role as Charlotte York Goldenblatt on the HBO romantic comedy series Sex and the City. She has also appeared in several films and television projects, gaining recognition for her versatility and charm. [bio]

  • Edward James Olmos
    Edward James Olmos (1947)

    Edward James Olmos is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer recognized for his influential work in film, television, and theater. He is best known for his roles in 'Miami Vice', 'Stand and Deliver', and the reimagined 'Battlestar Galactica.' Olmos has earned critical acclaim for his portrayals of complex characters, particularly those reflecting the Latino experience in America. [bio]

  • Dennis Waterman
    Dennis Waterman (1948)

    Dennis Waterman was an English actor and singer, best known for his roles in popular television series such as 'The Sweeney', 'Minder', and 'New Tricks'. Renowned for playing 'tough guy' characters, he also sang the theme songs for many of the shows he starred in. [bio]

  • Ben Miller
    Ben Miller (1966)

    Ben Miller is a British actor, comedian, and director known for his work in television, particularly as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller. [bio]

  • Dominic Chianese
    Dominic Chianese (1931)

    Dominic Chianese is an American actor, singer, and musician, best known for his role as Corrado 'Junior' Soprano on the acclaimed HBO series 'The Sopranos.' Over a decades-long career, he has appeared in a variety of notable films, television shows, and stage productions. [bio]

  • Abe Vigoda
    Abe Vigoda (1921)

    Abe Vigoda was an American actor best known for his roles as Detective Phil Fish on the television sitcom "Barney Miller" and as Salvatore Tessio in the film "The Godfather." [bio]

  • Barry Bostwick
    Barry Bostwick (1946)

    Barry Bostwick is an American actor and singer best known for his roles in musical comedy and television. He achieved cult status for his portrayal of Brad Majors in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and for his role as Mayor Randall Winston in the television sitcom 'Spin City.' [bio]

  • More celebrities born on February 24

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RIP

Who died on February 24?

On February 24th the following celebrities died:


  • Bobby Moore
    Bobby Moore (1993)

    Bobby Moore was an English professional footballer best known for captaining the England national team to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of football, he had a distinguished club career, notably with West Ham United. [bio]

  • Don Knotts
    Don Knotts (2006)

    Don Knotts was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on the television sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show.' His distinctive comedic talent and nervous persona made him one of the most recognizable character actors on American television. [bio]

  • Harold Ramis
    Harold Ramis (2014)

    Harold Ramis was an American actor, comedian, director, and writer, best known for his significant contributions to comedy films in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He is especially recognized for directing and writing cult classics such as 'Caddyshack', 'Groundhog Day', and for his performances in 'Ghostbusters' and 'Stripes'. [bio]

  • Dinah Shore
    Dinah Shore (1994)

    Dinah Shore was an American singer, actress, and television personality, renowned for her warm vocal style and popularity from the 1940s through the 1970s. She became one of the era's most successful female recording artists and later became a pioneer in TV talk shows. [bio]

  • Clive Cussler
    Clive Cussler (2020)

    Clive Cussler was an American adventure novelist and underwater explorer, best known for creating the Dirk Pitt series. He authored dozens of books, many of which became bestsellers and were adapted into films. Cussler also founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which discovered numerous shipwrecks. [bio]

  • Dennis Weaver
    Dennis Weaver (2006)

    Dennis Weaver was an American actor known primarily for his roles in television series such as 'Gunsmoke' and 'McCloud.' Over a career spanning five decades, Weaver became a household name for his portrayals of rugged individualists on screen and was recognized for his distinct drawl and likable persona. [bio]

  • Johnnie Ray
    Johnnie Ray (1990)

    Johnnie Ray was an influential American singer, pianist, and songwriter, noted for his breakout popularity in the 1950s with a style that bridged the gap between traditional pop and rock and roll. Known for his emotionally charged performances and distinctive vocal style, Ray became a significant figure in pre-rock music and paved the way for future music stars. [bio]

  • George Gobel
    George Gobel (1991)

    George Gobel was an American comedian and actor, widely recognized for his television appearances in the 1950s and 1960s, most notably hosting his own variety show, 'The George Gobel Show.' He was known for his gentle, low-key comedic style and frequent guest spots on late-night and panel shows. [bio]

  • Conrad Nagel
    Conrad Nagel (1970)

    Conrad Nagel was an American actor, screenwriter, and producer, renowned for his work during Hollywood's silent and early sound film eras. He became one of the most popular leading men of the 1920s and 1930s and was instrumental in the formation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [bio]

  • Claude Shannon
    Claude Shannon (2001)

    Pioneering mathematician and electrical engineer who founded information theory, making fundamental contributions to digital communication...

  • More famous people died on February 24

calendar

What day of the year is February 24?


February 24th marks the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 310 days remaining until the end of the year (or 311 days in case of leap years).

February 24th is the 24th day of the month of February.

What day of the week is February 24?

On February 24th, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.

February 2026
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Holidays and Observances on February 24

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 24?