February 27: What Happened on This Day in History

27February

February 27th marks the 58th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 307 days (308 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on February 27th in history, famous birthdays on February 27th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 27.

history

What happened on February 27?

Here's what happened on February 27th in history:


  • 2020: The Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its most significant points drop in history, closing down 1,190.95 points in New York, reflecting growing global economic concerns about the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 2014: The Crimean parliament announced plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia, escalating tensions with Ukraine and the international community. This move was seen as a precursor to the annexation of Crimea. source: bbc.com
  • 2011: The 83rd Academy Awards ceremony took place on February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The event honored the best films of 2010, with 'The King's Speech' leading the night with four awards. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2010: A massive earthquake struck Chile on February 27, 2010, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale. The quake triggered a tsunami that affected coastal areas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life, with thousands displaced and significant damage to infrastructure. source: usgs.gov
  • 2004: On February 27, 2004, the Philippine ferry MV SuperFerry 14 was bombed by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, resulting in the deaths of 116 people. The attack occurred near Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, during its voyage from Manila to Cagayan de Oro. The explosion, caused by a bomb concealed in a television set, led to a fire that engulfed the ship, causing it to sink. The Abu Sayyaf group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was the deadliest terrorist incident in Philippine history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1999: On February 27, 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler, was elected as Nigeria's civilian president, marking the end of 15 years of military rule. He secured 62.78% of the vote, defeating Olu Falae, who received 37.22%. source: britannica.com
  • 1998: Apple announced the discontinuation of its Newton line of handheld computers on February 27, 1998. The Newton was one of the first attempts at a personal digital assistant (PDA), but it struggled with market acceptance and technical issues. source: macworld.com
  • 1995: On February 27, 1995, the US Department of Defense released a report indicating that Iran was actively pursuing the development of medium-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets in the Middle East and Europe. The report raised concerns about regional security and proliferation. source: c-span.org
  • 1993: Lillian Gish, a pioneering actress in silent films, died on February 27, 1993, at the age of 99. She was renowned for her roles in early cinema classics such as 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Broken Blossoms.' source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1988: Between February 27 and March 1, 1988, ethnic Azerbaijani mobs attacked the Armenian population in Sumgait, Azerbaijan SSR. The violence resulted in at least 32 deaths, with some sources estimating over 200 Armenian victims. The pogrom was a response to the Karabakh movement, which sought the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. The Soviet government's initial inaction and subsequent military intervention highlighted the challenges of managing ethnic tensions within the USSR. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on February 27 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on February 27?

On February 27th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Elizabeth Taylor
    Elizabeth Taylor (1932)

    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]

  • Tony Gonzalez
    Tony Gonzalez (1976)

    Tony Gonzalez is a retired American football tight end who played 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), most notably for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Gonzalez holds numerous NFL records for his position and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of … [bio]

  • Joan Bennett
    Joan Bennett (1910)

    Joan Bennett was a renowned American stage, film, and television actress whose career spanned five decades and included work in both Hollywood's Golden Age and television drama. [bio]

  • Jonathan Ive
    Jonathan Ive (1967)

    Jonathan Ive is a British industrial designer best known for his work at Apple Inc., where he was the Chief Design Officer. Ive played a central role in designing iconic products such as the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, significantly influencing the look and feel of modern technology. [bio]

  • John Steinbeck
    John Steinbeck (1902)

    John Steinbeck was an American author best known for his influential novels depicting the plight of the working class during the Great Depression, including 'The Grapes of Wrath,' 'Of Mice and Men,' and 'East of Eden.' He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962. [bio]

  • Joanne Woodward
    Joanne Woodward (1930)

    Joanne Woodward is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist, renowned for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater. She rose to prominence in the late 1950s and is especially celebrated for her Academy Award-winning role in 'The Three Faces of Eve.' [bio]

  • Chelsea Clinton
    Chelsea Clinton (1980)

    Chelsea Clinton is an American author and global health advocate, best known as the only child of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She has played a significant role in the Clinton Foundation and has worked as a correspondent, author, and public speaker. [bio]

  • Ralph Nader
    Ralph Nader (1934)

    Ralph Nader is an American political activist, author, lecturer, and attorney, noted for his involvement in consumer protection, environmentalism, and government reform causes. He gained national recognition for his advocacy in automobile safety and later as a frequent independent and third-party candidate in U.S. presidential elections. [bio]

  • Derren Brown
    Derren Brown (1971)

    Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and author renowned for his television specials, stage performances, and books that explore psychological manipulation, suggestion, and misdirection. [bio]

  • Kate Mara
    Kate Mara (1983)

    Kate Mara is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series 'House of Cards' and 'American Horror Story', as well as films like 'Fantastic Four' and 'The Martian.' [bio]

  • More celebrities born on February 27

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RIP

Who died on February 27?

On February 27th the following celebrities died:


  • Fred Rogers
    Fred Rogers (2003)

    Fred Rogers was an American television host, creator, producer, and writer best known for his pioneering children's program, 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.' Revered for his gentle demeanor and deep empathy, Rogers became an iconic figure in children's media and advocacy. Through his show, he promoted kindness, emotional intelligence, and the importance of community, making a profound impact on generations of children … [bio]

  • Leonard Nimoy
    Leonard Nimoy (2015)

    Leonard Nimoy was an American actor, film director, poet, singer, and photographer best known for his iconic role as Spock in the Star Trek franchise. His distinctive performance and cultural influence made him a beloved figure in science fiction and popular culture. [bio]

  • Spike Milligan
    Spike Milligan (2002)

    Spike Milligan was a British-Irish comedian, writer, poet, and actor, best known as the co-creator and principal writer of the groundbreaking radio comedy program 'The Goon Show.' Milligan's unique comedic style and influence helped shape modern British humour. [bio]

  • Lillian Gish
    Lillian Gish (1993)

    Lillian Gish was an American actress and director, widely recognized as one of the pioneering figures of early cinema and regarded as the 'First Lady of American Cinema.' Her career spanned over 75 years, making her one of the most enduring stars from the silent film era. [bio]

  • Joan Greenwood
    Joan Greenwood (1987)

    Joan Greenwood was a distinctive English actress known for her husky voice and poised presence in both comedy and drama, particularly during the mid-20th century British cinema boom. [bio]

  • Allison Hayes
    Allison Hayes (1977)

    Allison Hayes was an American actress and former model, best known for her role as Nancy Archer in the cult classic film 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman' (1958). She appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s, gaining a following for her performances in B-movies and sci-fi horror films. [bio]

  • Dale Robertson
    Dale Robertson (2013)

    Dale Robertson was an American actor best known for starring in television and film Westerns from the 1950s to the 1980s, including the popular TV series 'Tales of Wells Fargo'. [bio]

  • John Boles
    John Boles (1969)

    Actor (stella dallas and curly top) dies at 73.

  • Van Cliburn
    Van Cliburn (2013)

    Legendary American classical pianist who achieved international fame by winning the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow during the Cold...

  • More famous people died on February 27

calendar

What day of the year is February 27?


February 27th marks the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 307 days remaining until the end of the year (or 308 days in case of leap years).

February 27th is the 27th day of the month of February.

What day of the week is February 27?

On February 27th, 2026 the day of the week is Friday.

February 2026
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Holidays and Observances on February 27

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 27?