October 31: What Happened on This Day in History
October 31st marks the 304th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 305th in case of leap years). There are 61 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 31st in history, famous birthdays on October 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 31.
What happened on October 31?
Here's what happened on October 31st in history:
- 2017: On October 31, 2017, a terrorist attack occurred in Lower Manhattan, New York City, when a man drove a truck into pedestrians, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. This incident raised concerns about urban security and terrorism. source: nytimes.com
- 2016: On October 31, 2016, Michel Aoun, a former army chief and ally of Hezbollah, was elected as President of Lebanon, ending a 29-month presidential vacuum. Aoun secured 83 votes in the 128-seat parliament, surpassing the 65 needed for election. source: upi.com
- 2012: The death toll from Hurricane Sandy continued to rise as recovery efforts progressed. Communities mourned the loss of life while assessing the extensive damage caused by the storm. source: nytimes.com
- 1997: Louise Woodward, a British au pair, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the second-degree murder of eight-month-old Matthew Eappen. The case garnered significant media attention and raised questions about child care practices and legal standards. source: nytimes.com
- 1992: Pope John Paul II issued a formal apology for the Catholic Church's historical persecution of Galileo Galilei, acknowledging the errors made in condemning him for his support of heliocentrism. source: catholicnewsagency.com
- 1980: On October 31, 1980, Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, declared himself the new Shah of Iran, adopting the title Reza Shah II. This proclamation occurred on his 20th birthday in a simple ceremony at Cairo's Kubbeh Palace, where he addressed the Iranian people, calling for unity against the Islamic regime of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The United States government, through State Department spokesman John Trattner, disassociated itself from Reza Pahlavi, affirming recognition of the existing Iranian government. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1976: On October 31, 1976, at 19 years and 140 days, Javed Miandad became the youngest player to score a double century in Test cricket, achieving 206 runs against New Zealand in Karachi. source: indianexpress.com
- 1970: On October 31, 1970, Tropical Storm Louise made landfall in Vietnam, causing severe flooding and destruction. The storm compounded the challenges faced by the region already affected by monsoon floods. source: nytimes.com
- 1968: On October 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the suspension of bombing operations in North Vietnam. This decision was part of a broader strategy to negotiate peace in the Vietnam War. source: archives.gov
- 1967: On October 31, 1967, Nguyen Van Thieu was elected as the President of South Vietnam. He served as the head of state during a critical period of the Vietnam War, overseeing military and political strategies until his resignation in 1975. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on October 31?
On October 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Christopher Columbus]()
Christopher Columbus (1451)Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four transatlantic voyages between 1492 and 1504 under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, which led to the opening of the Americas to European colonization and significant global historical changes. [bio]
![John Candy]()
John Candy (1950)John Candy was a Canadian comedian and actor known for his work in Hollywood films during the 1970s-1990s. Renowned for his improvisational skills and affable on-screen presence, Candy became beloved for both leading and supporting comedic roles. [bio]
![Peter Jackson]()
Peter Jackson (1961)Sir Peter Jackson is a New Zealand film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for directing the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, which are widely regarded as some of the most successful and influential fantasy films in cinema history. [bio]
![Dan Rather]()
Dan Rather (1931)Dan Rather is an American journalist and former national news anchor, best known for his tenure as anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1981 to 2005. He became one of the most prominent journalists in the United States, covering major historical events and earning several accolades over his career. [bio]
![Jane Pauley]()
Jane Pauley (1950)Jane Pauley is an American television journalist and author, best known for her long-running roles as co-host of NBC's 'Today' show and anchor of CBS's 'Sunday Morning.' Her career spans over four decades, during which she has become a respected figure in broadcast journalism. [bio]
![David Ogden Stiers]()
David Ogden Stiers (1942)David Ogden Stiers was an American actor, conductor, and musician, best known for his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on the television series M*A*S*H. He also provided the voice for several characters in Disney animated films, notably Cogsworth in 'Beauty and the Beast' and Jumbaa in 'Lilo & Stitch.' [bio]
![Ethel Waters]()
Ethel Waters (1896)Ethel Waters was an influential American singer and actress, renowned for her contributions to jazz, blues, and gospel music, as well as her pioneering work on stage and in film. She broke racial barriers throughout her career and made a lasting impact on American entertainment. [bio]
![Eddie Kaye Thomas]()
Eddie Kaye Thomas (1980)Eddie Kaye Thomas is an American actor best known for his role as Paul Finch in the 'American Pie' film series and as Tobey Curtis in the CBS TV series 'Scorpion.' He has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, gaining recognition for his versatility and comedic timing. [bio]
![Justin Chatwin]()
Justin Chatwin (1982)Justin Chatwin is a Canadian actor known for his versatile roles in television and film, particularly for his performances in the Showtime series 'Shameless' and the science fiction film 'War of the Worlds.' [bio]
![Barbara Bel Geddes]()
Barbara Bel Geddes (1922)Barbara Bel Geddes was an American actress, artist, and children's author best known for her role as Miss Ellie Ewing on the television series 'Dallas.' She was also celebrated for her career in film and on stage, including her role in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' and her Tony Award-winning performance in the original Broadway production of 'Cat on a Hot Tin … [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 October 31?
On October 31st the following celebrities died:
![Sean Connery]()
Sean Connery (2020)Sean Connery was a Scottish actor who gained international fame for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, appearing as the British secret agent in seven feature films between 1962 and 1983. Beyond Bond, Connery won widespread critical acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Untouchables' (1987), and starred in major films such as … [bio]
![Federico Fellini]()
Federico Fellini (1993)Federico Fellini was an influential Italian film director and screenwriter known for his distinct style that blends fantasy, baroque images, and earthiness. He is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century, celebrated for his visually spectacular and imaginative films that helped revolutionize modern cinema. [bio]
![River Phoenix]()
River Phoenix (1993)River Phoenix was an acclaimed American actor, musician, and activist. He is best known for his roles in films such as 'Stand by Me' and 'My Own Private Idaho,' and was celebrated for his talent at a young age before his untimely death. [bio]
![Harry Houdini]()
Harry Houdini (1926)Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer, widely recognized as one of the most famous escape artists in history. He gained international fame for his sensational escape acts, including escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and locked containers. [bio]
![Joseph Campbell]()
Joseph Campbell (1987)Joseph Campbell was an American professor, writer, and orator known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His ideas concerning the universality of mythological themes, especially the concept of the 'monomyth' or 'hero's journey,' have had a major influence on literature, psychology, and popular culture. [bio]
![Egon Schiele]()
Egon Schiele (1918)Egon Schiele was an Austrian expressionist painter and draftsman, widely recognized for his raw, emotive and often erotic depictions of the human figure. His distinctive style, featuring distorted forms and bold lines, significantly influenced modern art and is especially noted for its psychological intensity. [bio]
![John Houseman]()
John Houseman (1988)John Houseman was a British-American actor and producer best known for his distinctive voice and role as Professor Charles Kingsfield in the film and television series 'The Paper Chase.' He was also a founding member of the Mercury Theatre, collaborating with Orson Welles. [bio]
![Raf Vallone]()
Raf Vallone (2002)Raf Vallone was an Italian actor and footballer, widely recognized for his work in European and international cinema, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Initially known as a professional football player, he later became acclaimed for his powerful screen presence in films such as 'Bitter Rice', 'The Godfather Part III', and 'El Cid'. [bio]
![Joseph Calleia]()
Joseph Calleia (1975)Joseph Calleia was a Maltese-born American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He gained prominence for his character roles, often portraying suave villains or tough men in a career that spanned the 1930s to the 1950s. [bio]
![Rosalind Cash]()
Rosalind Cash (1995)Rosalind Cash was an American actress and singer known for her versatile work in film, television, and stage from the 1960s through the 1990s. [bio]
What day of the year is October 31?
October 31st marks the 304th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 305th in case of leap years).
There are 61 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 31st is the 31st day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 31?
On October 31st, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.
| October | 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 October 31?
The zodiac sign associated with October 31st is Scorpio according to the Western Zodiac.
