February 2: What Happened on This Day in History
February 2nd marks the 33rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 332 days (333 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 2nd in history, famous birthdays on February 2nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 2.
What happened on February 2?
Here's what happened on February 2nd in history:
- 2008: Joshua Lederberg, a prominent American molecular biologist and Nobel Prize laureate, passed away. He was a pioneering scientist known for his groundbreaking work in genetics and microbiology.
- 2006: A catastrophic maritime tragedy occurred when an aging Egyptian passenger ferry, carrying over 1,400 people, sank in the Red Sea near the Saudi coast, resulting in significant loss of life.
- 2000: A significant environmental incident occurred when a flash flood in Bolivia ruptured a crude oil pipeline, resulting in a massive oil spill of over 30,000 litres into the Desaguadero River, causing potential ecological damage to the local ecosystem.
- 1994: February 2, 1994, was a relatively quiet day with no major documented historical events of global significance. While daily life continued around the world, no extraordinary political, social, economic, or cultural milestones were recorded in mainstream historical archives for this specific date.
- 1990: Marina Ogilvy, daughter of Princess Alexandra of the British Royal Family, married Paul Mowatt in a private ceremony, continuing the tradition of royal marriages.
- 1987: Alistair MacLean, renowned British novelist famous for adventure and thriller novels like 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare', passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 64.
- 1985: Brian Boitano secured victory at the 1985 United States Male Figure Skating Championship, demonstrating exceptional skill and technical prowess in the competitive skating event.
- 1983: Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin of Chicago was among 18 new cardinals invested by Pope John Paul II.
- 1977: Radio Shack officially began production of the TRS-80 personal computer, a significant milestone in early home computing that would help democratize technology for consumers.
- 1975: A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Alaska, potentially causing significant geological disruption and posing risks to local populations and maritime activities.
What famous birthdays are on February 2?
On February 2nd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Jascha Heifetz]()
Jascha Heifetz (1901)Jascha Heifetz was a legendary Lithuanian-American violinist considered one of the greatest classical musicians of the 20th century.
![Gale Gordon]()
Gale Gordon (1906)Gale Gordon was a prominent American character actor best known for his comedic roles in classic television sitcoms, particularly as Mr.
![Stan Getz]()
Stan Getz (1927)Stan Getz was a legendary jazz tenor saxophonist known for his distinctive cool and lyrical playing style, who performed with notable big...
![David Jason]()
David Jason (1940)Beloved British comedy actor known for iconic TV roles in 'Open All Hours' and 'Only Fools and Horses', who received a lifetime achievement...
![Elaine Stritch]()
Elaine Stritch (1925)Legendary Broadway and television actress known for her distinctive gravelly voice and powerful performances.
![Tom Smothers]()
Tom Smothers (1937)Iconic American comedian who formed a legendary comedy duo with his brother Dick, known for their groundbreaking TV series 'The Smothers...
![Gemma Arterton]()
Gemma Arterton (1986)Gemma Arterton is a prominent British actress known for her versatile roles in action and period films, including James Bond's 'Quantum of...
![Barbara Sukowa]()
Barbara Sukowa (1950)Renowned German actress known for her powerful performances in art house cinema, particularly her collaboration with Rainer Werner...
![Ina Garten]()
Ina Garten (1948)Renowned American cookbook author and television personality known as the 'Barefoot Contessa', famous for her cooking shows and bestselling...
![Liz Smith]()
Liz Smith (1923)Renowned American gossip columnist who wrote for major newspapers and published the autobiography 'Natural Blonde' in 2000.
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 February 2?
On February 2nd the following celebrities died:
![Philip Seymour Hoffman]()
Philip Seymour Hoffman (2014)Philip Seymour Hoffman was a critically acclaimed American actor known for his extraordinary range and depth in dramatic and character...
![Gene Kelly]()
Gene Kelly (1996)Legendary Hollywood dancer, actor, and choreographer who revolutionized movie musicals through innovative dance techniques and storytelling.
![Boris Karloff]()
Boris Karloff (1969)Boris karloff was a british actor known for his portrayal of frankenstein's monster in the 1931 film 'frankenstein' and for his work in...
![Anna May Wong]()
Anna May Wong (1961)Pioneering Chinese-American actress who was the first Chinese-American Hollywood movie star, breaking significant racial barriers in early...
![Donald Pleasence]()
Donald Pleasence (1995)Donald Pleasence was a renowned English actor famous for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Sam Loomis in the Halloween horror film series.
![Wendy Barrie]()
Wendy Barrie (1978)Wendy Barrie was a British-American actress who appeared in 25 movies during Hollywood's golden era, notably starring in films like 'Dead...
![Barry Morse]()
Barry Morse (2008)Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter known for his versatile work in theater, film, and television, with a career spanning several...
![Bert Parks]()
Bert Parks (1992)Iconic American television host best known for hosting the Miss America Pageant for over two decades, becoming a beloved entertainment...
![Vijay Arora]()
What day of the year is February 2?
February 2nd marks the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 332 days remaining until the end of the year (or 333 days in case of leap years).
February 2nd is the 2nd day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 2?
The zodiac sign associated with February 2nd is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
