January 20: What Happened on This Day in History
January 20th marks the 20th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 345 days (346 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 20th in history, famous birthdays on January 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 20.

What happened on January 20?
Here's what happened on January 20th in history:
- 2022: As of January 20, 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic reached a significant global milestone with confirmed cases exceeding 338 million and total deaths surpassing 5.56 million. The pandemic continued to impact global health and policy, with notable developments including the British government's plan to remove most COVID-19 restrictions, Beijing's increased vigilance before the Winter Olympics, and the urgent need for approximately $5 billion to support worldwide vaccine distribution through GAVI.
- 2020: The Australian bushfire crisis of early 2020 was an unprecedented environmental disaster. By January 20th, the fires had claimed 20 lives, including three heroic volunteer firefighters. The scale of destruction was immense, with approximately 6 million hectares (14.8 million acres) of land scorched, causing massive ecological and economic damage. The fires devastated wildlife habitats, destroyed property, and created significant environmental and humanitarian challenges for Australia.
- 2019: A devastating attack by Islamist militants targeted a United Nations peacekeeping base in the northern Kidal Region of Mali, resulting in the deaths of ten peacekeepers and multiple injuries.
- 2007: A three-person team successfully completed a remarkable 1,093-mile (1,759 km) trek to the South Pole using only skis and human power. This achievement marks the first such unsupported expedition since 1958, demonstrating extraordinary human endurance and navigation skills in one of the world's most challenging environments.
- 2003: Bill Werbeniuk, a notable Canadian professional snooker player who was known for his significant contributions to the sport, passed away. Born in 1947, Werbeniuk was recognized for his unique playing style and memorable career in international snooker competitions.
- 2001: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the 14th President of the Philippines by Chief Justice Hilario Davide following a nonviolent four-day revolution. Her ascension was precipitated by the withdrawal of support for President Joseph Estrada by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and several key cabinet members, marking a significant moment in Philippine democratic transition.
- 1996: WPAT FM radio station in New York City transitions to an English-Spanish bilingual broadcasting format, reflecting the city's diverse linguistic landscape.
- 1993: Admiral William O. Studeman served as the acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during this period, maintaining continuity in national intelligence leadership during the presidential transition.
- 1979: On January 20, 1979, approximately one million Iranians gathered in Tehran to demonstrate overwhelming support for Ayatollah Khomeini, the exiled fundamentalist Muslim leader who would soon return and lead the Iranian Revolution, dramatically transforming the country's political and social landscape.
- 1973: Jalen Rose, who would later become an NBA guard playing for the Denver Nuggets, was born. Rose would go on to have a notable career in professional basketball and later become a sports commentator and analyst.

What famous birthdays are on January 20?
On January 20th there are the following famous birthdays:
- David Lynch (1946)
Iconic American filmmaker known for surreal and avant-garde cinema, creating groundbreaking works like 'Eraserhead', 'Blue Velvet', and the...
- Paul Stanley (1952)
Paul Stanley is a legendary rock musician, co-founder and lead vocalist of the iconic rock band KISS, known for their theatrical makeup and...
- Tom Baker (1934)
Iconic British actor best known for playing the Fourth Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who from 1974 to 1981,...
- Patricia Neal (1926)
Acclaimed American actress who won two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for 'Hud' in 1963 and Best Supporting Actress for 'The Subject...
- Erin Wasson (1982)
Erin Wasson is a renowned American fashion model, known for her distinctive bohemian style and successful runway and editorial work with top...
- Omar Sy (1978)
Renowned French actor famous for his breakthrough role in 'Intouchables', winning the César Award for Best Actor.
- Arte Johnson (1929)
Renowned American comedian and actor best known for his comedic roles in 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' and numerous comedy films.
- Rainn Wilson (1966)
Rainn Wilson is an Emmy-nominated American actor, comedian, and producer best known for his iconic role as Dwight Schrute in the critically...
- DeForest Kelley (1920)
DeForest Kelley was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the original Star Trek...
- Lorenzo Lamas (1958)
Lorenzo Lamas is an American actor and television star best known for his role in the popular TV series 'Falcon Crest' from 1981-1990.
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 January 20?
On January 20th the following celebrities died:
- Audrey Hepburn (1993)
Iconic Hollywood actress and humanitarian who became a global style icon and won an Oscar for 'Roman Holiday'.
- Barbara Stanwyck (1990)
Legendary Hollywood actress nominated four times for an Oscar, known for her versatile roles in classic films from the 1930s and 1940s.
- Meat Loaf (2022)
Iconic rock singer known for his theatrical performances and epic album 'Bat Out of Hell'.
- Johnny Weissmuller (1984)
Legendary Olympic swimmer and actor best known for playing Tarzan in 12 films between 1932 and 1948.
- Mira Furlan (2021)
Mira Furlan was a renowned Croatian-American actress best known for her iconic roles in science fiction series 'Babylon 5' and 'Lost', where...
- Alan Freed (1965)
Pioneering rock and roll disc jockey credited with popularizing the term 'rock and roll' and promoting African American music to mainstream...
- Manuel Garrincha (1983)
Manuel Garrincha was a legendary Brazilian footballer, widely considered one of the greatest dribblers in soccer history.

What day of the year is January 20?
January 20th marks the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 345 days remaining until the end of the year (or 346 days in case of leap years).
January 20th is the 20th day of the month of January.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 20?
The zodiac sign associated with January 20th is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
