February 21: What Happened on This Day in History
February 21st marks the 52nd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 313 days (314 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 21st in history, famous birthdays on February 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 21.
What happened on February 21?
Here's what happened on February 21st in history:
- 2021: Mohamed Bazoum, the former interior minister, won the presidential election in Niger, achieving a landmark moment for the country by marking the first peaceful democratic transition of power in this economically challenged West African nation. This election represents a significant step towards democratic consolidation in a region often characterized by political instability.
- 2014: During the Euromaidan protests, the Ukrainian government and opposition agree to form a unity government and schedule early elections, marking a significant political compromise amid escalating tensions.
- 2011: A significant wave of pro-democracy protests and revolutions sweeping across multiple Arab countries, challenging long-standing authoritarian regimes and demanding political reforms, human rights, and economic opportunities.
- 2004: John Charles CBE was a prominent Welsh football player born in 1931, known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
- 2002: John Thaw, a highly acclaimed British actor best known for his iconic roles in television series like 'Inspector Morse', passed away. Born in 1942, Thaw was a significant figure in British television and film, known for his versatile acting skills and memorable performances.
- 1999: Gertrude B. Elion, a pioneering American scientist who made significant contributions to medical research, is commemorated. She was a Nobel Prize recipient in Physiology or Medicine, recognized for her groundbreaking work in developing innovative pharmaceutical treatments.
- 1995: RAF pilot Jo Salter makes history by becoming the first woman to fly a Tornado aircraft, breaking gender barriers in military aviation.
- 1988: Gustafson sets a new world record in the 10 km speed skating event, completing the distance in an impressive time of 13 minutes and 48.20 seconds.
- 1985: The Detroit Pistons set a new record for the largest NBA crowd in history, with 44,970 spectators attending a game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Joe Louis Arena.
- 1981: Peter Sutcliffe, a notorious serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper, was finally apprehended by law enforcement after a reign of terror that resulted in the murder of 13 women across Northern England. His capture brought significant relief to communities that had lived in fear during his killing spree.
What famous birthdays are on February 21?
On February 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Alan Rickman]()
Alan Rickman (1946)Alan Rickman was a critically acclaimed British actor famous for iconic roles in Harry Potter as Severus Snape and as Hans Gruber in Die...
![Jordan Peele]()
Jordan Peele (1979)Jordan Peele is an acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his groundbreaking comedy sketch show 'Key & Peele' and his...
![Jennifer Love Hewitt]()
Jennifer Love Hewitt (1979)Jennifer Love Hewitt is a versatile American actress, singer, and producer best known for her roles in popular TV series 'Party of Five' and...
![Kelsey Grammer]()
Kelsey Grammer (1955)Renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Frasier Crane in 'Cheers' and its spin-off 'Frasier'.
![Corbin Bleu]()
Corbin Bleu (1989)Corbin Bleu is a multi-talented American entertainer known for his breakthrough role in Disney's High School Musical franchise, who has...
![Ashley Greene]()
Ashley Greene (1987)American actress and model best known for her iconic role as Alice Cullen in the globally popular 'Twilight' film series.
![Rue McClanahan]()
Rue McClanahan (1934)Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Blanche Devereaux in the beloved sitcom 'The Golden Girls'.
![William Baldwin]()
William Baldwin (1963)American actor, producer, and screenwriter known for his roles in films like Backdraft and Flatliners.
![Christopher Atkins]()
Christopher Atkins (1961)American actor known for his breakthrough roles in 'The Blue Lagoon' and 'A Little Romance', who became a teen idol in the late 1970s and...
![Lola Flores]()
Lola Flores (1923)Legendary Spanish singer, dancer, and actress who was a prominent figure in flamenco and Spanish popular music during the mid-20th century.
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 21?
On February 21st the following celebrities died:
![Peter Tork]()
Peter Tork (2019)Peter Tork was an iconic American musician and actor, best known as a member of the groundbreaking 1960s pop group The Monkees, who...
![John Thaw]()
John Thaw (2002)Renowned British actor famous for his iconic role as Inspector Morse in the popular detective television series.
![Ina Claire]()
- Malcolm X (1965)
Malcolm X was a pivotal civil rights leader who transformed from a convicted criminal to a powerful advocate for African American rights.
- Gertrude Elion (1999)
Gertrude Elion was a pioneering Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who revolutionized drug development.
- Mikhail Sholokhov (1984)
Renowned Soviet novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature winner, best known for his epic novel 'And Quiet Flows the Don', which depicts life...
- Howard Florey (1968)
Howard Florey was an Australian pharmacologist who co-discovered penicillin and shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945.
- Margot Fonteyn (1991)
Margot Fonteyn was a legendary British ballerina who revolutionized dance through her iconic partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.
- Kenneth Arrow (2017)
Influential economist and Nobel Prize winner who made groundbreaking contributions to social choice theory and welfare economics.
What day of the year is February 21?
February 21st marks the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 313 days remaining until the end of the year (or 314 days in case of leap years).
February 21st is the 21st day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 21?
The zodiac sign associated with February 21st is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
