January 21: What Happened on This Day in History
January 21st marks the 21st day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 344 days (345 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 21st in history, famous birthdays on January 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 21.
What happened on January 21?
Here's what happened on January 21st in history:
- 2022: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a critical diplomatic meeting in Geneva to discuss the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine, attempting to prevent potential military conflict through high-level diplomatic negotiations.
- 2020: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially announced the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (later known as COVID-19) in the United States, specifically in Snohomish County, Washington. This marked the beginning of the pandemic's spread in the United States, which would dramatically transform global health and society in the following months.
- 2019: A devastating terrorist attack by the Taliban on a National Directorate of Security building in Maidan Wardak Province resulted in the deaths of 126 security personnel, highlighting ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
- 2007: U;Nee, a notable K-pop singer and actress born in 1981, was recognized in the entertainment industry.
- 2005: Theun de Vries, a prominent Dutch writer who was born in 1907, passed away on this date.
- 2003: On January 21, 2003, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Mexican state of Colima, causing significant destruction and human suffering. The seismic event resulted in 29 fatalities and left approximately 10,000 people homeless. The earthquake's epicenter was located along the Pacific coast, and its impact was felt as far away as Mexico City, highlighting the tremor's substantial geological force.
- 2001: Chung Ju-yung, a prominent Korean industrialist and founder of the Hyundai Group, passed away. Known for transforming South Korea's industrial landscape, he was a key figure in the country's economic development during the 20th century.
- 1996: Karrie Webb emerged victorious in the LPGA HealthSouth Inaugural Golf Tournament, demonstrating her skill and competitive spirit in professional women's golf.
- 1993: Renowned Afrobeat pioneer and political activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti was arrested by Nigerian authorities on suspicion of murder. Known for his provocative music and criticism of military regimes, Kuti's arrest was likely politically motivated and part of ongoing tensions between the musician and government authorities.
- 1979: In an astronomical event, Neptune's orbital position changes, making it temporarily the outermost planet in the solar system as Pluto's orbit shifts closer to the sun.
What famous birthdays are on January 21?
On January 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Paul Allen]()
Paul Allen (1953)Paul Allen was a pioneering American technology entrepreneur who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, playing a crucial role in the...
![Telly Savalas]()
Telly Savalas (1922)Telly Savalas was a renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the popular 1970s police detective...
![Plácido Domingo]()
Plácido Domingo (1941)Internationally renowned Spanish operatic tenor, conductor, and humanitarian who has performed over 50 recorded operas and was awarded...
![Sushant Singh Rajput]()
Sushant Singh Rajput (1986)Sushant Singh Rajput was a talented Bollywood actor known for his versatile performances, particularly in the biographical sports film 'M.
![Geena Davis]()
Geena Davis (1956)Acclaimed American actress known for her Oscar-winning role in 'The Accidental Tourist' and her iconic performance in 'Thelma and Louise'.
![Benny Hill]()
Benny Hill (1924)Iconic British comedian known for his slapstick humor and comedic television shows.
![Paul Scofield]()
Paul Scofield (1922)Paul Scofield was a distinguished British actor, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'A Man for All Seasons'.
![Wolfman Jack]()
Wolfman Jack (1938)Legendary radio disc jockey known for his distinctive gravelly voice and influential role in rock and roll radio broadcasting, famously...
![Steve Reeves]()
Steve Reeves (1926)Iconic bodybuilder and actor who became a major star in Italian muscle-man films of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly known for his...
![Emma Bunton]()
Emma Bunton (1976)Emma Bunton, known as 'Baby Spice', is a famous British pop singer who rose to global stardom as a member of the iconic girl group Spice...
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 21?
On January 21st the following celebrities died:
![Jackie Wilson]()
Jackie Wilson (1984)Legendary R&B and rock 'n' roll singer known for his extraordinary four-octave vocal range and dynamic performances.
![George Orwell]()
George Orwell (1950)George Orwell was a seminal British writer who profoundly influenced political literature through his dystopian novels critiquing...
![Terry Jones]()
Terry Jones (2020)Renowned British comedian, writer, and medieval historian, best known as a key member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe.
![Peggy Lee]()
Peggy Lee (2002)Legendary jazz and pop singer known for her distinctive voice and versatile career spanning music, film, and television.
![Geeta Bali]()
Geeta Bali (1965)Geeta Bali was a prominent Bollywood actress of the 1950s, known for her versatile acting and charming screen presence.
![Ann Sheridan]()
Ann Sheridan (1967)Iconic Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known as the 'Oomph Girl' for her charismatic screen presence.
![Jack Lord]()
Jack Lord (1998)Iconic American television actor best known for starring as Detective Steve McGarrett in the groundbreaking police procedural series 'Hawaii...
![Susan Strasberg]()
Susan Strasberg (1999)Renowned actress and daughter of acting teacher Lee Strasberg, she made her film debut in 1954 and famously portrayed Anne Frank on stage.
![Kaye Ballard]()
Kaye Ballard (2019)Versatile American entertainer who rose from burlesque to Broadway and television, known for her comedic talents and starring in the popular...
![Louie Anderson]()
Louie Anderson (2022)Louie Anderson was an Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, and creator of the animated series 'Life with Louie'.
What day of the year is January 21?
January 21st marks the 21st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 344 days remaining until the end of the year (or 345 days in case of leap years).
January 21st is the 21st day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 21?
The zodiac sign associated with January 21st is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
