February 22: What Happened on This Day in History
February 22nd marks the 53rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 312 days (313 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 22nd in history, famous birthdays on February 22nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 22.
What happened on February 22?
Here's what happened on February 22nd in history:
- 2021: On February 22, 2021, the United States reached a devastating milestone as the COVID-19 pandemic death toll surpassed 500,000 lives lost. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a solemn candle-lighting ceremony outside the White House to commemorate the immense human tragedy. During the ceremony, they emphasized the importance of remembering each life lost and urged the nation not to become desensitized to the profound grief and suffering caused by the pandemic.
- 2014: Yulia Tymoshenko, the former prime minister of Ukraine who had been held for over two years on politically motivated charges, is released from prison following parliamentary action.
- 2011: Uncertainty about Libya's oil output during the Arab Spring causes crude oil prices to rise 20% in two weeks, triggering the 2011 global energy crisis.
- 2004: Roque Mespoli, a notable Uruguayan footballer who was born in 1917, passed away on this date.
- 2002: A ceasefire brokered by Norwegian diplomats begins in Sri Lanka, representing a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the long-standing conflict between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels. This diplomatic effort aimed to reduce tensions and create a pathway for peaceful negotiations.
- 1999: William Bronk, a notable American poet who was born in 1918, passed away on this date. Bronk was known for his contemplative and philosophical poetry that explored themes of human perception and existential questions.
- 1998: Abraham Alexander Ribicoff, an influential American Democratic Party politician who was born in 1910, was remembered for his significant contributions to public service.
- 1995: Algerian police forcefully quelled a prison riot, resulting in the deaths of at least 99 prisoners. This violent incident highlighted significant tensions within the Algerian penal system and raised international concerns about prison conditions and human rights.
- 1988: On February 22, 1988, American speed skater Bonnie Blair achieved a remarkable world record in the 500-meter sprint, completing the distance in an impressive 39.10 seconds. This performance highlighted Blair's exceptional athletic prowess and solidified her status as a top international speed skating competitor.
- 1981: Jeanette Biedermann is a prominent German singer, actress, and television personality who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for her pop music career and acting roles, she has been a significant figure in German entertainment.
What famous birthdays are on February 22?
On February 22nd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Lea Salonga]()
Lea Salonga (1971)Renowned Filipino actress and singer who achieved international acclaim for her role in Miss Saigon.
![Drew Barrymore]()
Drew Barrymore (1975)Renowned American actress from a legendary acting family, famous for her breakthrough roles in childhood films like E.T.
![Giulietta Masina]()
Giulietta Masina (1921)Legendary Italian actress known for her extraordinary performances in Federico Fellini's films, particularly in 'La Strada' and 'Juliet of...
![Bruce Forsyth]()
Bruce Forsyth (1928)Legendary British television presenter and entertainer known for hosting popular shows like 'The Generation Game'.
![Nicholas Pileggi]()
Nicholas Pileggi (1933)Acclaimed American author specializing in non-fiction books about organized crime, most famous for 'Wiseguy', which was adapted into Martin...
![Kyle MacLachlan]()
Kyle MacLachlan (1959)Acclaimed American actor known for iconic roles in David Lynch films like 'Blue Velvet' and TV series 'Twin Peaks', with a career spanning...
![John Mills]()
John Mills (1908)Renowned British actor who had a distinguished career spanning several decades, winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1970 for...
![Zachary Scott]()
Zachary Scott (1914)American film and television actor known for roles in classic Hollywood movies during the 1940s and 1950s, including notable performances in...
![Rachel Dratch]()
Rachel Dratch (1966)American comedian and actress best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and various comedy films.
![Julie Walters]()
Julie Walters (1950)Acclaimed British actress who transitioned from nursing to entertainment, winning a Tony Award for her performance in 'Educating Rita' and...
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 22?
On February 22nd the following celebrities died:
![Simone Simon]()
Simone Simon (2005)French actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Lac aux Dames', 'Cat People', and 'Curse of the Cat People', who was prominent in...
![Ed Flanders]()
Ed Flanders (1995)Emmy Award-winning actor best known for his role as Dr. Donald Westphall in the groundbreaking medical drama 'St. Elsewhere'.
![Morgan Woodward]()
![Joan Woodbury]()
![Edith Barrett]()
![Efrem Zimbalist]()
- Andy Warhol (1987)
A leading figure in the Pop Art movement, known for his iconic silkscreen paintings of celebrities and consumer products like Campbell's...
- Charles Lyell (1875)
Charles Lyell was a Scottish geologist who is best known as the author of the famous book 'Principles of Geology', which presented the...
- Daniel Pearl (2002)
American journalist tragically kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002, becoming a symbol of press freedom and journalistic courage...
- Oskar Kokoschka (1980)
An Austrian expressionist painter and poet, known for his intense, psychologically charged portraits and landscapes.
What day of the year is February 22?
February 22nd marks the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 312 days remaining until the end of the year (or 313 days in case of leap years).
February 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 22?
The zodiac sign associated with February 22nd is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
