February 23: What Happened on This Day in History
February 23rd marks the 54th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 311 days (312 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 23rd in history, famous birthdays on February 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 23.
What happened on February 23?
Here's what happened on February 23rd in history:
- 2021: On February 23, 2021, a series of coordinated prison riots erupted simultaneously across multiple detention facilities in Ecuador, resulting in the tragic death of at least 62 inmates. These violent incidents highlighted severe systemic issues within the country's prison system, including overcrowding, gang violence, and inadequate security measures.
- 2014: Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was prevented from flying to Russia by customs officials in Donetsk, marking a critical moment in the Ukrainian political crisis.
- 2011: The Libyan Civil War of 2011 intensified as anti-government protesters and military defectors gained control of multiple cities, challenging Muammar Gaddafi's regime and marking a critical turning point in the conflict.
- 2004: Carl Anderson, an accomplished American singer and actor known for his work in theater and music, passed away. Born in 1945, Anderson made significant contributions to the performing arts.
- 2002: On February 23, 2002, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a powerful guerrilla organization, kidnapped Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt while she was campaigning in a rural area. This high-profile abduction would become one of the most notorious kidnappings in Colombian history, with Betancourt remaining in captivity for over six years before being rescued in a dramatic military operation in 2008.
- 1999: Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Öcalan is charged with treason in Ankara, Turkey, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Kurdish conflict and Turkish political landscape.
- 1998: Howard Stern's radio show premiered on WAVF 96.1 FM in Charleston, South Carolina, expanding his media presence.
- 1995: "Uncle Vanya" opened at Circle in the Square Theater in New York City, running for 29 performances, showcasing a notable theatrical production.
- 1988: The 15th Winter Olympic Games commenced in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, bringing together international athletes to compete in winter sports and showcase global athletic excellence.
- 1981: People Magazine published an article featuring the personal drug-related struggles of Mackenzie and Papa John Phillips, highlighting celebrity challenges of the era.
What famous birthdays are on February 23?
On February 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
![John Lewis]()
![Mirtha Legrand]()
Mirtha Legrand (1927)Mirtha Legrand is an iconic Argentine television host and actress with a remarkable 72-year entertainment career.
![Emily Blunt]()
Emily Blunt (1983)Emily Blunt is a critically acclaimed British actress known for her versatile roles in blockbuster and indie films, including 'The Devil...
![Aziz Ansari]()
Aziz Ansari (1983)Aziz Ansari is a popular Indian-American comedian, actor, writer, and director, best known for his role as Tom Haverford in the hit comedy...
![Peter Fonda]()
Peter Fonda (1940)Iconic American actor, filmmaker, and counterculture figure best known for his role in 'Easy Rider'.
![Andre Ward]()
Andre Ward (1984)Andre Ward is a highly accomplished American professional boxer who won an Olympic gold medal in 2004 and became a world champion in both...
![Patricia Richardson]()
Patricia Richardson (1951)Patricia Richardson is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Jill Taylor in the popular 1990s sitcom Home Improvement,...
![Majel Barrett]()
Majel Barrett (1939)Majel Barrett was a prominent American actress best known for her roles in Star Trek, including Christine Chapel and the voice of the...
![Karan Grover]()
Karan Grover (1982)Karan Grover is a prominent Indian television actor known for his significant roles in popular TV shows like 'Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli'...
![Josh Gad]()
Josh Gad (1981)Josh Gad is a versatile American actor, comedian, and producer known for voice roles in animated films like 'Frozen' and live-action...
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 23?
On February 23rd the following celebrities died:
![Stan Laurel]()
![Katherine Helmond]()
Katherine Helmond (2019)Katherine Helmond was a renowned American actress best known for her comedic roles in popular TV sitcoms 'Soap' and 'Who's the Boss?'.
![Florence Rice]()
- Joshua Reynolds (1792)
Joshua Reynolds was an influential English portrait painter and the first President of the Royal Academy of Arts.
- Alice Herz-Sommer (2014)
A renowned Jewish pianist and music teacher who survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp.
- Stanley Matthews (2000)
Stanley Matthews was a pioneering English footballer widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation.
- James Herriot (1995)
A renowned British veterinarian and author who wrote beloved semi-autobiographical books about rural veterinary life in Yorkshire, most...
- John Motson (2023)
Legendary BBC football commentator known for his distinctive style and encyclopedic knowledge of football, who covered matches for over 50...
- Melvin Franklin (1995)
Legendary bass singer of the iconic Motown group The Temptations, who was a key member of the band during its most successful period.
What day of the year is February 23?
February 23rd marks the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 311 days remaining until the end of the year (or 312 days in case of leap years).
February 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 23?
The zodiac sign associated with February 23rd is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
