January 23: What Happened on This Day in History
January 23rd marks the 23rd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 342 days (343 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 23rd in history, famous birthdays on January 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 23.

What happened on January 23?
Here's what happened on January 23rd in history:
- 2022: Mutinying Burkinabè soldiers led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba successfully deposed and detained President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid widespread anti-government protests, marking a significant political upheaval in the West African nation.
- 2019: Three Michigan residents are arrested at Gerald R. Ford International Airport on suspicion of conspiring to support the Islamic State, highlighting ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
- 2007: Ryszard Kapuscinski, a celebrated Polish journalist, author, and literary reporter known for his profound international reporting, passed away. He was a significant figure in 20th-century journalism, renowned for his insightful books about developing countries and complex geopolitical issues.
- 2005: Douglas Knight, an American university president, passed away at the age of 84.
- 2003: Nell Carter, a renowned American singer and actress who was a prominent figure in Broadway and television, passed away. Carter was known for her powerful voice and memorable performances in shows like "Gimme a Break!".
- 2001: The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution extending the monitoring mechanism of sanctions against UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) by an additional three months, continuing international efforts to manage the ongoing Angolan Civil War.
- 1996: In a Test match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe on January 23, 1996, Chris Cairns delivered an exceptional batting performance, scoring 120 runs off just 96 balls. His innings included 10 boundaries (fours) and 9 sixes, demonstrating remarkable power and skill.
- 1993: At the 50th Golden Globe Awards, 'Scent of a Woman' emerged as a significant winner, highlighting the film's critical acclaim and Al Pacino's memorable performance.
- 1979: Willie Mays, one of the most legendary and iconic players in Major League Baseball history, was unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 23, 1979. Known as the 'Say Hey Kid', Mays was celebrated for his extraordinary skills in both hitting and fielding, and is widely considered one of the greatest all-around baseball players of all time.
- 1974: Birth of Glen Chapple, a professional cricket player who would later become a notable pace bowler for Lancashire County Cricket Club and England A national team.

What famous birthdays are on January 23?
On January 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
- Chesley Sullenberger (1951)
American commercial airline pilot who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 passengers and...
- Mariska Hargitay (1964)
Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her long-running role as Detective Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.
- Tito Ortiz (1975)
Tito Ortiz is a legendary American mixed martial artist who was a prominent UFC fighter and champion, known for his dominant performances in...
- Rutger Hauer (1944)
Iconic Dutch actor renowned for his intense performances in science fiction and thriller films, most famously as Roy Batty in 'Blade...
- Jeanne Moreau (1928)
Iconic French actress and film director who was a leading figure of the French New Wave cinema.
- Gail O'Grady (1963)
Gail O'Grady is an accomplished American actress known for her prominent roles in critically acclaimed television series like NYPD Blue and...
- Ernie Kovacs (1919)
Pioneering television comedian known for his innovative and surreal comedy style, tragically killed in a car accident in West Los Angeles at...
- Gil Gerard (1943)
American actor best known for his starring role in the science fiction TV series 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'.
- Dan Duryea (1907)
Dan Duryea was a prominent American film actor famous for his distinctive roles in film noir and western movies during the 1940s and 1950s,...
- Jack Reynor (1992)
Irish actor known for roles in films like 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' and 'Midsommar', with a growing international profile.
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 23?
On January 23rd the following celebrities died:
- Jack LaLanne (2011)
Jack LaLanne was a pioneering fitness guru who revolutionized American health and wellness through television fitness programs and promoting...
- Craig Charles (1997)
Craig Charles is a renowned English comedian, actor, and TV presenter, best known for his roles in 'Red Dwarf' and as a host on BBC Radio 6...
- Jack Oakie (1978)
Jack Oakie was a prominent American comedian and character actor who appeared in over 100 films, most notably in Charlie Chaplin's satirical...
- Freddie Bartholomew (1992)
English child actor famous for his roles in classic films like 'Anna Karenina' and 'David Copperfield' during the golden age of Hollywood.
- Hal Holbrook (2021)
Renowned American actor with a distinguished career spanning stage and screen, known for iconic roles in films like 'All the President's...
- Gorden Kaye (2017)
English actor known for his work in comedy and television, particularly famous for his role in the sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!.
- Salvador Dalí (1989)
Salvador Dalí was a world-renowned Spanish surrealist artist famous for his bizarre and imaginative paintings, who also explored...

What day of the year is January 23?
January 23rd marks the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 342 days remaining until the end of the year (or 343 days in case of leap years).
January 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of January.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 23?
The zodiac sign associated with January 23rd is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
