October 23: What Happened on This Day in History
October 23rd marks the 296th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 297th in case of leap years). There are 69 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 23rd in history, famous birthdays on October 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 23.

What happened on October 23?
Here's what happened on October 23rd in history:
- 2017: The Palmyra Coordination Committee reported the discovery of 67 bodies in Al-Qaryatayn, a town in central Syria's Homs Governorate, revealing potential war crimes committed during the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
- 2016: Saudi Arabian-led air strikes on Yemen's capital Sana'a persisted despite a previous cease-fire, underscoring the ongoing complexity and volatility of the Yemeni Civil War. The continued military operations highlight the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- 2012: An Israeli artillery strike in the northern Gaza Strip causes at least one death and two injuries, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.
- 2009: Over 200 African Roman Catholic bishops released a 12-page document urging corrupt leaders to resign and repent, highlighting ongoing governance challenges in the continent.
- 2005: A referendum was held to decide on the administrative merger of Kamchatka Oblast and Koryak Autonomous Okrug, potentially reshaping the regional governance structure in Russia's Far East.
- 2003: Bill Nicholson, a notable English football player and manager who significantly contributed to the sport, died on this date. Known for his remarkable career in football, Nicholson was a respected figure in the sporting world.
- 1989: George Harrison released his compilation album 'Best of Dark Horse 1976-89', showcasing selected works from his musical career during that period.
- 1980: The musical 'Tintypes' debuts at the John Golden Theater in New York City, scheduled for a 93-performance run, showcasing a unique theatrical production.
- 1979: New York Yankees manager Billy Martin was involved in a physical altercation with Joseph Cooper, a Minnesota marshmallow salesman, in a bar. The incident resulted in Cooper requiring 15 stitches, highlighting Martin's volatile temperament and reputation for confrontational behavior.
- 1974: On October 23, 1974, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized Georgios Papadopoulos in a leadership role. This recognition potentially signaled a shift in the organization's governance and strategic direction.

What famous birthdays are on October 23?
On October 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
- Michael Crichton (1942)
Renowned American author and medical doctor who became a bestselling science fiction and thriller novelist, famous for works like 'Jurassic...
- Johnny Carson (1925)
Legendary American television host of 'The Tonight Show' who dominated late-night television for three decades, becoming a cultural icon and...
- Ryan Reynolds (1976)
Canadian-American actor known for his comedic roles in films like Deadpool and Free Guy, as well as his early TV work in 'Two Guys, a Girl,...
- Emilia Clarke (1986)
Emilia Clarke is a renowned British actress who gained worldwide fame for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's critically...
- Sam Raimi (1959)
Sam Raimi is a renowned American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy and cult horror...
- Dwight Yoakam (1956)
Renowned country western singer and actor who pioneered a unique musical style by blending traditional country with alternative rock...
- Amandla Stenberg (1998)
Amandla Stenberg is an American actress and activist known for her breakthrough roles in 'The Hunger Games' and 'The Hate U Give', who has...
- Nancy Grace (1959)
Nancy Grace is a prominent American legal commentator and former prosecutor, known for her passionate and confrontational style on...
- Diana Dors (1931)
British sex symbol and actress of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her platinum blonde looks and provocative image.
- Kate del Castillo (1972)
Prominent Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas and films, with international recognition.
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 October 23?
On October 23rd the following celebrities died:
- Lino Ventura (1986)
Renowned French actor famous for detective and crime films, known for his tough-guy roles and distinctive screen presence.
- Oskar Werner (1984)
A renowned Austrian actor famous for his critically acclaimed performance in François Truffaut's 'Jules and Jim', a landmark French New Wave...
- Adolph Green (2002)
Adolph Green was a renowned American lyricist and playwright, famous for his Broadway and Hollywood collaborations, particularly with Betty...
- Yokozuna (2000)
Rodney Anoa'i was a famous professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), known for his massive size and Samoan heritage.
- Bill Nicholson (2004)
Iconic English footballer and legendary Tottenham Hotspur manager who significantly shaped the club's history and football strategy in the...
- Tullio Regge (2014)
Tullio Regge was a renowned Italian theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and mathematical physics,...
- Bert Haanstra (1997)
Renowned Dutch documentary filmmaker who won multiple international awards, including the Cannes Grand Prix and an Oscar for his short...
- Pete Burns (2016)
British singer, songwriter, and television personality best known as the lead singer of the pop group Dead or Alive, famous for their 1980s...
- Theophile Gautier (1872)
French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and art critic who founded the Société des Gens de Lettres, a professional association of...
- Dutch Schultz (1935)
A notorious American gangster active during the Prohibition era, known for his violent criminal activities in New York City.

What day of the year is October 23?
October 23rd marks the 296th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 297th in case of leap years).
There are 69 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 23?
On October 23rd, 2025 the day of the week is Thursday.
October | 2025 | |||||
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Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |

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