Previous Day Next Day

April 23, 2026 Holiday:

Shakespeare Day

Shakespeare Day is a joyous celebration of the life and works of the world's most renowned playwright, William Shakespeare! On this special day, literature lovers and theatre enthusiasts come together to pay tribute to the Bard's incredible legacy. Traditionally, fans mark the occasion by attending performances of his plays, reading his sonnets and plays aloud, and engaging in lively discussions about his works. Many schools and libraries also organize special events, such as workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, to introduce new generations to Shakespeare's timeless masterpieces. Overall, Shakespeare Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the enduring power of his words and the impact they've had on literature and the arts.

Learn more about Shakespeare Day
Holidays on April 23, 2026:

World Book Night

World Book Night, 4/23/2026: Join book lovers sharing passion for words, giving away free books to spread reading joy and foster community. more >>

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Bring your kids to work on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, April 23, 2026, and inspire their future aspirations with interactive activities and a glimpse into the professional world. more >>

World Book Day

Join us on World Book Day, April 23, 2026, as readers of all ages come together to share their love for literature, dress up as favorite characters, and discover new authors and genres. more >>

World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day, April 23, 2026, honors books, authors, and literacy, promoting reading, writing, and intellectual property rights. more >>

Talk Like Shakespeare Day

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, 4/23/2026: Channel your inner Bard and indulge in Elizabethan English, adopting Shakespearean phrases, vocabulary, and mannerisms to revel in the beauty of the English language. more >>

English Language Day

English Language Day, 4/23/2026: Discover the power of language to connect people and foster understanding across cultures. more >>

German Beer Day

German Beer Day, 4/23/2026: Honor Germany's rich brewing heritage and toast the perfect pour with friends and family in lively beer gardens. more >>

National Picnic Day

National Picnic Day, 4/23/2026: Join friends and family for a joyful outdoor gathering, complete with delicious food, games, and memories. more >>

National English Muffin Day

National English Muffin Day on 4/23/2026: Indulge in the tasty breakfast staple with sweet and savory toppings. more >>
Birthdays on April 23:

William Shakespeare

Died in 1616, aged 52

Renowned playwright and poet behind iconic works like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, whose writings continue to influence literature and theater to this day.

John Cena

48 Years Old

A charismatic WWE champion and Hollywood actor, known for his unstoppable wrestling persona and versatility in films and TV shows.

Michael Moore

71 Years Old

Academy Award-winning documentarian and outspoken critic of capitalism, known for provocative films that challenge the status quo and spark national conversations.

Shirley Temple

Died in 2014, aged 85

Child star of the 1930s, charming audiences with her curly hair and precocious performances, later becoming a respected diplomat and public servant.

John Oliver

48 Years Old

A British comedian and writer, known for his in-depth, satirical news commentary on HBO's "Last Week Tonight," tackling complex issues with humor and wit.

Gigi Hadid

30 Years Old

A renowned fashion model and TV personality, strutting down catwalks for top designers and appearing on magazine covers, also known for her charming personality on reality TV shows...

George Lopez

64 Years Old

A comedian, actor, and talk show host who is known for his raw, honest humor and advocacy for Latino rights and representation in the entertainment industry.

Roy Orbison

Died in 1988, aged 52

A rockabilly pioneer and iconic vocalist, known for his powerful, soaring voice and hits like "Crying" and "Oh, Pretty Woman".

Kal Penn

48 Years Old

Star of the Harold & Kumar film series and a former White House staffer, known for his comedic timing and advocacy for diversity in Hollywood.

Dev Patel

35 Years Old

A talented actor who has starred in a range of films, including Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, earning him critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Valerie Bertinelli

65 Years Old

Star of the popular 1970s-80s sitcom "One Day at a Time" and later a Food Network personality, known for her charming on-screen presence and cooking shows.

Judy Davis

70 Years Old

Acclaimed actress renowned for her intense, nuanced performances in film and television, earning numerous awards and nominations, including two Academy Award nods.

Events from History on April 23:
83 years ago
German bombers retaliate against British cities (Exeter, Bath, and York, England) 1942
The war between Germany and Britain was reaching new heights, and the air raids were getting more intense. German bombers, seeking revenge for the British raid on Lübeck, launched a series of attacks on three historic British cities: Exeter, Bath, and York. The Baedeker Blitz, as it came to be known, brought devastation to these cultural hubs, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. The bombings were a harsh reminder of the widespread destruction that World War II would bring, and the terrible cost of war.
80 years ago
Hitler's Successor Telecom: Göring's Treasonous Query (Berchtesgaden, Germany) 1945
Hermann Göring, Hitler's designated successor, sends a fateful telegram asking permission to take the reins of Nazi Germany. Little does he know, Martin Bormann and Joseph Goebbels are already whispering treason in Hitler's ear, convincing him that Göring's move is a power grab. The once-loyal Göring has unknowingly sealed his fate, and his ousting from the Nazi elite has begun.
84 years ago
Greek government and King George II flee Athens (Athens, Greece) 1941
King George II of Greece, accompanied by his government, made a swift exit from Athens as the German Wehrmacht closed in on the city. The once-peaceful streets of Athens were now threatened by the looming presence of Nazi troops, forcing the Greek royal family and officials to abandon their posts and flee for safety. The sudden evacuation marked a turning point in Greece's involvement in World War II, as the country struggled to maintain its sovereignty in the face of overwhelming German aggression.
1011 years ago
Brian Boru defeats Vikings but falls in Battle of Clontarf (Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland) 1014
High King of Ireland Brian Boru, a fierce warrior with a determination to expel the foreign invaders, led the charge against the Viking forces that had plagued his land for centuries. The battle-hardened Vikings, notorious for their brutality, had established a stronghold in Dublin, squeezing the life out of the Irish economy. On that fateful day, Brian's army clashed with the Vikings in the sleepy town of Clontarf, just outside Dublin. The battle raged on, its intensity and ferocity unmatched. Brian's forces fought valiantly, and the Vikings were finally defeated, but at a great cost – Brian Boru, the High King, lay dead, struck down by a Viking sword.
105 years ago
Turkey's parliament rejects Sultan Mehmed VI's government (Ankara, Turkey) 1920
In the heart of Turkey's Anatolian region, Ankara, a revolutionary spark ignited as the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) came to life, boldly defying the authority of Sultan Mehmed VI's government. This courageous act marked the beginning of a new era for Turks, as they broke free from the shackles of imperialism and took the first crucial step towards self-governance. The assembly's brave move paved the way for the creation of a temporary constitution, outlining the framework for a modern, secular Turkish state. This groundbreaking moment marked a radical shift in Turkey's trajectory, as the country began to forge its own path, free from the dominion of foreign powers.
58 years ago
Soviet Union launches Soyuz 1 with Colonel Vladimir Komarov (Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan) 1967
Cosmonaut Colonel Vladimir Komarov soared into the sky aboard Soyuz 1, a monumental achievement for the Soviet space program. As the lone occupant of the spacecraft, Komarov embarked on a historic mission, marking the inaugural crewed flight of the Soyuz program. Though a trailblazer, the mission was not without its challenges; the spacecraft's systems malfunctioned, putting Komarov's life in peril. Sadly, the brave cosmonaut would ultimately meet a tragic fate, making the Soyuz 1 mission both groundbreaking and heart-wrenching.
Notable Deaths on April 23:
1616William Shakespeare Bardic master who left an indelible mark on the world of literature, crafting timeless masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences.
1990Paulette Goddard Elegant actress who danced across the silver screen, captivating audiences worldwide
1998James Earl Ray Notorious American assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1996P. L. Travers Beloved Australian author and actress best known for her Mary Poppins series
1983Buster Crabbe American Olympic champion and versatile actor
1993Cesar Chavez Notable American labor leader and civil rights activist
2022Orrin Hatch Trailblazing American politician who served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate.
2007David Halberstam David Halberstam
1995Howard Cosell Legendary American sportscaster and journalist
2007Boris Yeltsin Boris Yeltsin
2015Richard Corliss American film journalist who critically analyzed cinematic masterpieces
2005John Mills John Mills
2021Dan Kaminsky Pioneering internet security expert who identified the DNS cache poisoning flaw.
2019Jean Grand Duke of Luxembourg who reigned with dignity and integrity
1991Johnny Thunders Punk rock pioneer and New York City music scene icon
2005Earl Wilson Earl Wilson
2011John Sullivan Respected screenwriter and producer
2011Tom King Guitar-driven innovator in American rock music
2006Phil Walden Phil Walden
1997Denis Compton Trailblazing English cricketer and footballer