April 20th emerges within scientific landmarks and political movements. On this day in 1862, Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard completed the first pasteurization test, laying the foundation for food safety and microbiology advancements by demonstrating heat processings ability to inhibit bacterial growth. In political history, 1961 witnessed the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion, an attempt by Cuban exiles, supported by the U.S. government, to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime, marking a significant Cold War confrontation.
This date celebrates the birth of renowned Spanish painter Joan Mir in 1893, whose distinctive abstract works fused vivid colors and forms, contributing richly to surrealism and modernist movements. April 20th also observes the global focus of 420 in relation to cannabis culture, drawing attention to debates over legalization, social issues, and health. Reflecting intersections of scientific innovation, cultural expression, and social debate, April 20th offers insight transcending disciplines and borders.
Died in 1945, aged 56
The dictator of Nazi Germany, responsible for the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other people during World War II, and infamous for his extreme nationalist and anti-S...
56 Years Old
Austrian daredevil known for jumping from the stratosphere, breaking the sound barrier, and setting multiple world records for skydiving and BASE jumping.
76 Years Old
Academy Award-winning actress renowned for her intense, nuanced performances in film and television, particularly in dramatic roles that often explore the complexities of the human...
61 Years Old
A renowned actor and director, best known for his iconic motion-capture performances in blockbuster films like Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes, bringing beloved characters...
88 Years Old
Iconic actor and social media sensation, best known for his role as Sulu in the Star Trek franchise and his humorous online presence.
Died in 2005, aged 54
Soulful voice behind iconic love songs and duets, crafting romantic ballads that topped charts and won numerous Grammys.
Died in 2000, aged 77
A legendary percussionist and producer who popularized Latin jazz and salsa music, blending rhythms and styles to create an iconic sound.
Died in 1971, aged 77
Pioneering silent film star and stunt master, known for performing daring physical comedy and iconic scenes, such as hanging from a clock tower.
59 Years Old
Co-founder of Yahoo!, a pioneer in the internet and search engine industry, revolutionizing the way people access information online.
53 Years Old
A model and actress who gained fame in the 1990s with her appearances in Playboy magazine and roles in films like "Scary Movie" and "Baywatch", known for her provocative style and ...
70 Years Old
A pioneering geneticist who sequenced ancient DNA, including Neanderthals and Denisovans, revealing human evolution and migration secrets.
64 Years Old
A legendary baseball player and manager, known for his impressive playing career with the New York Yankees and later managing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
55 Years Old
Star of TV's "Criminal Minds" and "S.W.A.T.", known for his charismatic performances as a tough, intelligent, and compassionate hero.
50 Years Old
A renowned rapper and activist, known for his powerful lyrics and advocacy for social justice, particularly in the areas of police brutality and racial inequality.
Died in 2023, aged 82
Star of iconic films like "Love Story" and "Paper Moon," this actor's charismatic on-screen presence has made him a beloved Hollywood legend.
Died in 2002, aged 94
A jazz legend who revolutionized the vibraphone, leading his own orchestra and collaborating with icons like Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian, while also acting in films and TV ...
Died in 1873, aged 64
The first President of France and Emperor of the French Second Empire, who ruled from 1852 to 1870 and is known for modernizing Paris and expanding the French Empire through milita...
58 Years Old
A renowned drummer and songwriter, best known for his work with progressive metal band Dream Theater, creating complex and intricate music that blends different genres.
42 Years Old
Australian supermodel and entrepreneur, known for being one of the Victoria's Secret Angels and gracing numerous magazine covers.
34 Years Old
A dominant middle linebacker who played for the Carolina Panthers, known for his exceptional tackling ability and eight Pro Bowl appearances.
Died in 1983, aged 90
A renowned Spanish artist, famous for his vibrant, dreamlike paintings and sculptures that blended abstraction and surrealism, creating a unique visual language. His works often fe...
61 Years Old
A quirky actor and filmmaker known for his eccentric roles in cult classics like "Back to the Future" and "Willard", as well as his unique music and art projects.
98 Years Old
A Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered high-temperature superconductors, revolutionizing materials science and enabling breakthroughs in energy transmission and storage.
28 Years Old
A rising star in men's tennis, known for his powerful serves and aggressive playing style, winning several ATP titles and competing in Grand Slam finals.
52 Years Old
A culinary enthusiast who chronicled her journey of cooking every recipe in Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in a blog, later adapted into a bestselling memoir a...
76 Years Old
A talented actress with a career spanning over 60 years, known for her iconic roles in sci-fi and horror classics like Alien and The Birds.
80 Years Old
Legendary college football coach and Heisman Trophy winner, known for his innovative "Fun 'n' Gun" offense and charismatic personality.
72 Years Old
A renowned journalist and author, best known for writing novels that explore the human experience, often set against the backdrop of war and social change.
Born in 1924
A veteran actor and producer with a career spanning over 70 years, best known for his distinctive voice and iconic roles in British comedy classics like Carry On and Harry Potter.
82 Years Old
Renowned for revitalizing Baroque music with period-instrument ensembles, he founded the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir, recording iconic performances of Bach's cant...
Born in 1850
Designed iconic American monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial statue, leaving a lasting impact on national identity and art.
54 Years Old
Former NBA shooting guard and current executive, known for his clutch three-point shooting and 12-year tenure with the New York Knicks.
Died in 2019, aged 99
A renowned lawyer and jurist who served on the Supreme Court for nearly 35 years, shaping American law and civil liberties with his progressive opinions.
Died in 2013, aged 84
A chess grandmaster and author, known for his exceptional playing skills and insightful writings on the game, making chess more accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts.
Born in 1882
Led the amphibious assault on Tarawa during World War II, earning the nickname "Howlin' Mad" for his bold tactics and fiery personality. He played a crucial role in the Pacific The...
Died in 2016, aged 92
Founded the Eternal Word Television Network, a global Catholic media outlet, and hosted popular TV shows, spreading Catholic teachings and values to millions worldwide.
59 Years Old
A prominent philosopher of mind, known for formulating the concept of "philosophical zombies" and advocating for the idea that consciousness cannot be reduced to physical processes...
Born in 1914
An iconic voice actress behind Disney's beloved villain, Cruella de Vil, bringing the character to life with her signature sinister tone. She's also recognized for her work in radi...
Died in 2017, aged 79
Australian sprinter who won four Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 100m and 200m events, dominating women's sprinting in the 1950s and 1960s.
57 Years Old
Australian comedian, actress, and television presenter, best known for her witty humor and hosting various TV shows, including Australia's Got Talent and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me O...
95 Years Old
Renowned for directing and writing the iconic BBC series "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister", satirizing British politics with witty humor and clever storytelling.
53 Years Old
A Grammy-winning reggae artist and producer, known for blending traditional Jamaican rhythms with modern styles and collaborating with top artists.
Born in 1879
A pioneering couturier who revolutionized fashion with exotic, opulent designs and fragrances, introducing the concept of lifestyle branding. He freed women from corsets and introd...
Died in 2008, aged 81
First American-born driver to win the Formula One World Championship, known for his racing skills and three-time Le Mans winner.
85 Years Old
A veteran character actor with a distinctive voice, known for playing grizzled, rugged roles in films like "Major League" and "Cold Mountain".
Died in 2002, aged 52
A Russian general and politician who played a key role in the country's transition from communism to democracy, and later became a prominent figure in Russian politics. He's known ...
89 Years Old
A decorated war captain turned journalist and politician, known for his service in the US Marine Corps and later as a US Senator from Kansas.
62 Years Old
A British artist renowned for her large-scale sculptures that explore the relationship between space, memory, and the human experience, often casting the empty spaces within and ar...
61 Years Old
American figure skater who won the 1984 Olympic silver medal and 1983 World Championship, known for her artistic expression and technical skill on the ice.
69 Years Old
A versatile filmmaker behind romantic comedies like "Hear My Song" and "Serendipity", known for his lighthearted and sentimental storytelling style.
76 Years Old
The 76th Prime Minister of Italy, a prominent figure in Italian politics, known for his leadership during a time of significant economic and social change in the country. He's also...
70 Years Old
An American engineer and astronaut who spent 370 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting scientific experiments and sharing his experiences through photography and ...
67 Years Old
A Soviet ice hockey legend, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Stanley Cup winner, known for his exceptional defensive skills and pioneering role in bringing Russian players to th...
86 Years Old
Fantastical author of novels and screenplays, weaving magical tales that transport readers to whimsical worlds, including the beloved classic "The Last Unicorn".
82 Years Old
A British politician and academic who served as a Member of Parliament for 41 years, known for his work in the Liberal Democrats and as a champion of social justice.
Born in 1918
Developed the Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) technique, which allows for the analysis of the chemical composition of materials. This innovation has had a signif...
Died in 2008, aged 84
A Dutch-American actress who appeared in over 90 films and TV shows, including the classic movie "An American in Paris," and was a respected drama teacher.
Died in 1952, aged 56
A Canadian pilot who made the first transatlantic rescue in 1932, flying through treacherous weather to deliver medicine to a stranded pilot in Alaska.
Born in 1915
Developed techniques like systematic desensitization and assertiveness training to treat anxiety disorders, revolutionizing psychotherapy. His work laid the foundation for modern c...
86 Years Old
A physician-turned-politician who championed environmental issues and sustainable development, leading the World Commission on Environment and Development. She's credited with popu...
86 Years Old
A popular singer-songwriter of the 1960s, known for his smooth, soulful voice and hits like "Poetry in Motion" and "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'".
Died in 1959, aged 69
The 16th Premier of Quebec was a dominant figure in Quebec politics from the 1930s to the 1950s, known for his authoritarian rule and promotion of Quebec nationalism. He implemente...
80 Years Old
Noted for his distinctive voice and rugged charm, he's a veteran actor and director with a career spanning film, television, and stage, often playing tough-guy roles.
76 Years Old
A trailblazing figure skater who won Olympic bronze and turned to painting, creating vibrant, emotive works that showcased his artistic range. He's a beloved, boundary-pushing icon...
65 Years Old
Australian hurdler and coach who won Olympic gold and silver medals, holding multiple national records; renowned for her exceptional speed and technique.
Died in 1972, aged 68
A ruggedly handsome leading man of 1930s-40s Hollywood, starring in films like King Kong and Fritz Lang's Fury, often playing adventurous, macho roles.
89 Years Old
An English-American actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic sitcom "Mission: Impossible" .
Born in 1818
A German-American mechanic and engineer who developed the first practical incandescent light bulb, improving upon Thomas Edison's design. He held over 200 patents in his name.
37 Years Old
First baseman for the San Francisco Giants, known for his smooth fielding and clutch hitting.
Died in 1914, aged 75
The first ruler of Romania, unifying the country and establishing its independence from the Ottoman Empire, known for modernizing and westernizing the nation.
Born in 1890
The 6th President of Austria, a decorated war hero, and a unifying figure who played a crucial role in rebuilding the country after World War II. He's most known for his efforts to...
75 Years Old
The 13th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is a prominent Indian politician who served from 1995 to 2004 and is known for his efforts to transform the state into an IT hub. He is al...
Died in 1617, aged 31
A 17th-century mystic and saint known for her intense spiritual practices, including self-mortification, and her role as a patron of Peru and the Americas.
Born in 1884
The youngest daughter of Prince Alfred of the United Kingdom and Granddaughter of Queen Victoria, known for her charitable work and royal duties. She was a prominent figure in Brit...
Died in 1826, aged 81
A French physician and psychiatrist who pioneered more humane and gentle treatments for the mentally ill, replacing harsh and inhumane practices. He is considered one of the founde...
61 Years Old
Quarterback who played in the NFL for 7 seasons, best known for his brief stint with the New Orleans Saints during their Super Bowl XLIV-winning season.
Died in 2002, aged 64
A pioneering abstract painter and influential educator, known for pushing boundaries in modern art and inspiring generations of artists.
47 Years Old
A right-arm medium-pace bowler and right-handed batsman, he played 23 Test matches for England between 1958 and 1972, taking 46 wickets and scoring 1,142 runs.
80 Years Old
A former general who led Myanmar's transition from military rule to democracy, known for his reforms and release of political prisoners.
Died in 1916, aged 76
A French Symbolist master of the bizarre and fantastical, creating dreamlike paintings and lithographs that explored the realm of the irrational and the unknown.
Born in 1925
American actress known for her iconic roles in film and television, particularly as Consuelo Lopez in the TV series "Marcus Welby, M.D."
Born in 1884
Won the gold medal in boxing at the 1904 Summer Olympics, becoming the first American to do so. Known for his impressive boxing career and achievements in the early 20th century.
Born in 1919
Australian World War II pilot and author who wrote "The Last Enemy," a memoir about his experiences as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war.
78 Years Old
A trailblazing economist and politician who championed women's rights and social justice, serving as a Canadian Senator and advocating for progressive policies. She broke glass cei...
73 Years Old
A Greek economist and politician who served as Minister of Labour and Social Security, known for her efforts to reform the Greek economy and address the European sovereign-debt cri...
Born in 1826
A prolific writer of novels, poetry, and essays, known for her insightful portrayals of Victorian life and her influential children's literature.
64 Years Old
A talented Russian actor, renowned for his versatility in playing complex characters in films and television series, earning numerous awards and nominations.
93 Years Old
French actress known for her striking beauty and iconic roles in 1960s and 1970s European cinema, particularly in the French New Wave movement.
79 Years Old
An Italian artist celebrated for vibrant, dreamlike paintings and sculptures that blend figurative and abstract elements, often with a sense of whimsy and irony. His work is charac...
69 Years Old
Swedish Minister for Justice from 2006 to 2014, known for her conservative stance on crime and punishment, and her efforts to combat human trafficking.
Born in 1748
A Baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist, he wrote over 3,000 works, including orchestral suites, operas, and sacred music, earning him the title "Father of Church Music".
Died in 1986, aged 73
A renowned Greek actor and poet, celebrated for his powerful performances on stage and screen, as well as his poignant and evocative poetry.
Died in 2002, aged 82
A pioneering neurologist, psychiatrist, and human rights activist who fought against apartheid and advocated for the abolition of capital punishment in South Africa.
Died in 2006, aged 80
German-American football player and coach who played defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers and later coached in the NFL and college football, earning a spot in the Pro Footb...
60 Years Old
A Swiss filmmaker and actress known for her thought-provoking dramas that explore the human condition, often focusing on themes of identity, relationships, and social issues.
80 Years Old
A Greek actress who appeared in films like "Murder on the Orient Express" and later became a lawyer in Bermuda, known for her unique career transition.
56 Years Old
The 45th Premier of Tasmania, serving from 2014 to 2020, known for his economic development and infrastructure projects, as well as his efforts to promote tourism in the state.
Died in 1654, aged 21
The 123rd emperor of Japan, who reigned from 1643 to 1654, is known for his efforts to reform the government and economy, and for his patronage of the arts. He also encouraged the ...
Born in 1873
A prolific character actor, he brought to life numerous memorable roles in film, television, and theater, often playing authority figures or villains.
45 Years Old
Australian Labor Party politician who served in the House of Representatives from 2016 to 2019, known for her advocacy on women's rights and social issues.
94 Years Old
A British Army officer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and held various military commands, including leading the Egyptian Expeditionary Force during World War I...
Born in 1916
A renowned Azerbaijani actress, celebrated for her iconic roles in film and theater, earning her a prestigious People's Artist of Azerbaijan title.
Born in 1891
A shortstop and manager who played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants, and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Died in 1918, aged 19
A Canadian lieutenant who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery during World War I, particularly for his actions during a dogfight where he shot down several enemy planes whi...
60 Years Old
Greek Minister overseeing economy, infrastructure, shipping, and tourism, known for implementing reforms and promoting economic growth.
35 Years Old
Left-arm fast bowler who has played for Australia in international cricket, known for his ability to take wickets on his debut in the Indian Premier League.
Born in 1913
Developed the concept of phylogenetic systematics, a method of classifying organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, revolutionizing the field of biology.
87 Years Old
A German middle- and long-distance runner who won several national championships and participated in the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics. He set multiple German records in the 1500m ...
Died in 2015, aged 67
A German geographer and academic who pioneered research on high-altitude glaciation and developed the "Ice Age Theory", revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's climate history...
Died in 2014, aged 58
A Georgian economist and politician who implemented radical free-market reforms in post-Soviet Georgia, earning him the nickname "the architect of Georgian reforms".
Died in 2007, aged 79
Irish international footballer who played for several clubs, including Norwich City and Ipswich Town, and earned 7 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team. He's most known f...
Died in 1680, aged 30
A notorious English spy and informer who fabricated plots and betrayed conspirators, leading to numerous executions and earning a reputation as a master of deceit.
Born in 1889
A Turkish rabbi, lawyer, and activist who fought for Jewish rights and social justice in Turkey, particularly during the tumultuous early 20th century. He's most known for his cour...
Born in 1889
Younger brother of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, holding a royal title and participating in various charitable and cultural events. Known for his humanitarian work and support fo...
Born in 1907
A Pakistani cricketer who played first-class cricket from 1961 to 1974, known for his impressive bowling skills and taking over 200 wickets in his career.
Died in 2011, aged 73
A Czech journalist and politician who served as the country's first non-communist Foreign Minister after the Velvet Revolution, known for his role in transitioning Czechoslovakia t...
Born in 1718
A pioneering missionary who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity to Native American tribes, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and selflessness.
Died in 1961, aged 51
A Turkish diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and played a key role in Turkey's accession to NATO, contributing to the country's integration into ...
Born in 1924
A renowned sociologist and academic, he is most known for his groundbreaking work on social policy, gerontology, and the sociology of aging. His research has significantly shaped o...
78 Years Old
A former Soviet intelligence officer who defected to the West, known for his controversial books on Soviet history and military strategy, including "Icebreaker" and "Day M".
Died in 2008, aged 85
A Polish-American painter and illustrator renowned for vibrant, whimsical artworks and iconic children's book illustrations, blending folk art and modernism.
98 Years Old
The first Canadian Minister of Employment and Immigration, responsible for shaping the country's immigration policies and labor laws. He played a crucial role in post-war Canada's ...
81 Years Old
Estonian journalist and author, known for his contributions to the country's literary scene and his works that often explored themes of social justice and morality.
Died in 1781, aged 58
American merchant, farmer, and politician who played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress and helping to draft the Decla...
Born in 1816
A Croatian expert in language and history who compiled dictionaries and wrote about the country's cultural heritage. Known for his contributions to the development of the Croatian ...
Died in 1970, aged 99
A pioneering economist and civil servant who played a key role in shaping the UK's economic policy and development, particularly in the areas of trade and industry. His work had a ...
Died in 1991, aged 53
A Hungarian actress who gained fame for her roles in numerous films and television shows, particularly in the Hungarian entertainment industry.
80 Years Old
A young Kenyan distance runner who won the Boston Marathon in 2022, becoming the first Kenyan to do so since 2012.
Died in 1704, aged 58
A 17th-century French botanist who traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, discovering and documenting numerous plant species, and authoring influential botanical texts. His...
Died in 1918, aged 67
Developed a method for synthesizing a class of compounds called chromenes, and discovered the Dianin's compound, a crystalline substance used in organic chemistry.
Born in 1851
Founded the Lubin Manufacturing Company, a pioneering film studio and equipment manufacturer that played a significant role in the early development of the American film industry. ...
Died in 2014, aged 83
A renowned composer and conductor of choral and orchestral music, particularly celebrated for his arrangements of American folk songs and hymns. His work is characterized by its be...
38 Years Old
A Portuguese politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 1928 to 1933 and played a key role in implementing economic reforms during the Ditadura Nacional regime.
Died in 1972, aged 77
A French writer who explored themes of morality, individualism, and the human condition through his essays, novels, and plays, often with a touch of irony and wit.
Died in 1566, aged 72
A 16th-century theologian and reformer who played a key role in the Protestant Reformation, contributing to the development of Lutheran theology and church governance.
Born in 1920
A Nigerian banker and politician who served as Governor of Cross River State, known for his leadership and economic development efforts in the region.
Died in 1602, aged 58
A 16th-century Duchess of Bavaria, known for her strong will and political influence, playing a significant role in shaping the region's history. She was a patron of the arts and a...
Died in 1794, aged 67
A skilled diplomat and strategist who played a key role in shaping European politics during the 18th century, particularly in the Austrian Empire's foreign policy. He was a master ...
Died in 1933, aged 73
A French target shooter who won several medals at the European and World Championships, earning recognition in the shooting sports community.
Born in 1875
A Croatian poet and lawyer who wrote influential works that explored themes of love, nature, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on Croatian literature.
Born in 1884
A pioneering Armenian poet and educator who played a crucial role in shaping Armenian literature and culture through his influential works and teachings.
Born in 1889
A French mystic and stigmatist who experienced intense spiritual visions and physical manifestations of Christ's wounds, influencing Catholic devotion and mysticism.
Born in 1889
A Dutch professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs like Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, earning 21 caps for the Netherlands national team.
Born in 1907
A 14th-century bishop who played a key role in the Byzantine Empire's ecclesiastical politics and was a prolific writer of theological and liturgical works. He's particularly notab...
Died in 2006, aged 85
A Slovak actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning her a reputation as a talented and versatile performer in her native country.
94 Years Old
A British businessman and politician who served as a Conservative member of the House of Lords and held various government positions, including Minister for the Arts. He's known fo...
Died in 2012, aged 76
A Faroese technician, surveyor, and politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands, known for his contributions to the country's development and governance.
36 Years Old
A Venezuelan teacher and activist who fought for education and human rights, particularly for women and children, in a country plagued by political and economic turmoil.