34 fun facts for February, 27

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
February 27 boasts the birthdays of iconic figures like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joaquin Phoenix. Notable events include the debut of "Family Matters," the Persian Gulf War's end, and the release of Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust." Additionally, fans around the world observe Pokémon Day, International Polar Bear Day, and National Protein Day.
34 Fun facts
  1. Born on February 27, 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is one of the most famous American literary figures. His works, such as "Paul Revere's Ride" and "The Song of Hiawatha," remain widely read and celebrated today.
  2. February 27 is International Polar Bear Day, a day to raise awareness about the conservation status of this iconic species. Zoos, conservation organizations, and individuals around the world use this day to educate about polar bear habitat conservation and climate change.
  3. On February 27, 1932, actress Elizabeth Taylor was born. Recognized as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history, Taylor won two Academy Awards and starred in films such as "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
  4. Actor Joaquin Phoenix was born on February 27, 1974. He is highly acclaimed for his roles in movies like "Gladiator," "Walk the Line", and his Oscar-winning performance as the title character in "Joker."
  5. On February 27, 1991, U.S. President George H.W. Bush declared victory over Iraq and the end of the Persian Gulf War. This conflict, which lasted just over seven months, liberated Kuwait from Iraqi invasion.
  6. In 1827, the first ever Mardi Gras celebration took place in New Orleans on February 27. This event has now evolved into an annual cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of visitors who participate in the parades, parties, and festivities.
  7. February 27, 1995, marked the debut of "Calvin and Hobbes" creator Bill Watterson's final comic strip. The beloved comic, which explored the adventures of a young boy and his imaginary tiger friend, ran for a decade and achieved worldwide fame.
  8. On February 27, 1980, the popular rock band Queen released their iconic single, "Another One Bites the Dust." The song went on to become one of their greatest hits and remains a global dancefloor and sports arena favorite.
  9. The Dominican Republic celebrates its independence day on February 27, commemorating the country's break from Haiti in 1844. This day is marked with parades, cultural events, and patriotic celebrations across the nation.
  10. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln made his famous Cooper Union speech on February 27. This address argued against the expansion of slavery into western territories and significantly helped him gain support in his bid for the presidency.
  11. On February 27, 1939, the first totalitarian regime air raid drill took place in Barcelona, Spain during the Spanish Civil War. This drill prepared the citizens for potential bombing raids and helped establish modern civil defense procedures.
  12. Born on February 27, 1897, American Marian Anderson was a celebrated contralto singer who broke racial barriers in classical music. She went on to become the first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955.
  13. In 1922, on February 27, the United States Supreme Court upheld the 19th Amendment in Leser v. Garnett, safeguarding women's right to vote. This crucial decision marked a major milestone in women's rights and American history.
  14. The 37th Vice President of the United States, Hubert H. Humphrey, passed away on February 27, 1978. Humphrey also served as a senator and was a prominent figure in American politics throughout the mid-20th century.
  15. February 27, 2015, saw the release of the original "House of Cards" series on Netflix. This popular political thriller television series starred Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright and marked a significant milestone in the shift towards streaming content.
  16. Born on February 27, 1960, acclaimed author and spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra has published numerous best-selling books on spirituality, health, and wellness. His influential work has inspired countless individuals to explore holistic approaches to well-being.
  17. February 27 is National Protein Day in the United States, which encourages the public to focus on the importance of protein intake for a balanced and healthy diet. Events take place nationwide to educate about the benefits of protein from plant and animal sources.
  18. On February 27, 2013, NASA astronomers announced the discovery of three potentially habitable planets within our galaxy. These exoplanets, similar in size and distance to their stars as Earth, were deemed suitable locations for life to potentially exist.
  19. Born on February 27, 1934, American novelist and professor Ralph Ellison gained widespread critical acclaim for his novel "Invisible Man." His work eloquently explores the African-American experience and the struggle for identity in a racially divided society.
  20. February 27, 1998, marked the release of the Spice Girls' hit single "Stop." This chart-topping track served as the third release from their multi-platinum selling album "Spiceworld" and became an instantly recognizable pop anthem.
  21. Born on February 27, 1902, Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck remains one of America's most influential literary figures. His works, including "Of Mice and Men", and "The Grapes of Wrath", continue to capture the hearts and minds of readers worldwide.
  22. Opera singer and actress Lotte Lehmann made her stage debut in Germany on February 27, 1910. She went on to enjoy a successful international career spanning several decades and was a much-loved soprano in both Europe and the United States.
  23. February 27, 2010, marked the tragic earthquakes in Chile, which caused widespread destruction and took hundreds of lives. This natural disaster prompted international aid efforts and nationwide reconstruction initiatives.
  24. On February 27, Pokémon Day is globally celebrated by fans of the beloved franchise. Established in 1996, Pokémon has grown to become an international cultural icon, spanning video games, television shows, movies, and trading cards.
  25. 1999’s February 27, the historic Ol' Dirty Bastard, from the Wu-Tang Clan, saved a four-year-old child from a burning car after seeing the incident from his recording studio window. The rapper, along with a friend, succeeded in lifting the car and freeing the child.
  26. February 27 marks the anniversary of the completion of the Bank of Italy Building in San Francisco in 1926. The iconic structure, designed by architect P.F. Weber, endures as a magnificent example of early modern commercial architecture.
  27. NBA superstar James Harden was born on February 27, 1989. The multiple-time All-Star and MVP has showcased his exceptional skills on the court, becoming one of the most recognizable and dominant players in professional basketball.
  28. On February 27, 1989, the sitcom "Family Matters" debut in the United States. The beloved show, which featured the Winslow family and their nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel, quickly became a hit and entertained audiences for nine seasons.
  29. February 27, 1936, marked the first flight of the iconic airplane, the Spitfire. The British single-seat fighter aircraft went on to play a crucial role in World War II, contributing to the eventual Allied victory.
  30. On February 27, 1951, the U.S. ratified the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms in office. This law was introduced in response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four-term tenure.
  31. February 27, 1991, marked the debut of the World Wide Web, created by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee. This groundbreaking innovation connected people around the globe, irreversibly transforming communication, business, and culture.
  32. In 1844, the University of Notre Dame was founded on February 27. The prestigious Catholic university in Indiana has since grown to become one of the leading institutions of higher education in the United States.
  33. Born on February 27, 1891, Russian-American visionary David Sarnoff was a pioneer in radio and television. As the founder and longtime head of RCA, Sarnoff played a significant role in shaping 20th-century media and technology.
  34. Skier and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn was born on February 27, 1984. Heralded as one of the most successful alpine skiers in history, Vonn has won numerous World Cup titles and Olympic medals throughout her illustrious career.