21 fun facts for February, 18
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
February 18th is a day rich in historical and cultural events, including the birthdays of famous individuals such as Dr. Dre, Yoko Ono, and Vanna White. From the discovery of Pluto to the premiere of "A Doll's House," this day is filled with a variety of interesting and entertaining facts.
21 Fun facts
- Dr. Dre's birthday: February 18, 1965, marks the birthday of famous rapper and producer Dr. Dre. He is a crucial figure in the music industry who has worked with great artists like Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
- Yoko Ono's birthday: Yoko Ono, a well-known artist, singer, and widow of musician John Lennon, was born on February 18, 1933. She continues to be an influential figure in the art and music world.
- Discovery of Pluto: On February 18, 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto. At the time, it was considered the ninth planet in our solar system.
- Indonesia National Education Day: Indonesia celebrates National Education Day every year on February 18th. This day is dedicated to the importance of education and uplifting the youth of the nation.
- Gambia Independence Day: February 18 marks the day when The Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. It is now a significant holiday celebrated in the West African country.
- First official cricket test match: On February 18, 1880, the first official cricket test match between England and Australia was played in Melbourne, Australia.
- John Hughes' birthday: Iconic filmmaker and writer John Hughes, known for beloved '80s movies such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," was born on February 18, 1950.
- Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" premieres: On February 18, 1879, prolific Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's classic play "A Doll's House" premiered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Vanna White's birthday: Vanna White, the popular American television personality and hostess of "Wheel of Fortune," was born on February 18, 1957.
- Alessandro Volta's birthday: Italian inventor, physicist and chemist Alessandro Volta, best known for his development of the first electric battery, was born on February 18, 1745.
- Toni Morrison's birthday: Acclaimed African-American novelist Toni Morrison, who won the Nobel Prize forLiterature in 1993, was born on February 18, 1931.
- Cybill Shepherd's birthday: Actress Cybill Shepherd, best known for her roles in "Taxi Driver" and "Moonlighting," was born on February 18, 1950.
- Queen Mary I of England's marriage: On February 18, 1554, Mary I of England married her cousin and fellow monarch, King Philip II of Spain. The marriage would only last four years before her death.
- Grant Wood's birthday: American painter Grant Wood, best known for his iconic painting "American Gothic," was born on February 18, 1891.
- First aerial tramway in North America: On February 18, 1939, the first aerial tramway in North America began operation in Franconia, New Hampshire.
- Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" published: On February 18, 1925, Adolf Hitler's autobiographical book "Mein Kampf" was first published in Germany.
- Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues": On February 18, 1968, American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash recorded his hit song "Folsom Prison Blues" live at Folsom State Prison.
- Premiere of "The Last Days of Pompeii": On February 18, 1913, the American silent film "The Last Days of Pompeii" had its first screening.
- Rob Thomas' birthday: Rob Thomas, the lead singer and songwriter of the popular band Matchbox Twenty, was born on February 18, 1972.
- World Pangolin Day: Observed on the third Saturday of February, World Pangolin Day is celebrated on February 18 in 2017. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the critically endangered pangolin species.
- Premiere of "Scent of a Woman": On February 18, 1993, the American drama film "Scent of a Woman," starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell, premiered in New York City.