April 21 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

april-21-in-history-famous-births

April 21 is remembered for its rich historical significance and notable events across the centuries. It marks the founding of Rome in 753 BC, an event that shaped the course of Western civilization. The date also holds importance in modern times, being celebrated as the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Various cultural, political, and scientific milestones have occurred on this day, highlighting its lasting impact on global history.

Famous People Born on April 21

  • 753 BC: Romulus and Remus: Legendary founders of Rome
  • 1816: Charlotte Brontë: English novelist and author of Jane Eyre
  • 1838: John Muir: Scottish-American naturalist and environmental philosopher
  • 1915: Anthony Quinn: Mexican-American actor and artist
  • 1926: Queen Elizabeth II: Longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom
  • 1947: Iggy Pop: American singer and songwriter known as the "Godfather of Punk"
  • 1958: Andie MacDowell: American actress and model
  • 1965: Fiona Kimm: British mezzo-soprano and opera singer
  • 1979: James McAvoy: Scottish actor known for roles in Atonement and X-Men
  • 1988: Rob Kardashian: American television personality and businessman
  • Famous Events on April 21

  • 753 BC: Traditional date of the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus
  • 1509: Henry VIII became King of England after the death of his father Henry VII
  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto took place, leading to Texas winning independence from Mexico
  • 1918: German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, was shot down and killed in France
  • 1960: Brasília was officially inaugurated as the new capital of Brazil
  • 1972: Apollo 16 astronauts explored the surface of the Moon
  • 1989: Thousands of students gathered in Beijing's Tiananmen Square calling for democratic reforms
  • 2016: The music world mourned the death of legendary artist Prince at his Minnesota home
  • 2021: NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter completed its second successful flight on Mars
  • Famous People Who Died on April 21

  • 1109: Anselm of Canterbury: Italian Benedictine monk and philosopher known for his theological writings
  • 1910: Mark Twain: American author celebrated for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  • 1918: Manfred von Richthofen: German World War I flying ace known as the Red Baron
  • 1930: Robert Bridges: English poet who served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
  • 1946: John Maynard Keynes: British economist whose ideas transformed modern economic theory
  • 1996: Christopher Robin Milne: Son of A. A. Milne and inspiration for the Winnie-the-Pooh stories
  • 2016: Prince: American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for Purple Rain
  • 2019: Ken Kercheval: American actor best known for his role in the television series Dallas
  • April 21 stands as a date deeply woven into the fabric of world history, connecting ancient traditions with modern achievements. From the founding of Rome to the crowning of British royalty, this day has witnessed the birth of empires and the rise of influential figures who left lasting marks on literature, science, politics, and art. The events that unfolded on this date continue to remind us of humanity’s enduring quest for progress and cultural growth.

    Throughout centuries, April 21 has been a day of both triumph and remembrance. It celebrates milestones that shaped civilizations and honors those whose legacies continue to inspire new generations. Whether in moments of discovery, leadership, or creativity, the history of this date highlights the richness of human experience and the unending story of our collective journey through time.