February 18 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

February 18 has witnessed several significant events and the birth of notable personalities throughout history. On this day, in 1930, Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh, expanding our understanding of the solar system. February 18 also marks important political and cultural milestones, such as independence movements and historic treaties. Many influential figures were born on this day, including the American actress Mary Pickford (1892) and the British novelist John Irving (1942). Throughout history, February 18 has been remembered for its contributions to science, arts, and global events.

Famous People Born on February 18

1892 Mary Pickford: Canadian-American actress and film producer, known as "America’s Sweetheart."

1909 Sinclair Lewis: American novelist and Nobel Prize winner.

1934 John Mahoney: English-American actor, famous for Frasier.

1942 John Irving: American novelist and screenwriter, author of The World According to Garp.

1945 Denise Nicholas: American actress and civil rights activist.

1950 Ariel Dorfman: Chilean-American novelist, playwright, and human rights activist.

1963 John Travolta: American actor, singer, and dancer, known for Grease and Pulp Fiction.

1969 Dr. Dre: American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur.

1983 Issey Nakajima-Farran: Canadian-Japanese professional soccer player.

1993 Lil Peep: American rapper, singer, and songwriter.

Famous Events on February 18

1329: The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton is signed, recognizing Scotland's independence from England.

1564: Michelangelo, the Italian sculptor, painter, and architect, dies in Rome. (Note: some sources list his death on Feb 18, some Feb 17)

1930: Pluto is discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.

1932: The Fiat 500, an iconic Italian car, is launched.

1942: The Battle of Los Angeles occurs, a false alarm triggers anti-aircraft artillery over Southern California during World War II.

1954: The United States tests the first hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean (Castle Bravo test).

1965: Malcolm X, the African-American civil rights leader, delivers his speech “The Ballot or the Bullet” in Cleveland, Ohio.

1977: The first flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise is conducted via a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

1991: U.S.-led coalition forces launch Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in the Gulf War.

2001: FBI agent Robert Hanssen is arrested for spying for the Soviet Union and Russia for over 20 years.

Famous People Who Died on February 18

1564 Michelangelo: Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet, renowned for works like the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

1616 Sir Francis Bacon: English philosopher, statesman, and author, known as the father of empiricism.

1822 Friedrich Schleiermacher: German theologian, philosopher, and biblical scholar.

1915 Alexander Scriabin: Russian composer and pianist, famous for his innovative and mystical musical works.

1936 Gutzon Borglum: American sculptor, best known for creating Mount Rushmore.

1944 Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim: Finnish military leader and statesman, instrumental in Finland's independence.

1981 Frederic March: American actor, two-time Academy Award winner.

1993 Audrey Hepburn: British actress and humanitarian, star of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and UNICEF ambassador.

2005 Johnnie Cochran: American lawyer, famous for defending O.J. Simpson.

2017 Chuck Berry: American singer, songwriter, and pioneer of rock and roll music.

February 18 has been a day of remarkable discoveries, historic milestones, and the birth and passing of many influential personalities. From the discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 to the achievements of world-renowned figures like Michelangelo and Audrey Hepburn, this day highlights the impact individuals and events can have on science, art, and culture. It serves as a reminder of humanity’s ongoing pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and social progress.

Throughout history, February 18 has witnessed pivotal moments in politics, exploration, and civil rights, reflecting the diverse ways in which this date has shaped our world. Celebrating the achievements and remembering the lives of those born or lost on this day allows us to appreciate the contributions of extraordinary individuals and the significance of historical events that continue to influence our present and future.