On This Day

Discover events that happened On This Day including famous birthdays and notable deaths. Each day we highlight famous people, past and present, who have impacted our world. Browse sections by selecting the links below or click the calendar to view events on another day.

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January 15

January 15

Events on This Day

1559

454 years ago
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth I is held at Westminster Abbey in London. She would go on to reign for 44 years.

Read more at History.com
1961

52 years ago
Diana Ross and her band mates in The Supremes sign with Motown records.
1974

39 years ago
Happy Days, starring Henry Winkler as the Fonz, premieres. It would go on to run for 11 seasons.
2001

12 years ago
Jimmy Wales leads the launch of Wikipedia, an open-source online encyclopedia.

January 15

Born on This Day

- In these groups:
- Nobel Peace Prize Winners
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Black Activists
Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil Rights Activist, Minister / 1929 - 1968

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.

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Martin Luther King Jr.
Born: January 15, 1929
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Occupation: Civil Rights Activist, Minister
- In these groups:
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Singers
Charo

Comedian, Dancer, Guitarist, Singer / 1951 -

Charo is a singer, musician and actress best known for her Latin sassiness, sexy outfits and signature phrase during the 1970s, "Cuchi-cuchi."

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Charo
1951 | 62 years old
Comedian, Dancer, Guitarist, Singer
- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Drummers
- Famous People Named Gene
Gene Krupa

Drummer / 1909 - 1973

Dummer Gene Krupa, who played with Benny Goodman in the 1930s, was known for his extended solos. His style inspired swing era music.

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Gene Krupa
1909 | 64 years old
Drummer

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January 15

Died on This Day

- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous Actors
- Famous Film Actors
Brad Renfro

Film Actor / 1982 - 2008

Brad Renfro was a young Hollywood actor who became more famous for the trouble he was always in than for his acting.

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Brad Renfro
Died: January 15, 2008
Age: 25 years old
Place: Los Angeles, California , United States
Occupation: Film Actor
- In these groups:
- Influential Women of Washington
- U.S. First Ladies
- Famous Libras
Eliza Johnson

U.S. First Lady / 1810 - 1876

Eliza Johnson became First Lady when her husband Andrew assumed the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

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Eliza Johnson
1876 | 65 years old
U.S. First Lady
- In these groups:
- Infamous Mobsters
- Name Changers
- Famous Cancerians
Meyer Lansky

White Collar Criminal, Organized Crime Boss / 1902 - 1983

Meyer Lansky was a Polish American organized crime figure instrumental in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.

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Meyer Lansky
1983 | 80 years old
White Collar Criminal, ...

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- In these groups:
- Athletes Involved in Drug Scandals
- Famous Black Athletes
- Famous Capricorns
Roy Jones Jr.

Boxer / 1969 -

Roy Jones Jr. is a record-holding boxing champion known for his matches on HBO who has also done TV commentary work.

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Roy Jones Jr.
January 16, 1969
Boxer
- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Olympic Medal Winners
- Famous Adoptive Parents
Kip Keino

Track and Field Athlete / 1940 -

Kip Keino is a Kenyan distance runner, who won four Olympic medals. Later he served as president of the National Olympic Committee Kenya.

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Kip Keino
January 17, 1940
Track and Field Athlete
- In these groups:
- Hispanic Writers
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Poets
Rubén Darío

Diplomat, Journalist, Author, Poet / 1867 - 1916

Rubén Darío was an acclaimed Nicaraguan poet, essayist and journalist who introduced the style known as modernism to Spanish literature.

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Rubén Darío
January 18, 1867
Diplomat
- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Photographers
- Famous Film Directors
Larry Clark

Photographer, Director / 1943 -

American photographer and film director Larry Clark is known for his images and movies, like Kids, that graphically depict unconventional teenage activities.

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Larry Clark
January 19, 1943
Photographer

Famous Capricorns

- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Photographers
- Famous Film Directors
Larry Clark

Photographer, Director / 1943 -

American photographer and film director Larry Clark is known for his images and movies, like Kids, that graphically depict unconventional teenage activities.

See full bio
Larry Clark
January 19, 1943
Photographer, Director
- In these groups:
- Famous Capricorns
- Famous Coaches
- Famous People Named Don
Don Shula

Coach / 1930 -

Don Shula was the head coach of the NFL's Miami Dolphins from 1970 to 1996, leading the team to a Super Bowl championship and an undefeated season.

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Don Shula
January 4, 1930
Coach

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