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.
July 29
Events on This Day
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1920
93 years agoCharles Ponzi hands out $500,000 to customers of his Exchange Securities Company, which pays 50 percent interest every 45 days. Turns out it was a Ponzi scheme.
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1958
55 years agoPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower authorizes the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, otherwise known as NASA.
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1976
37 years ago"Son of Sam" killer David Berkowitz begins his killing spree in the Bronx when he shoots and kills an 18-year-old girl as she sits in a car with a friend.
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1981
32 years agoNearly one billion viewers watch the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
July 29
Born on This Day
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Tim Gunn
- In these groups:
- Advice Dispensers
- Silver Foxes
- Famous Leos
Tim Gunn
Animal Rights Activist, Television Personality / 1953 -
Tim Gunn is an American fashion and television personality best known for his fashion mentor role on the TV reality show Project Runway. Gunn’s signature catchphrase, “Make it work,” made him a fan favorite.
Born: July 29, 1953
Age: 59 years old
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Occupation: Animal Rights Activist, ... -
Ken Burns
- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous Film Directors
- Famous Film Producers
Ken Burns
Director, Producer / 1953 -
American filmmaker Ken Burns makes documentary films. Many of them have aired on PBS such as The Civil War, Baseball and Jazz.1953 | 59 years old
Director, Producer -
Peter Jennings
- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous News Anchors
- Famous People Named Peter
Peter Jennings
News Anchor, Journalist / 1938 - 2005
A respected television journalist, Peter Jennings served as ABC's nightly news anchor from 1983 to 2005.
1938 | 67 years old
News Anchor, Journalist -
Martina McBride
- In these groups:
- Contemporary Country Stars
- Famous Leos
- Famous Singers
Martina McBride
Singer / 1966 -
Country singer Martina McBride got her start opening for Garth Brooks in the 1990s and quickly became one of the most successful female country singers of all time.
Born: July 29, 1966
Age: 46 years old
Birthplace: Sharon, Kansas, United States
Occupation: Singer -
Diana Vreeland
- In these groups:
- Studio 54 Patrons
- Famous Leos
- Famous People Named Diane
Diana Vreeland
Journalist / 1903 - 1989
As a fashion journaist who worked for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, Diana Vreeland was an influential figure in American fashion during the 20th century.
1903 | 86 years old
Journalist -
Benito Mussolini
- In these groups:
- Political Criminals
- Famous Leos
- Famous Dictators
Benito Mussolini
Dictator / 1883 - 1945
Benito Mussolini created the Fascist Party in Italy in 1919, eventually making himself dictator prior to World War II. He was killed in 1945.
1883 | 61 years old
Dictator
July 29
Died on This Day
-
Vincent van Gogh
- In these groups:
- Imbibers
- Famous Arians
- Famous Painters
Vincent van Gogh
Painter / 1853 - 1890
Vincent van Gogh is considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt, although he remained poor and virtually unknown throughout his life.
Died: July 29, 1890
Age: 37 years old
Place: Auvers-sur-Oise , France
Occupation: Painter -
Robert Moses
- In these groups:
- Famous Sagittarians
- Columbia University Alumni
- Famous People Named Robert
Robert Moses
1888 - 1981
Robert Moses was one of the most polarizing figures in urban planning. He is best known shaping the America's modern cities, particularly New York.
1981 | 92 years old
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Tom Snyder
- In these groups:
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Talk Show Hosts
- Famous News Anchors
Tom Snyder
Radio Talk Show Host, Talk Show Host, News Anchor / 1936 - 2007
Tom Snyder co-anchored the first noon news show in the country. He was the host of the NBC interview show Tomorrow and The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder.
2007 | 71 years old
Radio Talk Show Host, Talk Show Host, ... -
Mama CassMama Cass
Singer / 1941 - 1974
Cass "Mama Cass" Elliot was known for her heavyset figure, and was one of four members of the late 1960s pop sensation The Mamas and the Papas.
Died: July 29, 1974
Age: 32 years old
Place: London , England
Occupation: Singer -
David Niven
- In these groups:
- Vampires
- Famous Scottish People
- Best Actor Oscar Winners
David Niven
Film Actor, Theater Actor / 1909 - 1983
David Niven was an actor of stage and the big screen who epitomized dapper charm in films like The Pink Panther.
1983 | 74 years old
Film Actor, Theater Actor -
Pancho Villa
- In these groups:
- Famous Geminis
- Famous Military Leaders
- Famous People Who Were Assassinated
Pancho Villa
Military Leader / 1878 - 1923
Pancho Villa was a top military leader of the Mexican Revolution whose exploits were regularly filmed by a Hollywood company.
1923 | 45 years old
Military Leader
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profile name: Ken Burns profile occupation: Director, Producer
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profile name: Peter Jennings profile occupation: News Anchor, Journalist
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profile name: Martina McBride profile occupation: Singer
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profile name: Vincent van Gogh profile occupation: Painter
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profile name: Robert Moses profile occupation:
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profile name: Tom Snyder profile occupation: Radio Talk Show Host, Talk Show Host, ...
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profile name: Mama Cass profile occupation: Singer
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profile name: David Niven profile occupation: Film Actor, Theater Actor
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profile name: Pancho Villa profile occupation: Military Leader
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profile name: Charles Ponzi profile occupation: White Collar Criminal
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profile name: Dwight D. Eisenhower profile occupation: U.S. President
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profile name: David Berkowitz profile occupation: Serial Killer
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profile name: Princess Diana profile occupation: Princess
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profile name: Prince Charles profile occupation: Prince
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profile name: Andy Gibb profile occupation: Singer
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profile name: Margaret Thatcher profile occupation: Prime Minister
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profile name: François Mitterrand profile occupation: World Leader
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profile name: Carl Lewis profile occupation: Track and Field Athlete
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profile name: Paul Anka profile occupation: Film Actor
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profile name: J.K. Rowling profile occupation: Author
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profile name: Dom DeLuise profile occupation: Television Actor
profile id: 37245
profile name: Rómulo Gallegos profile occupation: World Leader
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