April 23rd is officially Lost Dog Awareness Day & Talk Like Shakespeare Day.
We are now on the 113th day of the year, congratulations for making it this far into 2026. There are 252 days remaining until the end of the year.
Is April 23 your birthday, or do you just want to know what happened on this day in history? Well, either one, here we’ll share the major historical events, births, and deaths that all happened on this day.
Did you know that on this day, April 23, 2005, the first video was uploaded to YouTube? It was uploaded by Jawed Karim, one of the site’s co-founders and was called “Me at the zoo”.
Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about April 23rd in history!
Historical Events
What memorable events happened on April 23 in history? Keep reading to find out!
President Donald Trump suggested a dangerous theory that injecting disinfectant could cure the Coronavirus.
In his press conference, he said: "And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?"
The Soviet Union launched the first crewed Soyuz mission, Soyuz 1.
The mission was to rendezvous with the Soyuz 2 in orbit to exchange cosmonauts. Vladimir Komarov was the sole cosmonaut aboard Soyuz 1, with Yuri Gagarin as a backup. The Soyuz 1 couldn't rendezvous with the Soyuz 2 as the latter couldn't be launched due to thunderstorms. The Soyuz 1's descent module failed to operate correctly upon its return to Earth, and the parachute didn't open fully. Komarov perished, becoming the first in-flight fatality in spaceflight history.
Famous Births
If today’s your birthday, you share this special day with John Cena! Here are other famous people born on this day.
1977
John Cena
American Wrestler
Age
48 years old
Born IN
Massachusetts, USA
1995
Gigi Hadid
American Model
Age
30 years old
Born IN
California, USA
1928
Shirley Temple
American Actress
Died On
Feb 10, 2014 (Age 85)
Born IN
California, USA
1980
Taio Cruz
British Singer
Age
45 years old
Born IN
England, UK
Birthday & Zodiac
Everyone who was born on this day shares the same star sign, Taurus.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet that controls love, beauty, and money. Taurus is one of three earth signs, the others being Virgo and Capricorn.
If you were born in April, your birthstone is the Diamond. This rare gem brings such a balance into the wearer’s life to bring rich and long-lasting relationships to fruition.
People born in April are represented by the daisy, a birth flower that symbolizes innocence and cheerfulness. Sweet peas, the secondary birth flower, convey heartfelt goodbyes and gratitude.
For those of you who were born on April 23, you were likely conceived the previous year on July 31.
A baby that is conceived on April 23rd, 2026, will likely be born around January 14th, 2027.
Famous Deaths
Unfortunately, April 23rd has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…
1564 — 1616
William Shakespeare
English Playwright William Shakespeare was born on April 22, 1564. He died on this day in 1616, at age 52 in England, UK.
Quotes
Below are the most famous quotes people have said or written on Apr 23rd throughout history.
1949
“Maybe that’s what life is, a wink of the eye, and winking stars…”
Jack Kerouac
(American Novelist)
1882
“I wish they’d simply accept me as I am.”
Vincent van Gogh
(Dutch Painter)
1764
“There are truths which are not for all men, nor for all times.”
Voltaire
(French Writer)
Special Holidays
If you're looking for something to do today, maybe these special holidays might just help to cure your boredom!
World
World Book Day
There’s a book for everyone, and the world wouldn’t be the same without them. Today is World Book Day which was set up as a charity with one mission - to ensure every child in the world has their own book.
United States
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day
Shakespeare was without a doubt one of the world’s greatest bards and playwrights, even if he didn’t come up with all his own stories. Today is all about honoring Shakespeare by speaking like his characters - thee shouldst findeth it surprisingly easy!
Fact Of The Day
Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!
Days Until
Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!
-
Cinco de Mayo
12 days
-
Juneteenth
57 days
-
Independence Day
72 days
-
Halloween
191 days
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Christmas Day
246 days
