August 16th is Tell A Joke Day as well as Rollercoaster Day.
We’d like to welcome you to the 228th day of the year, with only 137 days remaining in 2025.
This day in history was a particularly important one, not only that, but a fascinating one too! Here you’ll find historical events that made August 16 such an interesting day in history.
Did you know that on this day, August 16, 1930, the world’s first colored cartoon with synchronized sound was released? It was six minutes long and featured a character called Flip the Frog.
Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about August 16th in history!
Historical Events
What memorable events happened on August 16 in history? Keep reading to find out!
Queen Victoria of Britain sent the first-ever transatlantic telegraph to US President James Buchanan.
The cable was laid between Ireland and Newfoundland and allowed the two countries to communicate by telegraph, which was innovative at the time. The Queen's message expressed her joy for the two countries being connected and the hopes for continued friendship.
Famous Births
Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Madonna? See what other famous people were born on this day.
1958
Madonna
American Singer
Age
67 years old
Born IN
Michigan, USA
1962
Steve Carell
American Actor
Age
63 years old
Born IN
Massachusetts, USA
1991
Evanna Lynch
Irish Actress
Age
34 years old
Born IN
Termonfeckin, Ireland
1958
Angela Bassett
American Actress
Age
67 years old
Born IN
New York, USA
Birthday & Zodiac
For those of you who were born on August 16, your zodiac sign is Leo.
Leos tend to be energetic and lead a busy life. They’re ambitious, creative, and optimistic and can use their minds to solve complex problems.
For those of you born in August, you have the Peridot birthstone. In 2018, the Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii’s biggest island saw increased activity, which led to a rare geological event, where Olivine (also known as peridot when at gem quality) was found on the ground around the volcano. In Hawaiian culture, peridots are thought to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele.
If your birthday falls on this day, you would’ve likely been conceived around November 23rd in the previous year.
A baby conceived on August 16th, 2025, will likely be due around May 9th, 2026.
Famous Deaths
Unfortunately, August 16th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…
1935 — 1977
Elvis Presley
American Rock Singer Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935. He died on this day in 1977, at age 42 in Tennessee, USA.
1895 — 1948
Babe Ruth
American Baseball Player Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895. He died on this day in 1948, at age 53 in New York, USA.
Quotes
Every day brings a new quote - here are the most renowned quotes spoken or written on August 16th in history.
1839
“Man is a mystery. One must solve it. If you spend your entire life trying to puzzle it out, then do not say that you have wasted your time. I occupy myself with this mystery, because I want to be a man.”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
(Russian Novelist)
Special Holidays
If you can spare some time today, here are some unique holidays you could get involved with.
United States
National Tell A Joke Day
Why did the bike fall over? It was two-tired! We know that was possibly the worst joke ever, but the best way to celebrate Tell A Joke Day today is to share a joke or two with friends. While a handmade joke can be absolutely hilarious, don’t be ashamed to look some up online!
United States
National Rollercoaster Day
Life is like a rollercoaster; it has so many ups and downs that throw you around. So whether you’re feeling up or feeling down, why not take yourself out for a spin on your local theme park’s rollercoaster? Take the whole family even; it’s sure to be a blast!
Fact Of The Day
Days Until
Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!
-
Halloween
76 days
-
Christmas Day
131 days
-
New Year's Day
138 days
