February 18th
1546
Martin Luther, German leader of the Protestant Reformation, died.
1564
Michelangelo Buonarotti, Italian painter, sculptor, and architect, died.
1885
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was published.
1930
Pluto, the ninth planet in the solar system, was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh.
1953
The first 3-D movie, Bwana Devil, opened in New York.
1954
The first Church of Scientology is established in Los Angeles, California.
1972
The California Supreme Court struck down the state's death penalty.
1998
Sportscaster Harry Caray died at age 83.
2001
FBI agent Robert Philip Hanssen was arrested and charged with spying for Russia.
2001
Dale Earnhardt, Sr., died from injuries sustained at the Daytona 500.
Birthdays
76 Yoko Ono Artist and singer
62 62 Dennis DeYoung Rock singer (Styx)
59 John Hughes Screenwriter, director
59 Cybill Shepherd Actress
56 Larry Rust Rock musician (Iron Butterfly)
55 John Travolta Actor
52 Vanna White Game show host ("Wheel of Fortune")
45 Matt Dillon Actor
44 Dr. Dre Rapper
41 Molly Ringwald Actress ("Pretty in Pink, "The Breakfast Club")
42 Mary (Mary I) Tudor 2/18/1516 - 11/17/1558 English queen (1553-58)
84 Louis Comfort Tiffany 2/18/1848 - 1/17/1933 American painter, decorator and designer
77 Charles M. Schwab 2/18/1862 - 9/18/1939 American entrepreneur who pioneered Bethlehem Steel
25 George Gipp 2/18/1895 - 12/14/1920 American football player ("The Gipper")
90 Enzo Ferrari 2/18/1898 - 8/14/1988 Italian automobile manufacturer, designer and racing-car driver