February 12

President Abraham Lincoln born (1809); Biologist Charles Darwin born (1809); Children’s author Judy Blume born (1938); President Bill Clinton acquitted on impeachment charges (1999); “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz dies (2000).

James Van Der Beek

"James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died following a diagnosis with colorectal cancer. He was 48."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/11/james-van-der-beek-dead-death-cancer-dawsons-creek/86345578007/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4c92f5d78644b3ac5d5b4

February 11

Inventor Thomas Edison born (1847); Jennifer Aniston born (1969); Iranian Revolution begins as Ayatollah Khomeini comes to power (1979); Nelson Mandela released from prison after 27 years in South Africa (1990); Whitney Houston dies (2012).

Incoming Disney President

"The Walt Disney Company is about to undergo one of its most significant leadership transitions in recent memory, and the woman stepping into the role of President and Chief @Creative Officer has some ambitious ideas about the future of moviemaking."

https://insidethemagic.net/2026/02/disneys-incoming-president-has-bold-plans-for-ai-in-film-production-el1/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Movie+%26+Entertainment+2026-02-10&utm_term=Movie+%26+Entertainment

February 10

French and Indian War ends (1763); “Roots” author Alex Haley dies (1992); American playwright Arthur Miller dies (2005); Hollywood legend and diplomat Shirley Temple dies (2014).

February 9

Volleyball is invented, initially known as mintonette (1895); World's first intercontinental ballistic missile, the R-7 Semyorka, becomes operational (1959); NFL star Saquon Barkley is born (1997); "Crime and Punishment" author Fyodor Dostoyevsky dies (1881)

February 8

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots (1587); French author Jules Verne born (1828); Boy Scouts of America is founded (1910); Hollywood legend Lana Turner born (1921); Actor James Dean born (1931); Hollywood Walk of Fame breaks ground (1960); Nasdaq Stock Market index holds first trading day (1971).