Historical events for
Sunday, 4 October 2026

Jean François Millet (1814-1875) was a French painter, known for his realistic works depicting the lives of peasants, including "The Gleaners" and "The Angelus".

Charlton Heston (1923-2008) was a celebrated American actor, known for his roles in films such as "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments".

Alvin Toffler, American futurist and writer, known for his books "The Shock of the Future" and "The Third Wave".

Swedish poet, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2011

Jardim Gonçalves (1935) is a Portuguese businessman, co-founder of Banco Comercial Português (BCP).

Marcia Lucas (born October 4, 1945, and died May 29, 2026) was an Academy Award-winning American film editor, who won the Oscar for Best Film Editing in 1977 for her seminal work on the original "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope". Her technical mastery of creative pacing and narrative structure was a pivotal force behind the global success of the original trilogy.

Susan Sarandon (1946) is an award-winning American actress, known for her roles in "Thelma & Louise" and "Dead Man Walking".

Jon Secada (1962) is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter, famous for his musical hits in the 90s, such as "Just Another Day".

Helena Laureano (1967) is a Portuguese actress, known for several roles on national television and cinema.

Adrian Utley, guitarist for the band Portishead, known for his unique guitar style and contributions to the band's distinctive sound, was born.

Born in Baião in 1971, José Luís Carneiro is an academic and politician who established himself as one of the most institutional and thoughtful figures in the Portuguese national landscape. With a degree in International Relations, he was Mayor of Baião for a decade, Secretary of State, and Minister of Internal Administration. In 2025, he took the leadership of the Socialist Party as Secretary-General, positioning himself as the opposition leader focused on democratic stability, territorial cohesion, and the defense of the Welfare State.

American actress, known for "The Preppies of Beverly Hills"

Celebration of the birthday of Portuguese driver Álvaro Parente, born on October 4, 1984, competitor in GT races, including the Blancpain GT Series and the Pirelli World Challenge.

Robert Edwards received the award for the development of in vitro fertilization, a milestone in assisted reproduction.

David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian were awarded for their discoveries about temperature and touch receptors.

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, marking the beginning of the space race.

Saint Francis of Assisi Day is celebrated on October 4th, honoring the patron saint of animals and ecology.

This day honors the work of veterinarians around the world in protecting animal health and defending public health.

On October 4, 1931, the first strip of "Dick Tracy", a popular detective comic series, was published.

World Animal Day, celebrated on October 4th, is a date dedicated to raising awareness and protecting animal rights.

The Monte Real Air Base (BA5) was inaugurated on October 4, 1959, becoming an important strategic point for the Portuguese Air Force.

Celebration of Lesotho National Day, commemorating independence from the United Kingdom on 4 October 1966.

The home round for several Asian manufacturers, held at the demanding Mobility Resort Motegi complex.