May 1: what happened on this day in history

Events on May 1 include:

Invasion of Iraq: In what becomes known as the "Mission Accomplished" speech, on board the USS Abraham Lincoln (off the coast of California), U.S. President George W. Bush declares that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended" (2003)
Vietnam War: A student anti-war strike erupts in response to U.S. and South Vietnamese forces attacking Vietnamese communists in a Cambodian Campaign (1970)
Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1950)

This page gathers 62 events, 179 births and 79 deaths recorded on this day, from the year 305 to 2026.

‹ April 30 May 2 ›

Events · United States

2003
Invasion of Iraq: In what becomes known as the "Mission Accomplished" speech, on board the USS Abraham Lincoln (off the coast of California), U.S. President George W. Bush declares that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended". Wikipedia: 2003 invasion of Iraq · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1970
Vietnam War: A student anti-war strike erupts in response to U.S. and South Vietnamese forces attacking Vietnamese communists in a Cambodian Campaign. Wikipedia: Vietnam War · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1950
Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Wikipedia: Gwendolyn Brooks
1900
A dust explosion at a coal mine near Scofield, Utah, U.S., killed at least 200 miners. Wikipedia: Dust explosion
1898
Spanish–American War: Battle of Manila Bay: The Asiatic Squadron of the United States Navy destroys the Pacific Squadron of the Spanish Navy after a seven-hour battle. Spain loses all seven of its ships, and 381 Spanish sailors die. There are no American vessel losses or combat deaths. Wikipedia: Spanish–American War · ✓ 5 WikipediasArchive: map from "History of the Spanish-American War, embracing a complete review of our relations with Spain ... Illustrated, etc". — The British Library · Europeana
1894
Coxey's Army, the first significant American protest march, arrives in Washington, D.C. Wikipedia: Coxey's Army · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1891
The 1891 New Orleans Lynchings: 11 Italian immigrants are lynched by a mob in Louisiana, USA after the acquittal of several defendants in a murder case, the largest mass lynching in U.S. history. Wikipedia: 1891 New Orleans lynchings
1886
Rallies are held throughout the United States demanding the eight-hour work day, culminating in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, in commemoration of which May 1 is celebrated as International Workers' Day in many countries. Wikipedia: Haymarket affair · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1884
Moses Fleetwood Walker (pictured), the last African American in Major League Baseball until Jackie Robinson, played his first game for the Toledo Blue Stockings. Wikipedia: Moses Fleetwood Walker
1866
The Memphis Race Riots begin. Over three days, 46 blacks and two whites were killed. Reports of the atrocities influenced passage of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Wikipedia: Memphis massacre of 1866
1863
American Civil War: The Battle of Chancellorsville between Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac under Joseph Hooker begins. Wikipedia: American Civil War · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1863
American Civil War: During the Vicksburg campaign, Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant win the Battle of Port Gibson and establish a firm presence on the east side of the Mississippi River. Wikipedia: Vicksburg campaign

Around the world

2026
After a ransomware attack by the group ShinyHunters, the education platform Canvas operated by private company Instructure, goes offline, affecting thousands of educational institutions. Wikipedia: 2026 Canvas data breach
2024
The 2024 Loblaw boycott, a Canadian boycott against retail corporation and grocer Loblaw Companies, begins. Wikipedia: Loblaw Companies
2019
Naxalite attack in Gadchiroli district of India: Sixteen army soldiers, including a driver, killed in an IED blast. Naxals targeted an anti-Naxal operations team. Wikipedia: Naxalism
2019
Naruhito ascends to the throne of Japan succeeding his father Akihito, beginning the Reiwa period. Wikipedia: Naruhito · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2018
Syrian civil war: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resumes the Deir ez-Zor campaign in order to clear the remnants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) from the Iraq–Syria border. Wikipedia: Syrian civil war
2016
The evacuation of nearly 88,000 people began when a wildfire swept through Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and burned for another 14 months, becoming the costliest disaster in Canadian history. Wikipedia: 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2011
Pope John Paul II is beatified by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. Wikipedia: Beatification of Pope John Paul II · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
2010
Faisal Shahzad attempted to detonate a car bomb in Times Square, New York City, but it failed to explode. Wikipedia: Faisal Shahzad
2009
Same-sex marriage in Sweden is legalized. Wikipedia: Same-sex marriage in Sweden · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2004
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia join the European Union, celebrated at the residence of the Irish President in Dublin. Wikipedia: Cyprus · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
2002
The Horncastle boar's head (pictured), which probably once formed part of the crest of an Anglo-Saxon helmet, was found. Wikipedia: Horncastle boar's head
1997
The Labour Party wins the 1997 General Election and Tony Blair is elected as Prime Minister. Wikipedia: 1997 United Kingdom general election · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1994
Three-time Formula One champion Ayrton Senna is killed in an accident during the San Marino Grand Prix. Wikipedia: Formula One · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1993
Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa is assassinated in Colombo in a suicide bombing carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Wikipedia: President of Sri Lanka · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1991
In Major League Baseball, Rickey Henderson broke the record for stolen bases on the same night that Nolan Ryan broke his own record for no-hitters. Wikipedia: Major League Baseball
1991
Angolan Civil War: The MPLA and UNITA agree to the Bicesse Accords, which are formally signed on May 31 in Lisbon. Wikipedia: Angolan Civil War
1982
Operation Black Buck: The Royal Air Force attacks the Argentine Air Force during the Falklands War. Wikipedia: Operation Black Buck · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1974
Argentine president Juan Perón expelled Montoneros from a demonstration in the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, forcing the group to become a clandestine organization. Wikipedia: Juan Perón · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1960
Cold War: U-2 incident: Francis Gary Powers, in a Lockheed U-2 spyplane, is shot down over the Sverdlovsk Oblast, Soviet Union, sparking a diplomatic crisis. Wikipedia: Cold War · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1957
A Vickers VC.1 Viking crashes while attempting to return to Blackbushe Airport in Yateley, killing 34. Wikipedia: Vickers VC.1 Viking
1947
Sicilian separatist Salvatore Giuliano and his gang fired into a crowd of May Day marchers near Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily, killing 11 and wounding 33. Wikipedia: Salvatore Giuliano · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1946
Start of three-year Pilbara strike of Indigenous Australians. Wikipedia: Pilbara strike · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1945
Second World War: British and Indian forces conducted a successful airborne assault on a Japanese artillery battery during the advance to liberate Rangoon, Burma. Wikipedia: World War II · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1941
Citizen Kane, a widely acclaimed film by actor and director Orson Welles, premiered. Wikipedia: Citizen Kane · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1931
New York City's Empire State Building (pictured), at the time the tallest building in the world, opened. Wikipedia: Empire State Building · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1929
The 7.2 Mw Kopet Dag earthquake shakes the Iran–Turkmenistan border region with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing up to 3,800 and injuring 1,121. Wikipedia: 1929 Kopet Dag earthquake
1921
The Jaffa riots begin. Wikipedia: Jaffa riots (May 1921)
1897
The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda to serve as the humanitarian counterpart to the Hindu monastic order Ramakrishna Math. Wikipedia: Ramakrishna Mission
1896
While on a pilgrimage of Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Ray, Tehran, Naser al-Din Shah of Qajar Persia, was assassinated by Mirza Reza Kermani. Wikipedia: Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1891
On Labor Day in Catania, Sicily, workers establish the first successful Fascio Siciliano, launching a movement of peasants and laborers protesting poverty, landlordism, taxation, and economic hardship across Sicily. Wikipedia: Labor Day
1885
The original Chicago Board of Trade Building opened for business. Wikipedia: Chicago Board of Trade Building
1865
The Empire of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay sign the Treaty of the Triple Alliance. Wikipedia: Empire of Brazil · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1851
Queen Victoria opens The Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace in London. Wikipedia: Queen Victoria · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1820
Execution of the Cato Street Conspirators, who plotted to kill the British Cabinet and Prime Minister Lord Liverpool. Wikipedia: Cato Street Conspiracy · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1807
The Slave Trade Act 1807 takes effect, abolishing the slave trade within the British Empire. Wikipedia: Slave Trade Act 1807 · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1794
War of the Pyrenees: France regained nearly all the land it lost to Spain the previous year with its victory in the Second Battle of Boulou. Wikipedia: War of the Pyrenees
1786
The Marriage of Figaro (audio featured), an opera buffa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Wikipedia: The Marriage of Figaro · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1753
Publication of Species Plantarum by Linnaeus, and the formal start date of plant taxonomy adopted by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Wikipedia: Species Plantarum · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1707
Under the terms of the Acts of Union, the Kingdoms of England and Scotland merged to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, with a single parliament and government based in Westminster. Wikipedia: Acts of Union 1707 · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1699
Francis Nicholson and James Blair organize five May Day orations given by students of the College of William & Mary, leading to the establishment of Williamsburg as Virginia's new capital. Wikipedia: Francis Nicholson
1669
Henry Morgan's raid on Lake Maracaibo: the Spanish Armada de Barlovento is defeated by an English Privateer fleet led by Captain Henry Morgan. Wikipedia: Henry Morgan's raid on Lake Maracaibo
1625
Dutch–Portuguese War: Portuguese and Spanish forces recaptured the Brazilian city of Bahia, which had previously been captured by the Dutch Republic. Wikipedia: Dutch–Portuguese War · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1576
Stephen Báthory and Anna Jagiellon were crowned as the elected rulers of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Wikipedia: Stephen Báthory · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1492
The Edict of Expulsion is officially proclaimed in Castile, requiring all Jewish residents to leave within three months. Wikipedia: Alhambra Decree
1455
Scottish Royal forces loyal to King James II defeat a rebel army of the Black Douglases in the battle of Arkinholm. Wikipedia: Kingdom of Scotland
1328
Wars of Scottish Independence end: By the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton, England recognises Scotland as an independent state. Wikipedia: Wars of Scottish Independence · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1169
Norman mercenaries landed at Bannow Bay in Leinster, beginning the Norman invasion of Ireland. Wikipedia: Anglo-Normans · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
880
The Nea Ekklesia church in Constantinople, on which many later cross-in-square Eastern Orthodox churches were based, was consecrated. Wikipedia: Nea Ekklesia · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
418
A synod in Carthage condemns Pelagianism. Wikipedia: Councils of Carthage
305
Diocletian and Maximian retired as co-rulers of the Roman Empire, being succeeded by Galerius and Constantius Chlorus. Wikipedia: Diocletian · ✓ 5 Wikipedias

World days

International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day Wikipedia: Guerrilla gardening
International Workers' Day or Labour Day (International), and its related observances: Law Day (United States), formerly intended to counterbalance the celebration of Labour Day. (United States) Wikipedia: Law Day (United States)

Technology

No entries.

Today's news: Technology ›

Science

No entries.

Today's news: Science ›

Business

2026
After a ransomware attack by the group ShinyHunters, the education platform Canvas operated by private company Instructure, goes offline, affecting thousands of educational institutions. Wikipedia: 2026 Canvas data breach
2024
The 2024 Loblaw boycott, a Canadian boycott against retail corporation and grocer Loblaw Companies, begins. Wikipedia: Loblaw Companies
1891
On Labor Day in Catania, Sicily, workers establish the first successful Fascio Siciliano, launching a movement of peasants and laborers protesting poverty, landlordism, taxation, and economic hardship across Sicily. Wikipedia: Labor Day

Today's news: Business ›

Sport

1884
Moses Fleetwood Walker (pictured), the last African American in Major League Baseball until Jackie Robinson, played his first game for the Toledo Blue Stockings. Wikipedia: Moses Fleetwood Walker
1994
Three-time Formula One champion Ayrton Senna is killed in an accident during the San Marino Grand Prix. Wikipedia: Formula One · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1991
In Major League Baseball, Rickey Henderson broke the record for stolen bases on the same night that Nolan Ryan broke his own record for no-hitters. Wikipedia: Major League Baseball

Today's news: Sport ›

Culture

1950
Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Wikipedia: Gwendolyn Brooks
1941
Citizen Kane, a widely acclaimed film by actor and director Orson Welles, premiered. Wikipedia: Citizen Kane · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1851
Queen Victoria opens The Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace in London. Wikipedia: Queen Victoria · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1786
The Marriage of Figaro (audio featured), an opera buffa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Wikipedia: The Marriage of Figaro · ✓ 3 Wikipedias

Today's news: Culture ›

Births

2006
Lewis Miley, English footballer Wikipedia: Lewis Miley · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2005
Linda Fruhvirtová, Czech tennis player Wikipedia: Linda Fruhvirtová · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2004
Charli D'Amelio, American social media influencer and dancer Wikipedia: Charli D'Amelio · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
2003
Lizzy Greene, American actress Wikipedia: Lizzy Greene · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
2002
Chet Holmgren, American basketball player Wikipedia: Chet Holmgren · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2000
Rema, Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper Wikipedia: Rema (musician) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1999
YNW Melly, American rapper Wikipedia: YNW Melly · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1999
Tiffany Stratton, American wrestler Wikipedia: Tiffany Stratton · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1997
Miles Sanders, American football player Wikipedia: Miles Sanders
1996
William Nylander, Canadian-Swedish ice hockey player Wikipedia: William Nylander · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1992
Madeline Brewer, American actress Wikipedia: Madeline Brewer
1992
Hani, South Korean singer and actress Wikipedia: Hani (singer)
1992
Bradley Roby, American football player Wikipedia: Bradley Roby · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1991
Marcus Stroman, American baseball player Wikipedia: Marcus Stroman · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1990
Scooter Gennett, American baseball player Wikipedia: Scooter Gennett
1990
Caitlin Stasey, Australian actress Wikipedia: Caitlin Stasey · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1989
Victoria Monét, American singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Victoria Monét
1988
Anushka Sharma, Indian actress and film producer Wikipedia: Anushka Sharma · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1987
Leonardo Bonucci, Italian footballer Wikipedia: Leonardo Bonucci · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1987
Amir Johnson, American basketball player Wikipedia: Amir Johnson · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1987
Shahar Pe'er, Israeli tennis player Wikipedia: Shahar Pe'er · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1986
Christian Benítez, Ecuadorian footballer (died 2013) Wikipedia: Christian Benítez · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1986
Jesse Klaver, Dutch politician Wikipedia: Jesse Klaver · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1984
David Backes, American ice hockey player Wikipedia: David Backes · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1983
Alain Bernard, French swimmer Wikipedia: Alain Bernard · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1983
Park Hae-jin, South Korean actor Wikipedia: Park Hae-jin
1983
Craig Williams, American wrestler Wikipedia: Human Tornado
1982
Beto, Portuguese footballer Wikipedia: Beto (footballer, born 1982) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1982
Jamie Dornan, Northern Irish model and actor Wikipedia: Jamie Dornan · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1982
Tommy Robredo, Spanish tennis player Wikipedia: Tommy Robredo · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1982
Darijo Srna, Croatian footballer Wikipedia: Darijo Srna · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1982
Katya Zamolodchikova, American drag queen Wikipedia: Katya Zamolodchikova · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1981
Alexander Hleb, Belarusian footballer Wikipedia: Alexander Hleb · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1981
Wes Welker, American football player and coach Wikipedia: Wes Welker
1980
Jan Heylen, Belgian race car driver Wikipedia: Jan Heylen · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1980
Jay Reatard, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2010) Wikipedia: Jay Reatard · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1979
Mauro Bergamasco, Italian rugby player Wikipedia: Mauro Bergamasco · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1978
James Badge Dale, American actor Wikipedia: James Badge Dale · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1978
Michael Russell, American tennis player Wikipedia: Michael Russell (tennis) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1976
James Murray, American comedian Wikipedia: James Murray (comedian)
1975
Alexey Smertin, Russian international footballer Wikipedia: Alexey Smertin · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1973
Curtis Martin, American football player Wikipedia: Curtis Martin · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1973
Oliver Neuville, German footballer Wikipedia: Oliver Neuville · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1972
Ramzi bin al-Shibh, Yemeni terrorist Wikipedia: Ramzi bin al-Shibh · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1972
Julie Benz, American actress Wikipedia: Julie Benz · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1971
Ethan Albright, American football player Wikipedia: Ethan Albright
1971
Stuart Appleby, Australian golfer Wikipedia: Stuart Appleby · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1971
Ajith Kumar, Indian actor and race car driver Wikipedia: Ajith Kumar
1970
Bernard Butler, English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer Wikipedia: Bernard Butler
1969
Wes Anderson, American director, producer, and screenwriter Wikipedia: Wes Anderson · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1969
Mary Lou McDonald, Irish politician Wikipedia: Mary Lou McDonald
1969
Billy Owens, American basketball player Wikipedia: Billy Owens
1968
Oliver Bierhoff, German footballer Wikipedia: Oliver Bierhoff · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1968
D'arcy Wretzky, American bass player and singer Wikipedia: D'arcy Wretzky · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1967
Tim McGraw, American singer-songwriter and actor Wikipedia: Tim McGraw · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1966
Olaf Thon, German footballer Wikipedia: Olaf Thon · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1964
Yvonne van Gennip, Dutch speed skater Wikipedia: Yvonne van Gennip · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1962
Maia Morgenstern, Romanian actress Wikipedia: Maia Morgenstern · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1961
Clint Malarchuk, Canadian ice hockey player and coach Wikipedia: Clint Malarchuk · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1961
Marilyn Milian, American judge Wikipedia: Marilyn Milian
1959
Yasmina Reza, French actress and playwright Wikipedia: Yasmina Reza · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1957
Rick Darling, Australian cricketer Wikipedia: Rick Darling
1955
Martin O'Donnell, American composer Wikipedia: Martin O'Donnell
1954
Ray Parker Jr., American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer Wikipedia: Ray Parker Jr. · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1954
Joel Rosenberg, Canadian-American author and activist (died 2011) Wikipedia: Joel Rosenberg (science fiction author)
1952
Richard Blundell, English economist and academic Wikipedia: Richard Blundell
1951
Gordon Greenidge, Barbadian cricketer and coach Wikipedia: Gordon Greenidge
1951
Sally Mann, American photographer Wikipedia: Sally Mann
1950
Danny McGrain, Scottish footballer and coach Wikipedia: Danny McGrain
1949
Tim Hodgkinson, English saxophonist, clarinet player, and composer Wikipedia: Tim Hodgkinson
1948
Patricia Hill Collins, American sociologist and scholar Wikipedia: Patricia Hill Collins
1946
Joanna Lumley, English actress, voice-over artist, author, and activist Wikipedia: Joanna Lumley · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1946
John Woo, Hong Kong director, producer, and screenwriter Wikipedia: John Woo · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1945
Rita Coolidge, American singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Rita Coolidge · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1939
Judy Collins, American singer-songwriter and guitarist Wikipedia: Judy Collins · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1937
Una Stubbs, English actress and dancer (died 2021) Wikipedia: Una Stubbs · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1934
Laura Betti, Italian actress (died 2004) Wikipedia: Laura Betti
1934
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, Mexican politician Wikipedia: Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1934
Shirley Horn, American singer and pianist (died 2005) Wikipedia: Shirley Horn · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1932
S. M. Krishna, Indian politician and statesman, Minister of External Affairs, 10th Chief Minister of Karnataka, 19th Governor of Maharashtra (died 2024) Wikipedia: S. M. Krishna
1932
Sandy Woodward, English admiral (died 2013) Wikipedia: Sandy Woodward · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1930
Ollie Matson, American sprinter and football player (died 2011) Wikipedia: Ollie Matson · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1930
Richard Riordan, American lieutenant and politician, 39th Mayor of Los Angeles and publisher (died 2023) Wikipedia: Richard Riordan · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1930
Little Walter Jacobs, American blues harp player and singer (died 1968) Wikipedia: Little Walter · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1929
Ralf Dahrendorf, German-English sociologist and politician (died 2009) Wikipedia: Ralf Dahrendorf · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1929
Sonny Ramadhin, Trinidadian cricketer (died 2022) Wikipedia: Sonny Ramadhin
1928
Sonny James, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2016) Wikipedia: Sonny James · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1927
Greta Andersen, Danish swimmer (died 2023) Wikipedia: Greta Andersen · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1927
Bernard Vukas, Yugoslav-Croatian footballer (died 1983) Wikipedia: Bernard Vukas · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1927
Albert Zafy, Malagasy politician, 3rd President of Madagascar (died 2017) Wikipedia: Albert Zafy · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1926
Peter Lax, Hungarian-American mathematician and academic (died 2025) Wikipedia: Peter Lax · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1925
Chuck Bednarik, American lieutenant and football player (died 2015) Wikipedia: Chuck Bednarik · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1925
Scott Carpenter, American commander, pilot, and astronaut (died 2013) Wikipedia: Scott Carpenter · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1924
Evelyn Boyd Granville, American mathematician, computer scientist, and academic (died 2023) Wikipedia: Evelyn Boyd Granville · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1924
Terry Southern, American novelist, essayist, and screenwriter (died 1995) Wikipedia: Terry Southern
1923
Joseph Heller, American novelist, short story writer, and playwright (died 1999) Wikipedia: Joseph Heller · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1923
Marcel Rayman, Polish militant (died 1944) Wikipedia: Marcel Rajman
1921
Vladimir Colin, Romanian journalist and author (died 1991) Wikipedia: Vladimir Colin
1919
Manna Dey, Indian singer and composer (died 2013) Wikipedia: Manna Dey
1919
Mohammed Karim Lamrani, Moroccan businessman and politician, 7th Prime Minister of Morocco (died 2018) Wikipedia: Mohammed Karim Lamrani
1919
Dan O'Herlihy, Irish actor (died 2005) Wikipedia: Dan O'Herlihy · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1918
Jack Paar, American comedian, author and talk show host (died 2004) Wikipedia: Jack Paar · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1917
John Beradino, American baseball player and actor (died 1996) Wikipedia: John Beradino
1917
Ulric Cross, Trinidadian navigator, judge, and diplomat (died 2013) Wikipedia: Ulric Cross
1917
Danielle Darrieux, French actress and singer (died 2017) Wikipedia: Danielle Darrieux · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1916
Glenn Ford, Canadian-American actor and producer (died 2006) Wikipedia: Glenn Ford · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1915
Hanns Martin Schleyer, German business executive (died 1977) Wikipedia: Hanns Martin Schleyer · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1913
Louis Nye, American actor (died 2005) Wikipedia: Louis Nye · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1912
Otto Kretschmer, German admiral (died 1998) Wikipedia: Otto Kretschmer · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1910
Raya Dunayevskaya, Ukrainian-American philosopher and activist (died 1987) Wikipedia: Raya Dunayevskaya
1910
J. Allen Hynek, American astronomer and ufologist (died 1986) Wikipedia: J. Allen Hynek · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1909
Yiannis Ritsos, Greek poet and playwright (died 1990) Wikipedia: Yiannis Ritsos · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1908
Giovannino Guareschi, Italian journalist and author (died 1968) Wikipedia: Giovannino Guareschi · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1908
Morris Kline, American mathematician and academic (died 1992) Wikipedia: Morris Kline
1907
Kate Smith, American singer and actress (died 1986) Wikipedia: Kate Smith · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1905
Henry Koster, German-American director, producer, and screenwriter (died 1988) Wikipedia: Henry Koster · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1901
Sterling Allen Brown, American poet, academic, and critic (died 1989) Wikipedia: Sterling Allen Brown
1901
Antal Szerb, Hungarian scholar and author (died 1945) Wikipedia: Antal Szerb · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1900
Ignazio Silone, Italian journalist and politician (died 1978) Wikipedia: Ignazio Silone · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1900
Aleksander Wat, Polish poet and writer (died 1967) Wikipedia: Aleksander Wat · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1898
Alfred Schmidt, Estonian weightlifter (died 1972) Wikipedia: Alfred Schmidt (weightlifter)
1896
Herbert Backe, German agronomist and politician (died 1947) Wikipedia: Herbert Backe · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1896
Mark W. Clark, American general (died 1984) Wikipedia: Mark W. Clark · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1896
J. Lawton Collins, American general (died 1987) Wikipedia: J. Lawton Collins · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1895
May Hollinworth, Australian theatre producer and director (died 1968) Wikipedia: May Hollinworth
1895
Nikolai Yezhov, Soviet secret police official, head of the NKVD (died 1940) Wikipedia: Nikolai Yezhov · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1891
Lillian Estelle Fisher, American historian of Spanish America (died 1988) Wikipedia: Lillian Estelle Fisher
1890
Clelia Lollini, Italian physician (died 1963 or 1964) Wikipedia: Clelia Lollini
1887
Alan Cunningham, Anglo-Irish general and diplomat, High Commissioners for Palestine and Transjordan (died 1983) Wikipedia: Alan Cunningham · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1885
Clément Pansaers, Belgian poet (died 1922) Wikipedia: Clément Pansaers
1884
Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe, English race car driver and politician (died 1964) Wikipedia: Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1881
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, French priest, palaeontologist, and philosopher (died 1955) Wikipedia: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1875
Dave Hall, American runner, coach, and professor (died 1972) Wikipedia: David Hall (runner)
1874
Romaine Brooks, American-French painter and illustrator (died 1970) Wikipedia: Romaine Brooks · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1874
Paul Van Asbroeck, Belgian sport shooter (died 1959) Wikipedia: Paul Van Asbroeck
1872
Hugo Alfvén, Swedish composer, conductor, violinist, and painter (died 1960) Wikipedia: Hugo Alfvén · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1872
Sidónio Pais, Portuguese soldier and politician, 4th President of Portugal (died 1918) Wikipedia: Sidónio Pais · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1871
Seakle Greijdanus, Dutch theologian and scholar (died 1948) Wikipedia: Seakle Greijdanus · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1864
Anna Jarvis, American founder of Mother's Day (died 1948) Wikipedia: Anna Jarvis · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1862
Marcel Prévost, French novelist and playwright (died 1941) Wikipedia: Marcel Prévost · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1859
Jacqueline Comerre-Paton, French painter and sculptor (died 1955) Wikipedia: Jacqueline Comerre-Paton
1857
Theo van Gogh, Dutch art dealer (died 1891) Wikipedia: Theo van Gogh (art dealer) · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1855
Cecilia Beaux, American painter and academic (died 1942) Wikipedia: Cecilia Beaux · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1853
Jacob Mikhailovich Gordin, Ukrainian-American journalist, actor, and playwright (died 1909) Wikipedia: Jacob Gordin
1852
Calamity Jane, American frontierswoman and professional scout (died 1903) Wikipedia: Calamity Jane · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1852
Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Spanish neuroscientist and pathologist, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1934) Wikipedia: Santiago Ramón y Cajal · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1850
Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (died 1942) Wikipedia: Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1848
Adelsteen Normann, Norwegian painter (died 1919) Wikipedia: Adelsteen Normann
1847
Henry Demarest Lloyd, American journalist and politician (died 1903) Wikipedia: Henry Demarest Lloyd
1846
James C. Corrigan, Canadian-American businessman (died 1908) Wikipedia: James Corrigan (businessman)
1831
Emily Stowe, Canadian physician and activist (died 1903) Wikipedia: Emily Stowe · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1830
Guido Gezelle, Belgian priest and poet (died 1899) Wikipedia: Guido Gezelle · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1829
José de Alencar, Brazilian author and playwright (died 1877) Wikipedia: José de Alencar · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1829
Frederick Sandys, English painter and illustrator (died 1904) Wikipedia: Frederick Sandys
1827
Jules Breton, French painter (died 1906) Wikipedia: Jules Breton · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1825
Johann Jakob Balmer, Swiss mathematician and physicist (died 1898) Wikipedia: Johann Jakob Balmer · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1825
George Inness, American painter and educator (died 1894) Wikipedia: George Inness
1824
Alexander William Williamson, English chemist and academic (died 1904) Wikipedia: Alexander William Williamson · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1821
Henry Ayers, English-Australian politician, 8th Premier of South Australia (died 1897) Wikipedia: Henry Ayers · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1811
Andreas Laskaratos, Greek satirical poet and writer (died 1901) Wikipedia: Andreas Laskaratos · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1803
James Clarence Mangan, Irish poet and author (died 1849) Wikipedia: James Clarence Mangan
1783
Phoebe Hinsdale Brown, American hymnwriter (died 1861) Wikipedia: Phoebe Hinsdale Brown
1780
Tabitha Moffatt Brown, officially designated as the “Mother of Oregon” (died 1858) Wikipedia: Tabitha Moffatt Brown
1769
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, Irish-English field marshal and politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (died 1852) Wikipedia: Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1764
Benjamin Henry Latrobe, English-American architect, designed the United States Capitol (died 1820) Wikipedia: Benjamin Henry Latrobe · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1751
Judith Sargent Murray, American poet and playwright (died 1820) Wikipedia: Judith Sargent Murray
1735
Jan Hendrik van Kinsbergen, Dutch admiral and philanthropist (died 1819) Wikipedia: Jan Hendrik van Kinsbergen · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1672
Joseph Addison, English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician (died 1719) Wikipedia: Joseph Addison · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1602
William Lilly, English astrologer (died 1681) Wikipedia: William Lilly · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1594
John Haynes, English-American politician, 1st Governor of the Colony of Connecticut (died 1653) Wikipedia: John Haynes (governor) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1591
Johann Adam Schall von Bell, German missionary and astronomer (died 1666) Wikipedia: Johann Adam Schall von Bell · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1585
Sophia Olelkovich Radziwill, Belarusian saint (died 1612) Wikipedia: Zofia of Słuck
1582
Marco da Gagliano, Italian composer (died 1643) Wikipedia: Marco da Gagliano · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1579
Wolphert Gerretse, Dutch-American farmer, co-founded New Netherland (died 1662) Wikipedia: Wolfert Gerritse van Couwenhoven
1545
Franciscus Junius, French theologian (died 1602) Wikipedia: Franciscus Junius (the elder) · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1527
Johannes Stadius, German astronomer, astrologer, mathematician (died 1579) Wikipedia: Johannes Stadius · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1285
Edmund FitzAlan, 2nd Earl of Arundel, English nobleman (died 1326) Wikipedia: Edmund Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1218
John I, Count of Hainaut, Flemish nobleman (died 1257) Wikipedia: John I of Hainaut · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1218
Rudolf I of Germany, King of Germany 1273–1291 (died 1291) Wikipedia: Rudolf I of Germany · ✓ 5 Wikipedias

Deaths

2023
Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist (born 1938) Wikipedia: Gordon Lightfoot · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2021
Olympia Dukakis, American actress (born 1931) Wikipedia: Olympia Dukakis · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
2015
Geoff Duke, English-Manx motorcycle racer (born 1923) Wikipedia: Geoff Duke · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2015
Vafa Guluzade, Azerbaijani political scientist, academic, and diplomat (born 1940) Wikipedia: Vafa Guluzade
2015
María Elena Velasco, Mexican actress, singer, director, and screenwriter (born 1940) Wikipedia: María Elena Velasco · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2015
Grace Lee Whitney, American actress (born 1930) Wikipedia: Grace Lee Whitney · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2014
Adamu Atta, Nigerian lawyer and politician, 5th Governor of Kwara State (born 1927) Wikipedia: Adamu Atta
2014
Radhia Cousot, French computer scientist and academic (born 1947) Wikipedia: Radhia Cousot · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2014
Assi Dayan, Israeli actor, director, and screenwriter (born 1945) Wikipedia: Assi Dayan
2014
Juan de Dios Castillo, Mexican footballer and coach (born 1951) Wikipedia: Juan de Dios Castillo
2013
Chris Kelly, American rapper (born 1978) Wikipedia: Kris Kross · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2012
James Kinley, Canadian engineer and politician, 29th Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia (born 1925) Wikipedia: James Kinley
2012
Mordechai Virshubski, German-Israeli lawyer and politician (born 1930) Wikipedia: Mordechai Virshubski
2011
Henry Cooper, English boxer (born 1934) Wikipedia: Henry Cooper · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2011
Ted Lowe, English sportscaster (born 1920) Wikipedia: Ted Lowe
2010
Helen Wagner, American actress (born 1918) Wikipedia: Helen Wagner · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
2008
Anthony Mamo, Maltese judge and politician, 1st President of Malta (born 1909) Wikipedia: Anthony Mamo · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2008
Philipp von Boeselager, German soldier and economist (born 1917) Wikipedia: Philipp von Boeselager · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2005
Kenneth Clark, American psychologist and academic (born 1914) Wikipedia: Kenneth and Mamie Clark
2003
Miss Elizabeth, American wrestler and manager (born 1960) Wikipedia: Miss Elizabeth · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
2003
Wim van Est, Dutch cyclist (born 1923) Wikipedia: Wim van Est
2000
Steve Reeves, American bodybuilder and actor (born 1926) Wikipedia: Steve Reeves · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1998
Eldridge Cleaver, American author and activist (born 1935) Wikipedia: Eldridge Cleaver · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1997
Fernand Dumont, Canadian sociologist, philosopher, and poet (born 1927) Wikipedia: Fernand Dumont · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1994
Ayrton Senna, Brazilian race car driver (born 1960) Wikipedia: Ayrton Senna · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1993
Pierre Bérégovoy, French metallurgist and politician, Prime Minister of France (born 1925) Wikipedia: Pierre Bérégovoy · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1993
Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sri Lankan politician, 3rd President of Sri Lanka (born 1924) Wikipedia: Ranasinghe Premadasa · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1991
Richard Thorpe, American director and screenwriter (born 1896) Wikipedia: Richard Thorpe · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1990
Sergio Franchi, Italian-American tenor and actor (born 1926) Wikipedia: Sergio Franchi · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1989
Sally Kirkland, American journalist (born 1912) Wikipedia: Sally Kirkland (editor)
1989
V. M. Panchalingam, Sri Lankan civil servant (born 1934) Wikipedia: V. M. Panchalingam
1989
Patrice Tardif, Canadian farmer and politician (born 1904) Wikipedia: Patrice Tardif (politician) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1988
Ben Lexcen, Australian sailor and architect (born 1936) Wikipedia: Ben Lexcen · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1986
Hylda Baker, English comedian, actress and music hall performer (born 1905) Wikipedia: Hylda Baker
1986
Hugo Peretti, American songwriter and producer (born 1916) Wikipedia: Hugo Peretti
1985
Denise Robins, English journalist and author (born 1897) Wikipedia: Denise Robins
1984
Jüri Lossmann, Estonian long-distance runner (born 1891) Wikipedia: Jüri Lossmann
1982
William Primrose, Scottish viola player and educator (born 1903) Wikipedia: William Primrose
1978
Aram Khachaturian, Armenian composer and conductor (born 1903) Wikipedia: Aram Khachaturian · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1976
T. R. M. Howard, American surgeon and activist (born 1908) Wikipedia: T. R. M. Howard
1976
Alexandros Panagoulis, Greek poet and politician (born 1939) Wikipedia: Alexandros Panagoulis · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1973
Asger Jorn, Danish painter and sculptor (born 1914) Wikipedia: Asger Jorn · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1970
Yi Un, Korean crown prince (born 1897) Wikipedia: Yi Un
1968
Jack Adams, Canadian-American ice hockey player, coach, and manager (born 1895) Wikipedia: Jack Adams · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1968
Harold Nicolson, English author and politician (born 1886) Wikipedia: Harold Nicolson
1965
Spike Jones, American singer and bandleader (born 1911) Wikipedia: Spike Jones · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1963
Lope K. Santos, Filipino lawyer and politician (born 1879) Wikipedia: Lope K. Santos
1960
Charles Holden, English architect, designed the Bristol Central Library (born 1875) Wikipedia: Charles Holden
1956
LeRoy Samse, American pole vaulter (born 1883) Wikipedia: LeRoy Samse · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1955
William Thomson Sloper, American stockbroker and survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic (born 1883) Wikipedia: William Thomson Sloper
1953
Everett Shinn, American painter and illustrator (born 1876) Wikipedia: Everett Shinn
1945
Joseph Goebbels, German lawyer and politician, Chancellor of Germany (born 1897) Wikipedia: Joseph Goebbels · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1945
Magda Goebbels, German wife of Joseph Goebbels (born 1901) Wikipedia: Magda Goebbels · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1944
Napoleon Soukatzidis, Greek communist and trade unionist (born 1909) Wikipedia: Napoleon Soukatzidis
1935
Henri Pélissier, French cyclist (born 1889) Wikipedia: Henri Pélissier · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1920
Princess Margaret of Connaught, Crown Princess of Sweden (born 1882) Wikipedia: Princess Margaret of Connaught · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1913
John Barclay Armstrong, American Texas ranger (born 1850) Wikipedia: John Barclay Armstrong · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1907
Grigorios Maraslis, Greek philanthropist (born 1831) Wikipedia: Grigorios Maraslis
1904
Antonín Dvořák, Czech composer (born 1841) Wikipedia: Antonín Dvořák · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1873
David Livingstone, Scottish-English missionary and explorer (born 1813) Wikipedia: David Livingstone · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1838
Antoine Louis Dugès, French obstetrician and naturalist (born 1797) Wikipedia: Antoine Louis Dugès
1813
Jean-Baptiste Bessières, French general (born 1768) Wikipedia: Jean-Baptiste Bessières · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1772
Gottfried Achenwall, Polish-German historian, economist, and jurist (born 1719) Wikipedia: Gottfried Achenwall · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1738
Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, English politician, First Lord of the Treasury (born 1669) Wikipedia: Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle
1731
Johann Ludwig Bach, German violinist and composer (born 1677) Wikipedia: Johann Ludwig Bach · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1730
François de Troy, French painter and engraver (born 1645) Wikipedia: François de Troy
1668
Frans Luycx, Flemish painter (born 1604) Wikipedia: Frans Luycx · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1572
Pope Pius V (born 1504) Wikipedia: Pope Pius V · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1555
Pope Marcellus II (born 1501) Wikipedia: Pope Marcellus II · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1539
Isabella of Portugal (born 1503) Wikipedia: Isabella of Portugal · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
1308
Albert I of Germany (born 1255) Wikipedia: Albert I of Germany · ✓ 4 Wikipedias
1278
William II of Villehardouin, Prince of Achaea from 1246 to 1278 Wikipedia: William of Villehardouin · ✓ 3 Wikipedias
1255
Walter de Gray, English prelate and statesman Wikipedia: Walter de Gray · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1187
Roger de Moulins, Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Wikipedia: Roger de Moulins · ✓ 2 Wikipedias
1171
Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster from 1127 to 1171 (born 1110) Wikipedia: Diarmait Mac Murchada
1118
Matilda of Scotland, Queen of England from 1100 to 1118 (born 1080) Wikipedia: Matilda of Scotland · ✓ 5 Wikipedias
908
Wang Zongji, Chinese prince and pretender Wikipedia: Wang Zongji
558
Marcouf, Christian abbot and saint Wikipedia: Marculf
408
Arcadius, Byzantine emperor from 383 to 408 (born 377) Wikipedia: Arcadius · ✓ 5 Wikipedias

Every day in May

The same day in other countries: Portugal · Brasil · Suisse · France · Deutschland · España · United Kingdom

Source: Wikipedia: wikipedia.org (CC BY-SA 4.0)