May 9: What Happened on This Day in History

9May

May 9th marks the 129th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 130th in case of leap years). There are 236 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on May 9th in history, famous birthdays on May 9th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 9.

history

What happened on May 9?

Here's what happened on May 9th in history:


  • 2022: On Victory Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a controversial speech in Red Square, defending Russia's invasion of Ukraine as necessary to protect 'the homeland'. He proclaimed eastern Ukraine as Russian territory. Russia marked the day in the devastated port city of Mariupol, which they largely control after extensive bombing. Ukrainian fighters in the city's steel plant tunnels vowed to continue resistance after evacuating over 300 civilians.
  • 2019: Venezuelan authorities arrested Edgar Zambrano, deputy to opposition leader Juan Guaido, and transferred him to El Helicoide prison. This marks the most prominent opposition politician's arrest since the January presidential crisis, escalating political tensions in Venezuela.
  • 2007: On May 9, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI delivered an address at the welcome ceremony upon his arrival at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and emphasizing the importance of defending life and promoting solidarity. source: vatican.va
  • 2005: On May 9, 2005, Russia commemorated World War II Victory Day in Moscow, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. source: rferl.org
  • 2003: On May 9, 2003, the U.S. Senate debated the research and development of low-yield nuclear weapons. This discussion was part of a broader conversation about nuclear strategy and military capabilities in the post-9/11 era. source: nytimes.com
  • 2001: On May 9, 2001, a tragic incident occurred at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana during a football match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. Following a contentious goal, fans threw objects onto the pitch, prompting police to fire tear gas into the stands. This led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 127 people, primarily due to compressive asphyxia. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1979: The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) treaty was signed on May 9, 1979, by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. This treaty aimed to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons and was a continuation of the SALT I negotiations. Although it was signed, the treaty was never ratified by the U.S. Senate due to rising tensions between the two superpowers. source: archives.gov
  • 1973: On May 9, 1973, Johnny Bench, a catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, hit three home runs in a single game against the Atlanta Braves. This remarkable feat contributed to his reputation as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. Bench's performance helped solidify his legacy in Major League Baseball. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 1972: On May 9, 1972, President Richard Nixon met with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in Moscow, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Soviet relations. This summit resulted in the signing of several key agreements, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I), aimed at curbing the arms race between the two superpowers. It was a pivotal step towards détente during the Cold War. source: archives.gov
  • 1971: The 23rd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony took place on May 9, 1971, at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Johnny Carson, the event honored outstanding achievements in American television programming. The top winners included 'All in the Family' for Outstanding Comedy Series and 'The Bold Ones: The Senator' for Outstanding Drama Series. source: en.wikipedia.org
Discover all events on May 9 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on May 9?

On May 9th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Billy Joel
    Billy Joel (1949)

    Billy Joel is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist, known for his significant contributions to popular music since the 1970s. With a career spanning over five decades, he is recognized for his storytelling lyrics, hit songs, and enduring influence in rock and pop music. [bio]

  • Mike Wallace
    Mike Wallace (1918)

    Mike Wallace was an influential American broadcast journalist best known for his work as a correspondent for CBS's '60 Minutes.' Renowned for his incisive, tough questioning and fearless interviewing style, Wallace helped shape investigative television journalism and became a fixture in American news media over his decades-long career. [bio]

  • Candice Bergen
    Candice Bergen (1946)

    Candice Bergen is an acclaimed American actress, best known for her role as the title character in the television series 'Murphy Brown.' She has enjoyed a long and successful career in film and television, earning multiple awards and nominations. [bio]

  • Glenda Jackson
    Glenda Jackson (1936)

    Glenda Jackson was a renowned English actress and politician, best known for her distinguished career in film, theatre, and later as a Member of Parliament. She achieved critical acclaim for her stage and screen performances, as well as for her public service. [bio]

  • Rosario Dawson
    Rosario Dawson (1979)

    Rosario Dawson is an American actress, producer, and activist, widely recognized for her work in film, television, and her engagement in political and social causes. She has appeared in notable works such as 'Rent,' 'Sin City,' 'Clerks II,' as well as multiple series in the Marvel/Netflix universe. [bio]

  • Noah Centineo
    Noah Centineo (1996)

    Noah Centineo is an American actor best known for his roles in Netflix romantic comedy films, including the 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' series, and for his breakout role in the television series 'The Fosters.' [bio]

  • Geraldine McEwan
    Geraldine McEwan (1932)

    Geraldine McEwan was an acclaimed English actress known for her distinguished career in theatre, television, and film. She was particularly recognized for her portrayal of Miss Marple in the ITV series "Agatha Christie's Marple." [bio]

  • John Corbett
    John Corbett (1961)

    John Corbett is an American actor and country music singer best known for his roles in television series such as 'Northern Exposure' and 'Sex and the City,' as well as films including 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' [bio]

  • Albert Finney
    Albert Finney (1936)

    Albert Finney was a celebrated English actor known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. His career spanned more than five decades, encompassing a wide range of notable roles in both film and theatre, and marking him as one of the prominent British actors of his generation. [bio]

  • Dana Perino
    Dana Perino (1972)

    Dana Perino is an American political commentator, author, and former White House Press Secretary, best known for her work with Fox News and her role in the administration of President George W. Bush. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on May 9

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RIP

Who died on May 9?

On May 9th the following celebrities died:


  • Little Richard
    Little Richard (2020)

    Little Richard was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, often regarded as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. With his electrifying performances, flamboyant persona, and genre-defining sound, he played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene of the 1950s and influenced countless artists across multiple generations. [bio]

  • Lena Horne
    Lena Horne (2010)

    Lena Horne was an acclaimed American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. She rose to prominence as a nightclub performer before securing roles in Hollywood movies during the 1940s, becoming one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major studio. [bio]

  • Alan King
    Alan King (2004)

    Alan King was a renowned American comedian and actor, famous for his satirical observations of everyday life and his appearances in film, television, and on stage. He became one of the most respected figures in comedy during the 20th century. [bio]

  • Marion Lorne
    Marion Lorne (1968)

    Marion Lorne was an American actress known for her work in stage, film, and television, best remembered for her role as Aunt Clara in the TV sitcom 'Bewitched.' [bio]

  • Alice Faye
    Alice Faye (1998)

    Alice Faye was a celebrated American actress and singer, best known for her starring roles in 1930s and 1940s musical films for 20th Century Fox. Recognized for her warm contralto voice and girl-next-door appeal, she became one of Hollywood’s most popular musical stars during the Golden Age of film. [bio]

  • Tenzing Norgay
    Tenzing Norgay (1986)

    Legendary Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May...

  • Cyrus Eaton
    Cyrus Eaton (1979)

    American businessman known for his investments and philanthropy.

  • Vidal Sassoon
    Vidal Sassoon (2012)

    Iconic hairstylist who transformed modern hairdressing, creating geometric cuts that defined 1960s fashion and became a global hair care...

  • More famous people died on May 9

calendar

What day of the year is May 9?


May 9th marks the 129th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 130th in case of leap years).

There are 236 days remaining until the end of the year.

May 9th is the 9th day of the month of May.

What day of the week is May 9?

On May 9th, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.

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Holidays and Observances on May 9

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 9?