May 13: What Happened on This Day in History
May 13th marks the 133rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 134th in case of leap years). There are 232 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 13th in history, famous birthdays on May 13th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 13.
What happened on May 13?
Here's what happened on May 13th in history:
- 2022: President Joe Biden solemnly marked a tragic milestone in the United States: 1 million COVID-related deaths. To commemorate the immense loss, 1 million empty chairs were symbolically displayed across the country, representing each life lost to the pandemic.
- 2019: On May 13, 2019, the United States increased tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade conflict between the two nations. China responded with its own tariffs, leading to concerns about the impact on global markets and the potential for a trade war. source: reuters.com
- 2009: On May 13, 2009, the European Commission imposed a record €1.06 billion fine on Intel for antitrust violations. The fine was related to Intel's practices of offering rebates to computer manufacturers to delay or cancel the launch of products containing rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) chips. source: ec.europa.eu
- 2007: On May 13, 2007, over a million people gathered in İzmir to demonstrate in support of Turkey's secular state, opposing the Islamist-rooted government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Protesters chanted slogans like "Turkey is secular and will remain secular" and "No to sharia (Islamic law)." This was part of a series of Republic Protests that took place across Turkey during that period. source: abc.net.au
- 2005: On May 13, 2005, the Andijan Uprising occurred in Uzbekistan, involving protests and a violent crackdown by government forces, leading to numerous casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2003: According to The Independent, high-level diplomatic meetings took place between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva, with a senior U.S. representative participating in the discussions.
- 1980: On May 13, 1980, an F3 tornado struck downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, at 4:09 p.m. The tornado traveled 11 miles in approximately 16 minutes, resulting in five fatalities, 79 injuries, and over $50 million in damages. Notable locations affected included the Gilmore Brothers Department Store and Bronson Park. The tornado's path through downtown Kalamazoo was unprecedented, leading to extensive destruction. source: kpl.gov
- 1979: On May 13, 1979, twelve Cubans attempted to seek asylum by crashing a bus through the fence of the Venezuelan embassy in Havana. The Cuban Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident, stating that three of the individuals were wounded by gunfire from Cuban guards after the driver refused to halt, and three others were injured in the crash. The exact number of individuals who successfully entered the embassy was not specified. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1974: On May 13, 1974, the U.S. Senate rejected a bill that would have allowed states to opt out of federal minimum wage laws. This decision was significant in the ongoing debate over labor rights and wage standards in the United States. source: congress.gov
- 1972: On May 13, 1972, a car bomb exploded outside a pub in Belfast, resulting in multiple casualties. This incident was part of the ongoing violence during The Troubles, reflecting the intense sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on May 13?
On May 13th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Robert Pattinson]()
Robert Pattinson (1986)Robert Pattinson is an English actor known for his versatile performances in both blockbuster franchises and independent films. He gained worldwide fame portraying Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga and has since earned critical acclaim for roles in films like The Lighthouse and Tenet. [bio]
![Joe Louis]()
![Jim Jones]()
![Stephen Colbert]()
Stephen Colbert (1964)Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host best known for his satirical news shows, 'The Colbert Report' on Comedy Central and 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS. [bio]
![Beatrice Arthur]()
Beatrice Arthur (1922)Beatrice Arthur was an American actress and comedian, celebrated for her leading roles on television sitcoms 'Maude' and 'The Golden Girls.' Her performances were known for their wit, depth, and the way they challenged societal norms, particularly regarding women's roles and issues including feminism and aging. [bio]
![Dennis Rodman]()
Dennis Rodman (1961)Dennis Rodman is a former American professional basketball player known for his exceptional defensive skills and rebounding ability, as well as his colorful persona both on and off the court. Rodman played in the NBA primarily during the 1980s and 1990s, winning five NBA championships and earning a reputation as one of the league’s most eccentric and capable defenders. [bio]
![Harvey Keitel]()
Harvey Keitel (1939)Harvey Keitel is an acclaimed American actor known for his intense and versatile roles in film. He has worked frequently with prominent directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, becoming a key figure in American cinema since the 1970s. [bio]
![Iwan Rheon]()
Iwan Rheon (1985)Iwan Rheon is a Welsh actor, singer, and musician best known internationally for his roles in television series such as 'Game of Thrones' (as Ramsay Bolton) and 'Misfits' (as Simon Bellamy). He is also recognized for his work on stage and in music. [bio]
![Ritchie Valens]()
Ritchie Valens (1941)Ritchie Valens was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who became a rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement. Despite his short career, he achieved major chart success with songs like 'La Bamba' and 'Donna.' Valens died tragically in a plane crash at age 17, an event immortalized as 'The Day the Music Died.' [bio]
![Samantha Morton]()
Samantha Morton (1977)Samantha Morton is an English actress and director known for her critical acclaim and versatility in both independent and mainstream films. She has received several major award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations, and is recognized for her intense performances and commitment to her craft. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on May 13?
On May 13th the following celebrities died:
![Doris Day]()
![Dan Blocker]()
Dan Blocker (1972)Dan Blocker was an American actor best known for his role as Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright on the long-running NBC Western television series 'Bonanza.' [bio]
![Gary Cooper]()
Gary Cooper (1961)Gary Cooper was an American film actor known for his understated acting style and strong, silent screen presence. He appeared in more than 100 films, starring in classic westerns, dramas, and war movies. Cooper won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and became an icon of American cinema during Hollywood’s Golden Age. [bio]
![Margot Kidder]()
Margot Kidder (2018)Margot Kidder was a Canadian-American actress best known for her role as Lois Lane in the 'Superman' film series alongside Christopher Reeve. Her career spanned several decades, during which she worked in film, television, and stage productions. [bio]
![Leatrice Joy]()
Leatrice Joy (1985)Leatrice Joy was an American actress known for her work during the silent film era. She gained prominence through her collaborations with director Cecil B. DeMille and became one of the most popular leading ladies of the 1920s. [bio]
![Malik Bendjelloul]()
Malik Bendjelloul (2014)Malik Bendjelloul was an acclaimed Swedish documentary filmmaker who won an Academy Award for 'Searching for Sugar Man', a powerful film...
![Marguerite Perey]()
Marguerite Perey (1975)Pioneering French physicist who became the first woman elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1962.
![Chet Baker]()
Chet Baker (1988)Legendary jazz musician known for his innovative trumpet playing and distinctive vocal style, who was a key figure in the West Coast jazz...
![Bob Wills]()
Bob Wills (1975)Legendary American western swing musician, bandleader, and pioneer of country music who significantly influenced the development of the...
What day of the year is May 13?
May 13th marks the 133rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 134th in case of leap years).
There are 232 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 13th is the 13th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 13?
On May 13th, 2026 the day of the week is Wednesday.
| May | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 13?
The zodiac sign associated with May 13th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
