May 19: What Happened on This Day in History
May 19th marks the 139th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 140th in case of leap years). There are 226 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 19th in history, famous birthdays on May 19th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 19.
What happened on May 19?
Here's what happened on May 19th in history:
- 2017: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 along party lines to begin Chairman Ajit Pai's plan to significantly weaken or scrap net neutrality rules enacted in 2015. This move initiated the process to remove regulations that prevent broadband internet providers from favoring some websites and services over others. source: theweek.com
- 2016: Google was granted a unique patent for an adhesive designed for self-driving cars, nicknamed 'human flypaper'. The innovative technology aims to reduce pedestrian injuries by keeping individuals attached to the vehicle upon impact, showcasing advances in automotive safety technology.
- 2012: On May 19, 2012, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng arrived in the United States after escaping house arrest in China. His arrival was the culmination of a diplomatic effort between the U.S. and Chinese governments, highlighting human rights concerns and the complexities of international relations. source: nytimes.com
- 2009: On May 19, 2009, President Barack Obama announced new fuel economy and emissions standards for vehicles in the United States. The policy aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency, marking a significant step in the country's environmental policy. source: reuters.com
- 2005: Reports indicated a significant increase in deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest, raising concerns about environmental impacts and biodiversity loss. This escalation was attributed to illegal logging and agricultural expansion. source: reuters.com
- 1989: On May 19, 1989, Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang visited Tiananmen Square to address students on hunger strike. Accompanied by Premier Li Peng and future Premier Wen Jiabao, Zhao urged the students to end their hunger strike, expressing concern for their health and future. This was his last public appearance before being ousted from his position. source: bbc.com
- 1980: On May 19, 1980, Apple introduced the Apple III at the National Computer Conference in Anaheim, California. This business-oriented personal computer featured a 2 MHz Synertek 6502A processor, 128K of RAM, and a built-in 5.25-inch floppy disk drive. Despite its innovative features, the Apple III faced significant reliability issues, leading to a recall of 14,000 units and a redesign before its reintroduction in November 1981. source: edn.com
- 1979: On May 19, 1979, Spectacular Bid, ridden by 19-year-old jockey Ronnie Franklin, secured victory in the 104th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race was run on a track listed as good, and Spectacular Bid completed the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:54-1/5, winning by 5½ lengths over runner-up Golden Act. This performance solidified his reputation as a leading contender for the Triple Crown. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1971: On May 19, 1971, the Soviet Union's Mars 2 spacecraft became the first human-made object to impact Mars. This mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration, contributing to our understanding of the Martian environment. source: nasa.gov
- 1968: On May 19, 1968, Nigerian forces captured Port Harcourt, a strategic city in southeastern Nigeria, during the Biafran War. The Nigerian 3rd Marine Commando Division, led by General Benjamin Adekunle, launched an amphibious assault on the city, leading to the retreat of Biafran forces. This victory was significant as it cut off Biafra's access to the sea, impacting their supply lines. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on May 19?
On May 19th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Malcolm X]()
Malcolm X (1925)Malcolm X was an influential African American civil rights leader, renowned for his powerful advocacy for Black empowerment and racial justice in the United States. After a troubled early life, he became a prominent spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, where he preached Black self-sufficiency and challenged mainstream civil rights strategies. In 1964, he broke with the Nation of Islam, … [bio]
![Pete Townshend]()
Pete Townshend (1945)Pete Townshend is an English musician, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the legendary rock band The Who. Recognized for his innovative guitar style, powerful songwriting, and energetic stage presence, Townshend is considered one of rock music's most influential figures. [bio]
![Kevin Garnett]()
Kevin Garnett (1976)Kevin Garnett is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Renowned for his intensity, versatility, and defensive prowess, he enjoyed a decorated 21-season career, primarily with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics. [bio]
![Nora Ephron]()
Nora Ephron (1941)Nora Ephron was an acclaimed American journalist, essayist, playwright, screenwriter, novelist, producer, and director, best known for her sharp wit and influential romantic comedies. [bio]
![André the Giant]()
André the Giant (1946)André the Giant was a French professional wrestler and actor, known for his enormous size due to acromegaly. He achieved worldwide fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), and became an iconic figure in pop culture, notably for his role as Fezzik in the film 'The Princess Bride.' [bio]
![Rebecca Hall]()
Rebecca Hall (1982)Rebecca Hall is an English actress and filmmaker known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. She gained recognition for her roles in movies such as 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona,' 'The Town,' 'Christine,' and also directed the acclaimed film 'Passing.' [bio]
![Grace Jones]()
Grace Jones (1948)Grace Jones is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, model, and actress known for her distinctive androgynous appearance, bold fashion, and eclectic and innovative music style that blends disco, reggae, funk, and new wave. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s, she became an influential figure in pop culture and music. [bio]
![Dario Franchitti]()
Dario Franchitti (1973)Dario Franchitti is a Scottish former racing driver who is best known for his success in American open-wheel racing, including winning the Indianapolis 500 three times and four IndyCar Series championships. [bio]
![Claudia Karvan]()
Claudia Karvan (1972)Claudia Karvan is an acclaimed Australian actress, producer, and writer, best known for her roles in television series such as 'The Secret Life of Us,' 'Love My Way,' and 'Doctor Doctor.' She is recognized as one of Australia's leading performers with a career spanning over three decades. [bio]
![Geraldine Somerville]()
Geraldine Somerville (1967)Geraldine Somerville is an Irish actress best known for her roles in the British TV series "Cracker" and as Lily Potter in the "Harry Potter" film series. Her work spans television, film, and stage, showcasing her versatility and talent within the industry. [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 19?
On May 19th the following celebrities died:
![Nathaniel Hawthorne]()
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1864)Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short-story writer renowned for his mastery of allegory and symbolism. He is best known for his classic works 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850) and 'The House of the Seven Gables' (1851), which explore themes of sin, guilt, and moral complexity in early American society. [bio]
![Ronald Colman]()
Ronald Colman (1958)Ronald Colman was an acclaimed English actor known for his work in silent and sound films during Hollywood's Golden Age. Renowned for his smooth, distinctive voice and sophisticated persona, Colman became a major leading man in both British and American cinema. [bio]
![Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis]()
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1994)Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963 as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. Renowned for her style, grace, and dedication to arts and culture, she played a significant role in restoring the White House and promoting American history. Following the assassination of her husband, she became an international symbol of … [bio]
![Alan Young]()
Alan Young (2016)Alan Young was a beloved Canadian-American actor famous for his iconic role as Wilbur Post in the classic television comedy series 'Mister...
![Jack Brabham]()
Jack Brabham (2014)Jack Brabham was an iconic Australian racing driver who became the only Formula One world champion to win a title in a car of his own...
![Luis Ocaña]()
Luis Ocaña (1994)Luis Ocaña was a prominent Spanish professional cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1973 and was known for his fierce and aggressive...
![John Betjeman]()
John Betjeman (1984)Renowned English poet who served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death in 1984, known for his nostalgic and...
![Morley Safer]()
Morley Safer (2016)Renowned Canadian-American journalist best known for his long tenure on CBS's '60 Minutes', where he delivered impactful and investigative...
![Coleman Hawkins]()
Coleman Hawkins (1969)Coleman Hawkins was a pioneering jazz tenor saxophonist who significantly shaped the development of bebop and swing music.
What day of the year is May 19?
May 19th marks the 139th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 140th in case of leap years).
There are 226 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 19th is the 19th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 19?
On May 19th, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.
| 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 19?
The zodiac sign associated with May 19th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
