June 20: What Happened on This Day in History
June 20th marks the 171st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 172nd in case of leap years). There are 194 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on June 20th in history, famous birthdays on June 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to June 20.
What happened on June 20?
Here's what happened on June 20th in history:
- 2022: Former guerrilla Gustavo Petro made history by becoming Colombia's first leftist president, defeating businessman Rodolfo Hernández with over 50% of the votes. At 62 years old, Petro's victory represents a significant political shift in a traditionally conservative country. His campaign focused on addressing poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and proposing progressive policies like universal healthcare and free higher education. Notably, his running mate, Francia Marquez, will be the first Afro-Colombian to serve in a top government position.
- 2020: The United States experienced a significant coronavirus surge, with at least 20 states reporting rising infection rates. Brazil simultaneously crossed the milestone of 1 million total COVID-19 infections. Experts cautioned that the increase represented genuine viral spread, not just enhanced testing capabilities.
- 2019: On June 20, 2019, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a U.S. surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had violated Iranian airspace. The incident escalated tensions between the two nations, with the U.S. military stating the drone was in international airspace. President Trump later ordered a retaliatory military strike, which was called off at the last minute. source: cnbc.com
- 2007: On June 20, 2007, it was announced that Dubai had acquired the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, a famous ocean liner. The ship was intended to be transformed into a floating hotel as part of Dubai's tourism expansion plans. source: bbc.com
- 2003: On June 20, 2003, the European Convention presented a draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe to the European Council summit in Thessaloniki. This draft aimed to simplify and reorganize existing EU treaties and included the Charter of Fundamental Rights. source: eurofound.europa.eu
- 2001: On June 20, 2001, General Pervez Musharraf assumed the presidency of Pakistan, following the resignation of President Rafiq Tarar. Musharraf, who had been serving as the Chief Executive since a military coup in 1999, took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Irshad Hasan Khan. source: britannica.com
- 1996: The Space Shuttle Columbia launched on mission STS-78 on June 20, 1996, conducting scientific experiments in orbit. source: nasa.gov
- 1993: On June 20, 1993, the first Eurostar test train, based on French TGV technology, traveled through the Channel Tunnel from France to the UK, marking a significant milestone in the project. source: gulfnews.com
- 1979: The SALT II treaty was signed on June 20, 1979, by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev in Vienna, Austria. This treaty aimed to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons and was a continuation of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) that began in the late 1960s. Although the treaty was never ratified by the U.S. Senate, it was observed by both nations until the end of the Cold War. source: archives.gov
- 1972: On June 20, 1972, it was revealed that a gap existed in the tape recordings related to the Watergate scandal, raising questions about the integrity of the evidence. This discovery intensified the investigation into the scandal that would lead to significant political repercussions. source: archives.gov
What famous birthdays are on June 20?
On June 20th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Nicole Kidman]()
Nicole Kidman (1967)Nicole Kidman is an Oscar-winning Australian-American actress acclaimed for her versatility in both film and television. With a career spanning several decades, she has appeared in a broad range of critically and commercially successful films, including 'Moulin Rouge!', 'The Hours', and 'Lion,' making her one of the most recognizable and influential actresses of her generation.[1][2] [bio]
![Lionel Richie]()
Lionel Richie (1949)Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, internationally renowned for his smooth vocals, romantic ballads, and enduring influence on pop and R&B music. First rising to fame as a member of the Commodores in the 1970s, Richie became one of the most successful solo artists of the 1980s, known for classics such as 'Hello,' 'All Night … [bio]
![Brian Wilson]()
Brian Wilson (1942)Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder and creative force behind the Beach Boys, one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music. Recognized for his innovative approaches to pop production and harmonies, Wilson's work has had a profound impact on rock and pop music. [bio]
![Errol Flynn]()
Errol Flynn (1909)Errol Flynn was an Australian-American actor best known for his swashbuckling roles in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s, especially in adventure films such as 'Captain Blood' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood.' [bio]
![John Goodman]()
John Goodman (1952)John Goodman is an acclaimed American actor best known for his role as Dan Conner on the television series 'Roseanne,' as well as notable performances in numerous films by the Coen Brothers and other major directors. [bio]
![Stephen Frears]()
Stephen Frears (1941)Stephen Frears is a renowned British film and television director known for his versatile and critically acclaimed works spanning several decades. With a reputation for deftly blending drama and satire, Frears has been celebrated for his ability to tackle a wide range of genres and social themes, often bringing sharp character studies to global audiences. [bio]
![Tress MacNeille]()
Tress MacNeille (1951)Tress MacNeille is a renowned American voice actress, best known for her prolific work in animation, particularly with series such as "The Simpsons," "Animaniacs," and "Futurama." She is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented voice artists in the industry. [bio]
![John Mahoney]()
John Mahoney (1940)John Mahoney was a British-American actor best known for his role as Martin Crane on the hit TV sitcom 'Frasier.' Over his career, he earned acclaim on stage, film, and television, as well as winning a Tony Award. [bio]
![Audie Murphy]()
Audie Murphy (1924)Audie Murphy was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. After the war, he became a successful actor, songwriter, and author, best known for starring in westerns and for his autobiography. [bio]
![Anne Murray]()
Anne Murray (1945)Anne Murray is a Canadian singer known for her distinctive alto voice and for being one of the most successful and influential country and pop music artists. She achieved international success in the 1970s and 1980s with hits such as 'Snowbird' and 'You Needed Me.' [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 June 20?
On June 20th the following celebrities died:
![Ryan Dunn]()
![Estelle Winwood]()
![Harry B. Whittington]()
Harry B. Whittington (2010)Harry B. Whittington was a renowned British palaeontologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of early animal...
![Erwin Chargaff]()
Erwin Chargaff (2002)Erwin Chargaff was a renowned biochemist who made fundamental contributions to understanding DNA structure.
![Bugsy Siegel]()
Bugsy Siegel (1947)Notorious American mobster who played a significant role in organized crime during the mid-20th century, particularly in Las Vegas casino...
![Jack Kilby]()
Jack Kilby (2005)Jack Kilby was an American electrical engineer and inventor who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for his groundbreaking work in...
![Emil Cioran]()
Emil Cioran (1995)Emil Cioran was a prominent Romanian philosopher and writer known for his profound pessimistic and existentialist works, significantly...
![Clifton Fadiman]()
Clifton Fadiman (1999)Same as original record - television host of 'Information Please' and 'Quiz Kids' programs.
What day of the year is June 20?
June 20th marks the 171st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 172nd in case of leap years).
There are 194 days remaining until the end of the year.
June 20th is the 20th day of the month of June.
What day of the week is June 20?
On June 20th, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.
| June | 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 | |||||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day June 20?
The zodiac sign associated with June 20th is Gemini according to the Western Zodiac.
