May 20: What Happened on This Day in History
May 20th marks the 140th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 141st in case of leap years). There are 225 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 20th in history, famous birthdays on May 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 20.
What happened on May 20?
Here's what happened on May 20th in history:
- 2022: After a brutal and prolonged siege lasting nearly three months, Russian forces claimed complete control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Mariupol, marking a significant territorial gain in the ongoing conflict. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 2017: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War (2014-2018), a devastating attack on an airbase controlled by the Libyan National Army in southern Libya resulted in 140 confirmed fatalities, highlighting the continued instability and violence in the region.
- 2016: On May 20, 2016, Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "shock and deep concern" following the shooting death of Giga Otkhozoria, a 31-year-old Georgian citizen, by Russian Armed Forces soldiers patrolling the border with Abkhazia. source: rferl.org
- 2012: On May 20, 2012, a roadside bomb targeted a United Nations convoy in Damascus, Syria, injuring several UN personnel. The attack underscored the escalating violence and the challenges faced by international organizations operating in conflict zones. source: reuters.com
- 2009: On May 20, 2009, a comprehensive report was published detailing cases of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of thousands of children over 70 years in Catholic-run schools in Ireland. The report, based on testimonies from nearly 2,000 witnesses, highlighted systemic abuse and the Church's failure to intervene. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2005: The United Nations peacekeeping forces completed their withdrawal from East Timor, concluding a significant chapter in the country's post-independence history. This marked a transition to full sovereignty for East Timor. source: un.org
- 2003: On May 20, 2003, the United States confirmed its first case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, since 1993. The infected cow was discovered in Washington State, leading to significant concerns about the safety of U.S. beef exports and prompting immediate measures to contain the disease. source: cdc.gov
- 1980: On May 20, 1980, the Love Canal environmental crisis gained national attention when President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency. The crisis stemmed from toxic waste buried beneath a residential area in Niagara Falls, New York, leading to severe health issues among residents. This event catalyzed the environmental movement and prompted significant changes in U.S. environmental policy, including the establishment of the Superfund program. source: epa.gov
- 1979: Elton John arrived in Moscow on May 20, 1979, to begin his eight-concert tour of the Soviet Union, marking a significant cultural exchange during the Cold War. The tour included performances in Leningrad and Moscow, with the final concert on May 28, 1979, broadcast live on BBC Radio 1. This event was pivotal in introducing Western pop music to the Soviet audience and led to the official release of John's album "A Single Man" in the USSR. source: eltonjohn.com
- 1971: On May 20, 1971, the Chuknagar massacre occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War, where a large number of Bengali civilians were killed by the Pakistani military. This event is remembered as a significant atrocity in the conflict. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on May 20?
On May 20th there are the following famous birthdays:
![James Stewart]()
James Stewart (1908)James Stewart was an iconic American actor known for his distinctive drawling voice and significant roles in classic films such as 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' Over his five-decade career, Stewart became one of the most beloved and influential actors in film history, earning acclaim for his everyman persona and performances in both comedic and … [bio]
![Busta Rhymes]()
Busta Rhymes (1972)Busta Rhymes is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor known for his intricate rhyming style, rapid-fire delivery, and energetic music videos. He first gained fame in the early 1990s as a member of the group Leaders of the New School before launching a successful solo career. [bio]
![Tony Goldwyn]()
Tony Goldwyn (1960)Tony Goldwyn is an American actor, producer, and director, best known for his roles in films like 'Ghost' and as President Fitzgerald Grant III in the TV series 'Scandal.' [bio]
![Timothy Olyphant]()
Timothy Olyphant (1968)Timothy Olyphant is an American actor known for his roles in both television and film. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in TV series such as 'Deadwood' and 'Justified.' [bio]
![Betty Driver]()
Betty Driver (1920)Betty Driver was an English singer, actress, and author, best known for her long-running role as Betty Williams in the British soap opera 'Coronation Street.' [bio]
![Louis Theroux]()
Louis Theroux (1970)Louis Theroux is a British-American documentary filmmaker, journalist, broadcaster, and author known for his immersive investigative documentaries exploring controversial subjects and marginalized subcultures. [bio]
![Bronson Pinchot]()
Bronson Pinchot (1959)Bronson Pinchot is an American actor best known for his role as Balki Bartokomous on the popular sitcom 'Perfect Strangers' (1986–1993). His comedic performances and unique character brought him widespread recognition during the late 1980s and early 1990s. [bio]
![Nawazuddin Siddiqui]()
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (1974)Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an acclaimed Indian actor known for his versatile performances in Hindi cinema. Rising from humble beginnings, he is celebrated for his roles in critically acclaimed films and web series, establishing himself as one of India’s most respected character actors. [bio]
![Owen Teale]()
Owen Teale (1961)Owen Teale is a Welsh actor best known for his work on stage and screen, particularly for his role as Ser Alliser Thorne in the acclaimed HBO series 'Game of Thrones.' He has also appeared in various film and television productions, as well as significant theatre performances in London's West End. [bio]
![Matt Czuchry]()
Matt Czuchry (1977)Matt Czuchry is an American actor best known for his roles as Logan Huntzberger on the television series "Gilmore Girls" and as Dr. Conrad Hawkins on the medical drama "The Resident." [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 20?
On May 20th the following celebrities died:
![Christopher Columbus]()
Christopher Columbus (1506)Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four transatlantic voyages between 1492 and 1504 under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, which led to the opening of the Americas to European colonization and significant global historical changes. [bio]
![Gilda Radner]()
Gilda Radner (1989)Gilda Radner was an American comedian and actress best known as one of the original cast members of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL). Her vibrant characters and comedic timing made her a trailblazer in the world of sketch comedy. [bio]
![Jon Pertwee]()
Jon Pertwee (1996)Jon Pertwee was an English actor, comedian, and cabaret performer, best known for his portrayal of the Third Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, and as the title character in the children's series Worzel Gummidge. [bio]
![Susan Roces]()
Susan Roces (2022)Susan Roces was a renowned Filipina actress, known as the 'Queen of Philippine Movies' for her extensive career and acclaimed roles in film and television. Her work spanned over seven decades, making her a beloved figure in the Philippine entertainment industry. [bio]
![Barbara Murray]()
Barbara Murray (2014)Barbara Murray was an English actress best known for her work in film and television, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained notable attention for her role as Lady Pamela Wilder in the British television drama 'The Plane Makers' and its sequel 'The Power Game.' [bio]
![Anton Diffring]()
Anton Diffring (1989)Anton Diffring was a German-born British actor best known for his roles as German officers and villains in British and American films during the mid-20th century. His distinctive appearance and fluent English led to a prolific career, especially in war movies and thrillers. [bio]
![Lucy Gordon]()
Lucy Gordon (2009)Lucy Gordon was an English actress and model known for her roles in films such as 'The Four Feathers' and 'Spider-Man 3'. Her career showed promise both in modeling and in acting prior to her untimely passing in 2009. [bio]
![Niki Lauda]()
Niki Lauda (2019)Legendary Austrian Formula One driver who survived a near-fatal crash and returned to racing, winning three world championships.
![Robin Gibb]()
Robin Gibb (2012)Legendary Bee Gees member and influential pop music singer-songwriter who significantly shaped the disco and pop music landscape of the...
![Barbara Hepworth]()
Barbara Hepworth (1975)A pioneering British sculptor who significantly influenced modern art, known for her abstract and organic sculptural forms in stone, wood,...
What day of the year is May 20?
May 20th marks the 140th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 141st in case of leap years).
There are 225 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 20th is the 20th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 20?
On May 20th, 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 20?
The zodiac sign associated with May 20th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
