May 24: What Happened on This Day in History

24May

May 24th marks the 144th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 145th in case of leap years). There are 221 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on May 24th in history, famous birthdays on May 24th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 24.

history

What happened on May 24?

Here's what happened on May 24th in history:


  • 2017: A tragic incident occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, where a migrant boat capsized, resulting in numerous fatalities. This event highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe. source: bbc.com
  • 2016: On May 24, 2016, prosecutors in Charleston, South Carolina, recommended the death penalty for Dylann Roof, the perpetrator of the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Roof was convicted of killing nine African American churchgoers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. The recommendation followed a federal jury's decision to impose the death penalty. source: nytimes.com
  • 2012: On May 24, 2012, Egypt concluded its presidential election, with results closely monitored by international observers. This election was pivotal in shaping the country's political landscape following the Arab Spring. source: bbc.com
  • 2009: The Cannes Film Festival concluded on May 24, 2009, awarding the prestigious Golden Palm to the film 'The Class' directed by Laurent Cantet. The festival is renowned for showcasing international cinema and attracting global attention. source: cannes.com
  • 2005: Australian Prime Minister John Howard wrote to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, urging Japan to reconsider its whaling expansion plans ahead of the upcoming International Whaling Commission meeting.
  • 2003: The Eurovision Song Contest 2003 took place on May 24, 2003, featuring musical performances from various European countries. The event showcased a diverse range of musical styles and artists.
  • 1989: Paul Touvier, former head of the French Milice during World War II, is arrested at the Society of Saint Pius X priory in Nice on May 24, 1989. source: lemonde.fr
  • 1980: On May 24, 1980, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Iran violated international law by holding U.S. embassy personnel hostage. The court ordered Iran to release the hostages and restore the embassy premises to the United States. Despite the ruling, Iran did not comply, and the hostages were not released until January 20, 1981. source: britannica.com
  • 1979: Thorpe Park, a theme park located in Chertsey and Staines, Surrey, England, opened to the public on 24 May 1979. The park was officially opened by Lord Louis Mountbatten, marking his final public appearance before his assassination in 1979. Initially, the park featured a replica Stone Age cave, Celtic farm, Norman castle, and Viking camp, along with ancient water vehicles and aircraft. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1974: On May 24, 1974, Mozambique announced the release of political prisoners following the end of colonial rule. This event marked a significant step in the country's transition to independence and the establishment of a new government. source: bbc.com
Discover all events on May 24 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on May 24?

On May 24th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Alfred Molina
    Alfred Molina (1953)

    Alfred Molina is a British-American actor known for his versatile roles in film, television, and theater. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in both mainstream blockbusters and independent films, earning a reputation as a highly respected character actor. [bio]

  • Priscilla Presley
    Priscilla Presley (1945)

    Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman best known as the former wife of singer Elvis Presley and for her role as Jenna Wade on the television series 'Dallas.' She is also recognized as a co-founder of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which helped turn Graceland into a major tourist attraction. [bio]

  • Jim Broadbent
    Jim Broadbent (1949)

    Jim Broadbent is an acclaimed English actor known for his diverse work in film, television, and theatre. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. [bio]

  • Eric Cantona
    Eric Cantona (1966)

    Eric Cantona is a retired French professional footballer and actor, best known for his successful football career with clubs such as Manchester United and his influential presence both on and off the field. Known for his skill, charisma, and sometimes controversial behavior, Cantona remains an iconic figure in football history. [bio]

  • Kristin Scott Thomas
    Kristin Scott Thomas (1960)

    Kristin Scott Thomas is an acclaimed British-French actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. She rose to international prominence for her roles in films like 'The English Patient', 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', and 'The Horse Whisperer.' Celebrated for her ability to portray complex emotional depth, Scott Thomas has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations … [bio]

  • H. Jon Benjamin
    H. Jon Benjamin (1966)

    H. Jon Benjamin is an American actor, comedian, and writer primarily known for his distinctive voice work in animation. He is best recognized for voicing lead characters in popular animated series, notably Sterling Archer in "Archer" and Bob Belcher in "Bob's Burgers." [bio]

  • Lilli Palmer
    Lilli Palmer (1914)

    Lilli Palmer was a renowned German actress and writer, celebrated for her impressive film, stage, and television career spanning Europe and Hollywood from the 1930s through the 1970s. [bio]

  • Tommy Chong
    Tommy Chong (1938)

    Tommy Chong is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, writer, director, musician, and cannabis rights activist best known as one half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong. He is renowned for his roles in a series of comedy albums and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, as well as for his appearances on the television show 'That '70s Show.' [bio]

  • Cecilia Cheung
    Cecilia Cheung (1980)

    Cecilia Cheung is a renowned Hong Kong actress and Cantopop singer, widely recognized for her performances in prominent films such as 'King of Comedy' and 'Lost in Time.' She is known for her versatility as an entertainer in the Hong Kong film and music industries. [bio]

  • Doug Jones
    Doug Jones (1960)

    Doug Jones is an American actor, contortionist, and mime artist known for his performances under heavy makeup and prosthetics in science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. [bio]

  • More celebrities born on May 24

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RIP

Who died on May 24?

On May 24th the following celebrities died:


  • Tina Turner
    Tina Turner (2023)

    Tina Turner was an iconic American-born Swiss singer, songwriter, and actress widely regarded as the 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.' Renowned for her powerful vocals, energetic stage presence, and resilience, she became one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. [bio]

  • Edward Mulhare
    Edward Mulhare (1997)

    Edward Mulhare was an Irish actor best known for his roles in the television series 'The Ghost & Mrs. Muir' and 'Knight Rider.' He enjoyed a long career in both British and American stage and screen before becoming widely recognized to TV audiences in the 1960s and 1980s. [bio]

  • Asta Nielsen
    Asta Nielsen (1972)

    Asta Nielsen was a renowned Danish silent film actress, celebrated as one of the first international movie stars and a pivotal figure in early European cinema. [bio]

  • Guy Kibbee
    Guy Kibbee (1956)

    Guy Kibbee was an American actor known for his work in theater and film during the early to mid-20th century. Renowned for playing jovial or befuddled characters, he became a fixture in Hollywood's Golden Age, particularly in Warner Bros. productions of the 1930s. [bio]

  • Rachel Kempson
    Rachel Kempson (2003)

    Rachel Kempson was a distinguished English actress known for her work on stage, film, and television. She was also a matriarch of the Redgrave acting dynasty. [bio]

  • Murray Gell-Mann
    Murray Gell-Mann (2019)

    Murray Gell-Mann was a distinguished American physicist best known for his groundbreaking work in particle physics. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1969 for his contributions concerning the classification of elementary particles and their interactions, including the proposal of the quark model. [bio]

  • John Foster Dulles
    John Foster Dulles (1959)

    American, 52nd secretary of state united states (born 1888).

  • George Jessel
    George Jessel (1981)

    At 83 years old, a heart attack kills the american comedian/toastermaster general (diary of young comic).

  • Mitzi Green
    Mitzi Green (1969)

    Actress (huckleberry finn - tom sawyer), is killed at 48.

  • Tanith Lee
    Tanith Lee (2015)

    Acclaimed British fantasy and science fiction author known for her innovative and imaginative works across multiple genres, particularly in...

  • More famous people died on May 24

calendar

What day of the year is May 24?


May 24th marks the 144th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 145th in case of leap years).

There are 221 days remaining until the end of the year.

May 24th is the 24th day of the month of May.

What day of the week is May 24?

On May 24th, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.

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Holidays and Observances on May 24

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 24?