May 31: What Happened on This Day in History
May 31st marks the 151st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 152nd in case of leap years). There are 214 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 31st in history, famous birthdays on May 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 31.
What happened on May 31?
Here's what happened on May 31st in history:
- 2017: On May 31, 2017, a massive truck bomb exploded near the German Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing at least 90 people and injuring hundreds. The attack targeted a diplomatic area, causing widespread damage and raising concerns about security in the capital. source: aljazeera.com
- 2016: On May 31, 2016, the Global Slavery Index report was published, revealing that an estimated 45.8 million people were living in modern slavery worldwide. The report highlighted the need for urgent action to address this global issue. source: globalslaveryindex.org
- 2012: SpaceX's Dragon capsule successfully completed its mission by splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first time a privately developed spacecraft delivered cargo to the International Space Station and returned safely to Earth. source: sciencedaily.com
- 2009: On May 31, 2009, Millvina Dean, the last surviving passenger of the Titanic disaster, passed away at the age of 97. Her death marked the end of an era for those connected to the tragic sinking of the ship in 1912. source: bbc.com
- 1992: On May 31, 1992, the 46th Tony Awards were held, celebrating outstanding achievements in Broadway theater. source: tonyawards.com
- 1989: Jim Wright, the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, resigned on May 31, 1989, amid ethics investigations and allegations of financial misconduct. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1980: On May 31, 1980, Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira was hospitalized for exhaustion during the general election campaign. He had been campaigning for his party when he complained of fatigue and entered Tokyo's Toranomon Hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with a heart ailment, and despite initial optimism, he died of a massive heart attack on June 12, 1980, just ten days before the elections. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1970: On May 31, 1970, a devastating earthquake struck the Ancash region in Peru. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9, caused widespread destruction and resulted in significant loss of life. It remains one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Peruvian history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1969: On May 31, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded the peace anthem 'Give Peace a Chance' in Montreal. This song became an anthem for the anti-war movement and is still celebrated today. source: bbc.com
- 1968: On May 31, 1968, Manchester United won the European Cup, becoming the first English club to achieve this feat. The victory was a significant milestone in the club's history and marked a turning point in English football. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on May 31?
On May 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Clint Eastwood]()
Clint Eastwood (1930)Clint Eastwood is an iconic American actor, film director, producer, and composer. He became famous for his roles in the TV series 'Rawhide' and Sergio Leone's 'Dollars Trilogy' of spaghetti westerns, including 'A Fistful of Dollars', 'For a Few Dollars More', and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'. Eastwood later established himself as a successful and influential director with … [bio]
![Brooke Shields]()
Brooke Shields (1965)Brooke Shields is an American actress, model, and former child star best known for her roles in films such as 'Pretty Baby' and 'The Blue Lagoon,' as well as her successful modeling career starting in childhood. She has sustained a diverse career in film, television, and theater, and is recognized for her advocacy on women's health and mental well-being. [bio]
![Joe Namath]()
Joe Namath (1943)Joe Namath is a retired American football quarterback, best known for his legendary career with the New York Jets in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL), and for his guarantee and subsequent victory in Super Bowl III. [bio]
![Colin Farrell]()
Colin Farrell (1976)Colin Farrell is an acclaimed Irish actor known for his diverse roles in film and television, including performances in critically acclaimed dramas, blockbusters, and independent films. [bio]
![Lea Thompson]()
Lea Thompson (1961)Lea Thompson is an American actress, director, and television producer best known for her roles in the 'Back to the Future' film trilogy and the television series 'Caroline in the City.' [bio]
![Eric Christian Olsen]()
Eric Christian Olsen (1977)Eric Christian Olsen is an American actor best known for his role as Detective Marty Deeks on the television series 'NCIS: Los Angeles.' He has appeared in numerous film and television roles, gaining recognition for his comedic talent and screen presence. [bio]
![Alida Valli]()
Alida Valli (1921)Alida Valli was an acclaimed Italian actress known for her extensive film career, spanning Europe and Hollywood. Renowned for her roles in both Italian cinema and English-language films, she became a celebrated star of the 20th century. [bio]
![Denholm Elliott]()
Denholm Elliott (1922)Denholm Elliott was an acclaimed English actor known for his extensive work in film, television, and theatre. Distinguished by his versatile character performances, Elliott became one of the most respected British actors of his generation. [bio]
![Don Ameche]()
Don Ameche (1908)Don Ameche was an American actor, voice artist, and comedian known for his work in radio, film, and television. He gained widespread fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood and is remembered for his performances in classic movies such as 'The Story of Alexander Graham Bell' and 'Cocoon.' [bio]
![Tom Berenger]()
Tom Berenger (1949)Tom Berenger is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as 'Platoon,' 'The Big Chill,' and 'Major League.' He has enjoyed a lengthy career in both film and television, earning acclaim for his versatile performances. [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 31?
On May 31st the following celebrities died:
![Arlene Francis]()
Arlene Francis (2001)Arlene Francis was an American actress, radio talk show host, and television personality best known for her long-running tenure as a panelist on the television game show 'What's My Line?'. She appeared in numerous theatrical plays, films, and was a prominent broadcaster on both radio and television throughout the mid-20th century. [bio]
![John Abraham]()
John Abraham (1987)John Abraham is an Indian film actor, producer, and former model, known for his work in Hindi cinema. He gained fame for his dashing looks, action roles, and socially relevant film productions. [bio]
![Martha Hyer]()
Martha Hyer (2014)Martha Hyer was an American actress best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films during the 1950s and 1960s. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'Some Came Running' (1958). Renowned for her talent and elegance, Hyer appeared in a variety of genres, from drama to comedy. [bio]
![Jean Stapleton]()
Jean Stapleton (2013)Jean Stapleton was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Edith Bunker on the television sitcom 'All in the Family.' Her portrayal of Edith made her a household name and earned her widespread critical acclaim. [bio]
![Jack Dempsey]()
![Adrienne Ames]()
![Dorothy Patrick]()
![Adolf Eichmann]()
Adolf Eichmann (1962)A high-ranking Nazi SS officer who was a key architect of the Holocaust, responsible for organizing the systematic deportation and...
![Louise Bourgeois]()
Louise Bourgeois (2010)Louise Bourgeois was a pioneering French-American artist renowned for her influential sculptural works that explored themes of memory,...
![Joseph Haydn]()
Joseph Haydn (1809)Austrian composer who was instrumental in the development of the classical symphony.
What day of the year is May 31?
May 31st marks the 151st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 152nd in case of leap years).
There are 214 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 31st is the 31st day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 31?
On May 31st, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.
| 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 31?
The zodiac sign associated with May 31st is Gemini according to the Western Zodiac.
