Major Events of May 1987: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from May 1987 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1987: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 May 1987 Pope John Paul II beatifies Edith Stein: On May 1, 1987, during a pastoral visit to Germany, Pope John Paul II beatified Edith Stein, a Jewish-born philosopher and Carmelite nun who was executed at Auschwitz in 1942. The ceremony took place in Cologne's civic stadium, attended by 75,000 people, including about 20 of Stein's Jewish relatives. The beatification was controversial, with some Jewish leaders and Stein's family members expressing concerns about her portrayal as a Catholic martyr. source: washingtonpost.com
02 May 1987 Alysheba wins 113th Kentucky Derby: On May 2, 1987, Alysheba, ridden by jockey Chris McCarron and trained by Jack Van Berg, won the 113th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The race was marked by a dramatic stretch run where Alysheba overcame a stumble to defeat Bet Twice by three-quarters of a length, finishing in a time of 2:03.40. The victory was witnessed by an attendance of 130,532. source: espn.com
03 May 1987 Death of Dalida, French singer and actress: Dalida, the renowned French singer and actress, passed away on May 3, 1987. She was celebrated for her powerful voice and a career that spanned several decades, producing numerous hits in multiple languages. Her death was ruled a suicide, and she remains an iconic figure in French music history. source: britannica.com
04 May 1987 Cesc Fàbregas was born on May 4, 1987: Cesc Fàbregas, a Spanish professional footballer, was born on May 4, 1987, in Arenys de Mar, Spain. He is known for his exceptional passing ability and vision on the field, having played for top clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, as well as the Spanish national team. Fàbregas has won numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. source: bbc.com
05 May 1987 Iran-Contra Congressional hearings begin: The Iran-Contra Congressional hearings commenced on May 5, 1987, to investigate the Reagan administration's secret arms sales to Iran and the diversion of funds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua. These hearings were pivotal in revealing the extent of the scandal and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. They featured testimony from key figures involved in the operations, including National Security Advisor John Poindexter and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North. source: archives.gov
06 May 1987 Gary Hart denies affair reports amid campaign controversy: On May 6, 1987, Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart addressed allegations of an extramarital affair with Donna Rice. He admitted to spending time with Rice but denied any immoral conduct, stating he made a mistake by "putting myself in circumstances that could be misconstrued." Hart vowed to continue his campaign despite the controversy. source: thecrimson.com
07 May 1987 Shelley Long's final episode on 'Cheers' airs: On May 7, 1987, Shelley Long's final episode as Diane Chambers, titled 'I Do, Adieu,' aired on NBC. In this episode, Diane decides to leave Boston to pursue her writing career, ending her on-and-off relationship with Sam Malone. This marked the conclusion of Long's five-year tenure on the show, as she chose to focus on her film career and family commitments. source: latimes.com
08 May 1987 Loughgall ambush: SAS operation in Northern Ireland: On 8 May 1987, an eight-man unit of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) attacked the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) base in Loughgall, County Armagh, using a hijacked JCB digger carrying a 200 lb bomb. The British Army's Special Air Service (SAS) ambushed the attackers, resulting in the deaths of all eight IRA members and a civilian who inadvertently drove into the ambush zone. This incident marked the IRA's largest single loss during the Troubles. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 May 1987 LOT Polish Airlines Flight 5055 crashes in Warsaw, killing all 183 on board: On May 9, 1987, LOT Polish Airlines Flight 5055, an Ilyushin Il-62M aircraft, crashed in the Kabaty Woods nature reserve near Warsaw, Poland, shortly after takeoff. All 183 passengers and crew perished. The accident was caused by the disintegration of an engine shaft due to faulty bearings, leading to engine failure, onboard fire, and loss of flight control systems. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 May 1987 Jody Rosenthal wins United Virginia Bank Golf Classic: On May 10, 1987, Jody Rosenthal secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the United Virginia Bank Golf Classic in Suffolk, Virginia. She fired a final-round 66 to finish at 7-under 209, one stroke ahead of runner-up Cindy Hill. source: upi.com
11 May 1987 First heart-lung transplant performed in medical history: On May 11, 1987, the first successful heart-lung transplant was performed at Stanford University Medical Center. The procedure was groundbreaking, allowing patients with severe heart and lung diseases to receive both organs simultaneously, significantly improving their chances of survival. This operation marked a significant advancement in transplant surgery and organ transplantation techniques. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12 May 1987 U2's 'With Or Without You' reaches number one on US charts: On May 12, 1987, U2's hit single 'With Or Without You' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This song was part of their album 'The Joshua Tree,' which significantly contributed to the band's rise in popularity during the late 1980s. The track is known for its emotional depth and has remained one of U2's signature songs. source: billboard.com
13 May 1987 Ajax wins European Cup Winners' Cup: On May 13, 1987, Ajax defeated 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig 1–0 in the European Cup Winners' Cup final at Athens' Olympic Stadium. Marco van Basten scored the decisive goal in the 20th minute, marking Ajax's first and only title in this competition. source: uefa.com
14 May 1987 Rita Hayworth dies at 68 from Alzheimer's disease: Rita Hayworth, the renowned American actress and dancer, passed away on May 14, 1987, in New York City at the age of 68. She had been battling Alzheimer's disease for several years prior to her death. source: britannica.com
15 May 1987 Soviet Union launches Polyus orbital weapons platform: On May 15, 1987, the Soviet Union launched the Polyus spacecraft atop the Energia rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome. Designed as a prototype orbital weapons platform, Polyus failed to achieve orbit due to a software error during its separation from the launch vehicle, resulting in its re-entry into the Pacific Ocean. source: en.wikipedia.org
16 May 1987 Alysheba wins 112th Preakness Stakes: On May 16, 1987, Alysheba, ridden by jockey Chris McCarron, secured victory in the 112th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race was run over a fast track, with Alysheba finishing in a time of 1:55-4/5, narrowly defeating runner-up Bet Twice by a half-length. The event attracted a total attendance of 87,945, marking it as the second-highest attended American thoroughbred racing event in 1987. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 May 1987 USS Stark missile attack by Iraq: On May 17, 1987, the USS Stark, a U.S. Navy frigate, was struck by two Exocet missiles fired by an Iraqi fighter jet during the Iran-Iraq War. The attack resulted in the deaths of 37 crew members and significant damage to the ship. This incident raised tensions in the Gulf region and highlighted the risks faced by U.S. naval forces in the area. source: nytimes.com
18 May 1987 Birth of Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato: Luisana Lopilato, an Argentine actress and model, was born on May 18, 1987. She is best known for her roles in television series and films, particularly in Latin America. Lopilato gained international recognition for her work in the popular series 'Casi Ángeles' and her marriage to Canadian singer Michael Bublé. source: biography.com
19 May 1987 Maurice Pialat's 'Under the Sun of Satan' wins Palme d'Or at 1987 Cannes Film Festival: At the 40th Cannes Film Festival, French director Maurice Pialat's film 'Under the Sun of Satan' was awarded the Palme d'Or. The decision was met with boos from the audience, to which Pialat responded, 'You don't like me? Well, let me tell you that I don't like you either!' source: en.wikipedia.org
20 May 1987 IFK Göteborg wins UEFA Cup final against Dundee United: On May 20, 1987, IFK Göteborg secured their second UEFA Cup title by drawing 1-1 with Dundee United in the second leg of the final at Tannadice Park in Dundee, Scotland. This result, combined with their 1-0 victory in the first leg at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, gave them a 2-1 aggregate win. The decisive goal in the second leg was scored by Lennart Nilsson, while John Clark equalized for Dundee United. source: bbc.co.uk
22 May 1987 First Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand and Australia: The inaugural Rugby World Cup took place from May 22 to June 18, 1987, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The tournament featured 16 teams and culminated in New Zealand defeating France in the final, held at Eden Park in Auckland. This event marked a significant milestone in rugby history, establishing the World Cup as a premier international competition. source: bbc.com
23 May 1987 Doobie Brothers reunite for charity concert at Hollywood Bowl: On May 23, 1987, the Doobie Brothers reunited for a charity concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The event raised $350,000 for the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation, with approximately 2,000 veterans attending for free. The concert featured a 12-piece lineup, including founding members Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee, along with longtime touring members and additional musicians. The setlist included hits like "Black Water," "Listen to the Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Takin' It to the Streets," and "What a Fool Believes." source: latimes.com
24 May 1987 Al Unser wins fourth Indianapolis 500: On May 24, 1987, Al Unser Sr. secured his fourth Indianapolis 500 victory, tying the record held by A.J. Foyt. At 47 years old, Unser became the oldest winner of the race, a record he still holds. His victory was considered one of the biggest upsets in Indy 500 history, as he entered the race without a ride and was hired by Roger Penske to replace the injured Danny Ongais. Unser drove a backup car that had been on display in a hotel lobby just weeks prior. source: apnews.com
25 May 1987 U2's 'With Or Without You' reaches number one on US charts: On May 25, 1987, U2's hit single 'With Or Without You' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This song was part of their album 'The Joshua Tree,' which significantly boosted the band's popularity and is considered one of their signature tracks. The success of this single marked a pivotal moment in U2's career, solidifying their status in the rock music scene. source: billboard.com
26 May 1987 William Webster appointed as CIA Director: On May 26, 1987, William Webster was appointed as the Director of Central Intelligence, succeeding William J. Casey, who resigned due to health issues. Webster, a former FBI Director, served as CIA Director until August 31, 1991. source: reaganlibrary.gov
27 May 1987 FC Porto wins European Cup: On May 27, 1987, FC Porto defeated Bayern Munich 2–1 in the European Cup final at Vienna's Praterstadion. After Bayern took the lead with a Ludwig Kögl header, Porto equalized with Rabah Madjer's backheel and secured victory with Juary's volley. This marked Porto's first European trophy. source: en.wikipedia.org
28 May 1987 Mathias Rust's unauthorized flight into Moscow's Red Square: On May 28, 1987, 19-year-old West German pilot Mathias Rust flew a Cessna 172 from Helsinki to Moscow, landing in Red Square. His flight exposed vulnerabilities in Soviet air defenses and aimed to promote East-West relations. Rust was arrested and later sentenced to four years in a labor camp, serving about 14 months before his release. source: theguardian.com
29 May 1987 John Landis acquitted in Twilight Zone tragedy: On May 29, 1987, director John Landis and four associates were acquitted of involuntary manslaughter charges related to the deaths of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors on the set of "Twilight Zone: The Movie" in 1982. The jury deliberated for nine days before returning the verdicts of not guilty on all counts. The accident occurred when a helicopter crashed during filming, resulting in the fatalities. The defense argued that the incident was an unforeseeable accident caused by a special-effects technician's premature detonation of explosives. The prosecution contended that the defendants acted recklessly, leading to the deaths. The trial lasted ten months and was one of the most high-profile in Hollywood history. source: washingtonpost.com
30 May 1987 North American Philips Company unveils compact disc video: On May 30, 1987, North American Philips Company introduced the Compact Disc Video (CD-V) format, combining audio and video on a single disc. The CD-V discs were the same size as standard audio CDs and could hold up to 20 minutes of audio and 5 minutes of analog video. This innovation aimed to merge the convenience of CDs with the visual appeal of music videos. source: latimes.com
31 May 1987 Edmonton Oilers win Stanley Cup in 1987: The Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup on May 31, 1987, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in a dramatic Game 7. This victory marked the Oilers' third championship in four years, solidifying their dominance in the NHL during the 1980s. Wayne Gretzky played a pivotal role in the series, contributing significantly to the team's success. source: britannica.com