May 1: What Happened on This Day in History
May 1st marks the 121st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 122nd in case of leap years). There are 244 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 1st in history, famous birthdays on May 1st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 1.
What happened on May 1?
Here's what happened on May 1st in history:
- 2022: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a highly controversial statement during an Italian television interview, claiming that Adolf Hitler potentially had Jewish ancestry. His remarks immediately drew sharp criticism from Israel and the international community, seen as an inappropriate and historically unfounded attempt to deflect from discussions about antisemitism and Nazi ideology.
- 2019: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks imprisonment by a British judge for violating bail conditions in 2012. The sentencing highlighted ongoing legal challenges for Assange, who remained potentially subject to extradition to the United States for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.
- 2007: The Los Angeles Police Department's controversial response to a May Day pro-immigrant rally resulted in a significant public confrontation, highlighting tensions around immigration issues.
- 2005: A devastating suicide bombing targeted a Kurdish funeral in the northern Iraqi town of Talafar, near Mosul, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The attack highlighted the ongoing sectarian violence and instability in the region during the post-invasion period.
- 2003: Remembering Elizabeth Hulette, an American professional wrestling manager and valet who was born in 1960 and made significant contributions to the wrestling entertainment industry.
- 2001: On May 1st, 2001, the Japanese cities of Urawa, Omiya, and Yono officially merged to create the new metropolitan city of Saitama, representing a significant administrative reorganization in Japan's urban landscape.
- 1996: Oscar Wilde's classic stage play 'An Ideal Husband' opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, enjoying a successful run of 308 performances. The revival brought Wilde's witty social commentary and sharp dialogue back to the Broadway stage, showcasing the enduring appeal of his theatrical works.
- 1980: The musical comedy 'A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine' opened at the John Golden Theatre in New York City, enjoying a successful run of 588 performances.
- 1979: The Republic of the Marshall Islands was granted self-government within the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States, marking a significant step towards full independence, which would be achieved by 1986.
- 1974: By order of the new Portuguese government, colonial administrators in Mozambique released 554 political prisoners who were previously incarcerated at the Machava Prison. The release was supervised by Colonel Antonio Maria Rebelo, the new head of the colonial police, marking a significant moment in the decolonization process of Portuguese territories in Africa.
What famous birthdays are on May 1?
On May 1st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Anushka Sharma]()
Anushka Sharma (1988)Anushka Sharma is a prominent Bollywood actress and film producer who has significantly influenced Indian cinema through her versatile roles...
![Jamie Dornan]()
Jamie Dornan (1982)Jamie Dornan is a Northern Irish actor, model, and musician best known for his leading role in the 'Fifty Shades' film series and critically...
![Ajith Kumar]()
Ajith Kumar (1971)Ajith Kumar is a prominent Tamil cinema actor known for his versatile roles and significant popularity in South Indian film industry.
![Joanna Lumley]()
Joanna Lumley (1946)Renowned British actress and television personality known for her iconic roles in 'The New Avengers', 'Absolutely Fabulous', and her...
![Tim McGraw]()
Tim McGraw (1967)Tim McGraw is a Grammy Award-winning country music superstar and accomplished actor, known for hit songs like 'Live Like You Were Dying' and...
![Glenn Ford]()
Glenn Ford (1916)Renowned Canadian-American actor who starred in over 200 films, particularly famous for his Western movies and notable works like...
![Kate Smith]()
Kate Smith (1907)Iconic American singer known for her patriotic rendition of 'God Bless America' and her significant contributions to entertainment during...
![Catherine Frot]()
Catherine Frot (1956)Renowned French film and theatre actress who won the César Award in 1996 for Best Supporting Actress.
![Jack Paar]()
Jack Paar (1918)Pioneering American television talk show host who significantly influenced late-night entertainment in the 1950s and early 1960s, hosting...
![Danielle Darrieux]()
Danielle Darrieux (1917)Renowned French actress who was a prominent screen star from 1930, surviving World War II as a resistance figure.
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 1?
On May 1st the following celebrities died:
![Madeleine Lebeau]()
Madeleine Lebeau (2016)Madeleine Lebeau was a renowned French actress immortalized by her iconic role as Yvonne in the classic film 'Casablanca', one of the most...
![Steve Reeves]()
Steve Reeves (2000)Iconic bodybuilder and actor who became a major star in Italian muscle-man films of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly known for his...
![Olympia Dukakis]()
Olympia Dukakis (2021)Acclaimed American actress who won an Academy Award for her role in 'Moonstruck' in 1987, with a distinguished 40-year career spanning stage...
![Eldridge Cleaver]()
Eldridge Cleaver (1998)Prominent Black Panther Party leader and influential civil rights activist who wrote the groundbreaking book 'Soul on Ice', challenging...
![Marion Mack]()
Marion Mack (1989)American silent film actress known for her notable roles in early 20th-century cinema, particularly in comedic performances.
![Glenda Farrell]()
Glenda Farrell (1971)Glenda Farrell was a prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in numerous pre-war and wartime films, particularly in character and...
- Ayrton Senna (1994)
Legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver who was a three-time world champion, known for his exceptional skill, aggressive driving...
- Aram Khatchaturian (1978)
Aram Khachaturian was a prominent Soviet Armenian composer who significantly influenced 20th-century classical music.
- Henry Cooper (2011)
Legendary British heavyweight boxer known for his famous bout with Muhammad Ali and his significant contributions to boxing.
What day of the year is May 1?
May 1st marks the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 122nd in case of leap years).
There are 244 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 1st is the 1st day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 1?
On May 1st, 2025 the day of the week is Thursday.
| May | 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 1?
The zodiac sign associated with May 1st is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
