May 8: What Happened on This Day in History

8May

May 8th marks the 128th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 129th in case of leap years). There are 237 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on May 8th in history, famous birthdays on May 8th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 8.

history

What happened on May 8?

Here's what happened on May 8th in history:


  • 2022: Annual celebration honoring mothers, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society, observed on the second Sunday in May.
  • 2019: A devastating terrorist attack near the historic Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, resulted in at least 11 fatalities, with half of the victims being police officers, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
  • 2007: A historic moment in Northern Ireland's peace process, with Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein jointly leading the government, symbolizing the end of decades of sectarian conflict.
  • 2005: Lloyd Cutler, a prominent American attorney and long-time presidential advisor who served multiple administrations, passed away. Born in 1917, he was a significant legal and political figure in 20th-century American governance.
  • 2003: Prince Moulay Hassan, the first son and heir of King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma, was born on this date, marking a significant moment in the Moroccan royal succession.
  • 1980: Benny Yau, a Canadian entertainer, was active in the entertainment industry during this period.
  • 1979: Radio Shack released version 2.3 of its Tandy Research System Disk Operating System (TRSDOS), an important milestone in early personal computer software development.
  • 1974: The Canadian government led by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was defeated in the House of Commons, marking a significant political moment in Canadian parliamentary history.
  • 1973: A 71-day standoff between federal authorities and the American Indian Movement (AIM) members occupying the Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, concluded with the surrender of indigenous militants. This prolonged protest highlighted ongoing tensions between Native American activists and the U.S. government, drawing national attention to indigenous rights and historical grievances.
  • 1972: During the Vietnam War, U.S. President Richard M. Nixon announced a strategic military decision to place naval mines in major North Vietnamese ports. This action was designed to disrupt the flow of weapons and supplies to North Vietnam, aiming to impede their military capabilities and advance into South Vietnam.
Discover all events on May 8 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on May 8?

On May 8th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • David Attenborough
    David Attenborough (1926)

    A world-renowned British naturalist, broadcaster, and documentary filmmaker who has significantly contributed to public understanding of...

  • Enrique Iglesias
    Enrique Iglesias (1975)

    Internationally renowned Spanish pop singer and heartthrob, son of legendary singer Julio Iglesias, who has achieved global success with...

  • Melissa Gilbert
    Melissa Gilbert (1964)

    Melissa Gilbert is an iconic American actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the beloved TV series 'Little House on the...

  • Don Rickles
    Don Rickles (1926)

    Don Rickles was a legendary American comedian renowned for his sharp, insult-based comedy style, who became an iconic figure in stand-up...

  • Luis Enrique
    Luis Enrique (1970)

    Legendary Spanish footballer who played for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, known for his exceptional technical skills and...

  • Sonny Liston
    Sonny Liston (1932)

    Legendary heavyweight boxer known for his intimidating style and powerful punches, who was world heavyweight champion from 1962 to 1964.

  • Ricky Nelson
    Ricky Nelson (1940)

    Iconic American rock and roll singer, actor, and musician who rose to fame through the TV show 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and...

  • Lex Barker
    Lex Barker (1919)

    American actor famous for portraying Tarzan in multiple films and starring in German Western adaptations of Karl May's novels.

  • Anthony Field
    Anthony Field (1963)

    Australian actor and musician, best known as a member of The Wiggles children's music group.

  • Martin Compston
    Martin Compston (1984)

    Scottish actor known for his roles in 'Line of Duty' and 'The Nest', who also previously played professional football before focusing on...

  • More celebrities born on May 8

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

RIP

Who died on May 8?

On May 8th the following celebrities died:


  • George Peppard
    George Peppard (1994)

    Iconic American actor known for his memorable roles in films like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and TV series 'A-Team', where he played Colonel...

  • Dirk Bogarde
    Dirk Bogarde (1999)

    Dirk Bogarde was a renowned British actor who transformed from a popular matinee idol to a critically acclaimed art-house cinema performer.

  • Dennis Waterman
    Dennis Waterman (2022)

    Renowned English actor and singer famous for TV series like 'Minder' and 'The Sweeney', known for his distinctive cockney charm and musical...

  • Barbara Payton
    Barbara Payton (1967)

    Barbara Payton was a Hollywood actress known for her tumultuous personal life and film career during the 1950s.

  • Jeanne Cooper
    Jeanne Cooper (2013)

    Jeanne Cooper was an American actress renowned for her long-running role as Katherine Chancellor on the soap opera 'The Young and the...

  • Richard Derr
    Richard Derr (1992)

    Actor in "when worlds collide", dies from cancer at 74.

  • Luis Miguel (1996)

    Legendary Mexican singer known as 'El Sol de México', who has sold over 100 million records worldwide and mastered multiple musical genres.

  • Celedonio Romero (1996)

    Renowned Spanish classical guitarist who co-founded the famous Romeros Guitar Quartet, significantly contributing to classical guitar...

  • Maurice Sendak (2012)

    Maurice Sendak was a renowned American children's book author and illustrator, most famous for his groundbreaking work 'Where the Wild...

  • Talcott Parsons (1979)

    Influential American sociologist who developed structural functionalism theory and significantly impacted social science research in the...

  • More famous people died on May 8

calendar

What day of the year is May 8?


May 8th marks the 128th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 129th in case of leap years).

There are 237 days remaining until the end of the year.

May 8th is the 8th day of the month of May.

What day of the week is May 8?

On May 8th, 2025 the day of the week is Thursday.

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Holidays and Observances on May 8

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 8?