May 12: What Happened on This Day in History
May 12th marks the 132nd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 133rd in case of leap years). There are 233 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 12th in history, famous birthdays on May 12th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 12.

What happened on May 12?
Here's what happened on May 12th in history:
- 2022: Senate Democrats were unable to pass the Women's Health Protection Act, a bill designed to codify abortion rights in federal law. The vote occurred amid growing anticipation of the Supreme Court potentially overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which had established nationwide abortion rights.
- 2019: During the ongoing Maghreb Insurgency, gunmen attacked a Catholic church during mass in Dablo, Burkina Faso, setting the church on fire and killing six people.
- 2017: Grammy-winning band Paramore released their fifth studio album 'After Laughter', marking a significant moment in their musical evolution.
- 2009: A rare, flawless 7.03-carat blue diamond mounted on a platinum ring sold for a record 10.5 million Swiss francs (equivalent to US$9.5 million) at an auction in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting the extraordinary value of exceptional gemstones.
- 2007: Upon arrival of Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Karachi, riots break out in Karachi.
- 2005: A delayed election was held in the Cayman Islands seven months after Hurricane Ivan, resulting in a significant political shift. The United Democratic Party lost four seats to the opposition People's Progressive Movement in the 15-member Legislative Assembly.
- 2003: Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, a prominent French United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, passed away. He was a notable humanitarian figure who dedicated his life to refugee advocacy and international diplomacy.
- 1980: On May 12, 1980, Maxie Anderson and his son Kristian successfully completed the first non-stop balloon flight across North America. Piloting the 'Kitty Hawk' balloon, they traveled for five days before landing in Sainte-Félicité, Quebec, Canada. This remarkable journey marked a significant milestone in aviation and balloon travel history, demonstrating extraordinary skill, endurance, and navigational expertise.
- 1979: Tennis legend Chris Evert's remarkable 125-match winning streak on clay courts came to an unexpected conclusion, marking the end of one of the most dominant periods in women's tennis history.
- 1974: In a thrilling series, the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 3 to claim the 28th NBA Championship, showcasing their basketball prowess and competitive spirit.

What famous birthdays are on May 12?
On May 12th there are the following famous birthdays:
- Katharine Hepburn (1907)
Legendary Hollywood actress who revolutionized the portrayal of women in cinema, winning a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress and...
- George Carlin (1937)
Legendary American stand-up comedian known for his groundbreaking social commentary and controversial comedy routines.
- Ving Rhames (1959)
Ving Rhames is a prominent African American actor known for memorable roles in iconic films like Pulp Fiction, Mission: Impossible...
- Emilio Estevez (1962)
Emilio Estevez is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter who rose to fame during the 1980s as a key member of the Brat...
- Burt Bacharach (1928)
Renowned American composer and pianist who revolutionized popular music with his distinctive melodic style, winning an Oscar for 'Raindrops...
- Rami Malek (1981)
Rami Malek is an acclaimed American actor who rose to international fame for his lead role in the critically acclaimed TV series Mr.
- Ian Dury (1942)
Influential British punk and new wave musician, lead singer of the Blockheads, known for his unique musical style and witty lyrics.
- Phil Silvers (1911)
Phil Silvers was a renowned American comedian and actor, most famous for his iconic role as Sergeant Bilko in the popular 1950s television...
- Tony Hancock (1924)
Renowned British comedian and actor known for his groundbreaking comedy and influential radio and television performances in the 1950s and...
- Jason Biggs (1978)
Jason Biggs is an American actor known for his breakthrough roles in comedy films like 'American Pie'.
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 12?
On May 12th the following celebrities died:
- Robert Reed (1992)
Renowned American television actor best known for playing Mike Brady in the iconic sitcom 'The Brady Bunch'.
- Monica Zetterlund (2005)
Renowned Swedish jazz singer and actress known for her distinctive interpretative style and international performances.
- Erik Erikson (1994)
Erik Erikson was a prominent developmental psychologist who developed the theory of psychosocial development, introducing influential...
- Dennis Nilsen (2018)
Notorious British serial killer who murdered at least 15 young men between 1978 and 1983, known for his gruesome dismemberment and...
- Mauno Koivisto (2017)
Prominent Finnish politician who served as the ninth President of Finland from 1982 to 1994, playing a crucial role during the late Cold War...
- Irena Sendler (2008)
Polish nurse and social worker who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw...
- Robert Rauschenberg (2008)
A pioneering American artist who significantly influenced the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Neo-Dadaism and Pop Art.

What day of the year is May 12?
May 12th marks the 132nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 133rd in case of leap years).
There are 233 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 12th is the 12th day of the month of May.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 12?
The zodiac sign associated with May 12th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
