May 15: What Happened on This Day in History
May 15th marks the 135th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 136th in case of leap years). There are 230 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 15th in history, famous birthdays on May 15th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 15.
What happened on May 15?
Here's what happened on May 15th in history:
- 2022: Finland's government officially announces its intention to apply for NATO membership, marking a significant geopolitical shift following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This decision ends decades of military neutrality and represents a major strategic realignment in Northern European security dynamics.
- 2019: In a devastating ambush near the Malian border, militants killed at least 17 Niger Armed Forces soldiers. Six soldiers were evacuated to hospital, while 11 remain missing. The attack remains unclaimed by any group, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 2017: Western Digital files an arbitration appeal to prevent Toshiba Memory, its chip-making partner, from selling the memory business.
- 2009: US President Barack Obama nominated Rosa Gumataotao Rios as the next US Treasurer, signaling a key appointment in the Treasury Department's leadership.
- 2007: Yolanda King, prominent American actress and civil rights activist, and eldest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away. She was a significant figure in continuing her father's legacy of social justice and equality.
- 2005: Alan B. Gold, a prominent Chief Justice of the Quebec Superior Court who served during a significant period of Canadian legal history, passed away. Born in 1917, he was a notable figure in the Canadian judicial system.
- 2003: Rik Van Steenbergen, a notable Belgian professional cyclist who was born in 1924, passed away on this date. Van Steenbergen was a prominent figure in mid-20th century cycling.
- 1980: Maxie Anderson and his son Chris completed the first non-stop transcontinental balloon flight across the United States, piloting the Kitty Hawk balloon for five days, marking a significant achievement in aviation and long-distance ballooning.
- 1979: Margaret Thatcher, leader of Britain's Conservative Party, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. After Prime Minister James Callaghan submitted his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, Thatcher accepted the Queen's request to form a new government and immediately proceeded to 10 Downing Street, marking a significant milestone in British political history.
- 1974: Birth of Andrew Johns, a notable Australian rugby player who would later become a significant figure in the sport.
What famous birthdays are on May 15?
On May 15th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Madhuri Dixit]()
Madhuri Dixit (1967)Madhuri Dixit is a legendary Bollywood actress known for her exceptional dancing skills and iconic performances in films like 'Dil To Pagal...
![Madeleine Albright]()
Madeleine Albright (1937)Pioneering diplomat who served as the first female United States Secretary of State, breaking significant gender barriers in American...
![James Mason]()
James Mason (1909)Renowned British actor known for iconic roles in classic films like 'Lolita', 'Bloodline', and 'The Boys from Brazil'.
![Andy Murray]()
![L. Frank Baum]()
![Chazz Palminteri]()
Chazz Palminteri (1952)Chazz Palminteri is an acclaimed American actor, screenwriter, and producer known for his powerful performances in films like 'A Bronx...
![Ayub Khan]()
Ayub Khan (1907)Ayub Khan was a prominent Pakistani military leader and politician who served as the country's second president from 1958 to 1969.
![Joseph Cotten]()
Joseph Cotten (1905)Renowned Hollywood actor who starred in 'Citizen Kane' and became a prominent film star across multiple decades.
![Jamie-Lynn Sigler]()
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (1981)Jamie-Lynn Sigler is an American actress and singer best known for her iconic role as Meadow Soprano in the critically acclaimed HBO series...
![Constance Cummings]()
Constance Cummings (1910)Constance Cummings was a prominent American actress known for her versatile performances in film and theater during the mid-20th century,...
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 15?
On May 15th the following celebrities died:
![Bekim Fehmiu]()
Bekim Fehmiu (2010)Bekim Fehmiu was a prominent Yugoslav actor who gained international recognition and was a pioneering figure in Balkan cinema during the...
![June Carter Cash]()
June Carter Cash (2003)Renowned American country music singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her work with Johnny Cash and her significant contributions...
![Tyrone Guthrie]()
Tyrone Guthrie (1971)Renowned British theatre director, producer, and writer who significantly influenced modern theatre practices and international theatre...
![Gilbert Roland]()
Gilbert Roland (1994)Mexican-American actor known for his roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly in romantic and adventure genres.
![Fred Willard]()
Fred Willard (2020)Fred Willard was a renowned American comedian and actor famous for his improvisational comedy and memorable roles in mockumentary films like...
![Wynne Gibson]()
![Andrew Duggan]()
- Jackie Curtis (1985)
Jackie Curtis was a prominent Warhol Superstar and underground artist in New York City, known for groundbreaking performances in drag and...
- Elio de Angelis (1986)
Renowned Italian Formula One racing driver known for his skill and tragic early death during a testing accident in 1986.
What day of the year is May 15?
May 15th marks the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 136th in case of leap years).
There are 230 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 15th is the 15th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 15?
On May 15th, 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 15?
The zodiac sign associated with May 15th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
