May 17: What Happened on This Day in History
May 17th marks the 137th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 138th in case of leap years). There are 228 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 17th in history, famous birthdays on May 17th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 17.
What happened on May 17?
Here's what happened on May 17th in history:
- 2022: Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in understanding zinc transportation within cells. Led by biologist Crysten Blaby and postdoctoral fellow Nicolas Grosjean, the team conducted comprehensive studies using genetics experiments, biochemical assays, and computational modeling to identify ZNG1, a specialized protein that acts as a 'chaperone' for zinc delivery. This discovery is particularly crucial in understanding how cells manage zinc distribution, especially in environments with limited zinc access. The research provides insights into cellular zinc metabolism and could have important implications for understanding nutrient transport mechanisms.
- 2019: The United States officially lifted steel tariffs on Canada and aluminum tariffs on Mexico, potentially easing trade tensions and improving North American economic relations.
- 2017: Supporters of the Bundu dia Kongo political movement launched an attack on Makala prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, successfully freeing their leader and 50 other prisoners.
- 2016: On May 17, 2016, a devastating series of bombings targeted Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in at least 69 deaths and 230 injuries. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for some of these attacks, highlighting the ongoing sectarian violence during the Iraqi Civil War.
- 2009: Dalia Grybauskaite made history by becoming Lithuania's first female president, winning a decisive victory with 68 percent of the votes, signaling a significant milestone for gender representation in Lithuanian politics.
- 2005: In a significant milestone for women's rights in the Middle East, Kuwaiti women were granted the right to vote, marking a pivotal moment in the country's democratic evolution.
- 2003: Frank "Pop" Ivy, a notable American and Canadian football coach who significantly contributed to the sport during his career, passes away at an advanced age.
- 1980: A devastating race riot erupted in Miami, Florida, following the controversial acquittal of white police officers in the death of Arthur McDuffie, a black insurance executive. The violent unrest resulted in 16 fatalities and approximately 300 injuries, highlighting deep-seated racial tensions and systemic injustice in the United States.
- 1979: Emmy 6th Daytime Award presentation
- 1974: Renowned Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich completed his 15th String Quartet, a significant work in his chamber music repertoire. This composition likely reflects the complex musical and emotional landscape of the late Soviet era.
What famous birthdays are on May 17?
On May 17th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Sugar Ray Leonard]()
Sugar Ray Leonard (1956)Sugar Ray Leonard is a legendary professional boxer who was an Olympic gold medalist and won world titles in multiple weight classes,...
![Adel Imam]()
Adel Imam (1940)Adel Imam is a renowned Egyptian comedian and actor who has been a prominent figure in Middle Eastern cinema and television for decades,...
![Dennis Hopper]()
Dennis Hopper (1936)Iconic American actor and filmmaker known for his rebellious roles and counterculture persona.
![Bill Paxton]()
Bill Paxton (1955)Renowned American actor and filmmaker known for roles in 'Titanic', 'Aliens', and 'Twister', who directed and starred in numerous films...
![Derek Hough]()
Derek Hough (1985)Derek Hough is a renowned professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality best known for his multiple Emmy Award-winning...
![Ross Butler]()
Ross Butler (1989)Ross Butler is an American actor known for his prominent roles in popular teen drama series '13 Reasons Why' and 'Riverdale', gaining...
![Bob Saget]()
Bob Saget (1956)Bob Saget was a beloved American comedian and actor, best known for his role as Danny Tanner on 'Full House' and as the original host of...
![Leven Rambin]()
Leven Rambin (1990)Leven Rambin is an accomplished American actress known for her prominent roles in major film franchises like The Hunger Games and the...
![Nikki Reed]()
Nikki Reed (1988)Nikki Reed is an American actress, screenwriter, and model who rose to international fame through her role in the Twilight film franchise.
![Craig Ferguson]()
Craig Ferguson (1962)Scottish-American comedian, late-night TV host, and multi-talented entertainer who gained fame through 'The Drew Carey Show' and later...
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 17?
On May 17th the following celebrities died:
![Frank Gorshin]()
Frank Gorshin (2005)Frank Gorshin was a renowned American actor famous for his comedic impressions and his iconic role as The Riddler in the 1960s Batman TV...
![Robert Webber]()
Robert Webber (1989)American character actor known for his roles in films like '12 Angry Men' and 'S.
![Edward Hardwicke]()
Edward Hardwicke (2011)English actor known for his roles in film and television, particularly for portraying Dr. Watson alongside Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes.
![Hugh Burden]()
![Bruce Fairbairn]()
- Herman Wouk (2019)
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist renowned for his epic World War II literature, including 'The Caine Mutiny' and 'The Winds of War', which...
- Gerald Edelman (2014)
Renowned American neuroscientist and immunologist who won the Nobel Prize in 1972 for groundbreaking research on the structure of antibodies...
- Harmon Killebrew (2011)
Legendary Major League Baseball player who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Abe Burrows (1985)
Abe Burrows was a celebrated American playwright, director, and writer best known for his iconic Broadway musical 'Guys and Dolls', which...
- Mario Benedetti (2009)
Mario Benedetti was a prominent Uruguayan poet, novelist, and essayist who significantly influenced Latin American literature.
What day of the year is May 17?
May 17th marks the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 138th in case of leap years).
There are 228 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 17th is the 17th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 17?
On May 17th, 2025 the day of the week is Saturday.
| 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 17?
The zodiac sign associated with May 17th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
