June 20: What Happened on This Day in History

20June

June 20th marks the 171st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 172nd in case of leap years). There are 194 days remaining until the end of the year.

Discover what happened on June 20th in history, famous birthdays on June 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to June 20.

history

What happened on June 20?

Here's what happened on June 20th in history:


  • 2022: Former guerrilla Gustavo Petro made history by becoming Colombia's first leftist president, defeating businessman Rodolfo Hernández with over 50% of the votes. At 62 years old, Petro's victory represents a significant political shift in a traditionally conservative country. His campaign focused on addressing poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and proposing progressive policies like universal healthcare and free higher education. Notably, his running mate, Francia Marquez, will be the first Afro-Colombian to serve in a top government position.
  • 2020: President Donald Trump held his first campaign rally in months in Tulsa, Oklahoma, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was notable for its unexpectedly low attendance, which became a significant media narrative and potential embarrassment for the campaign.
  • 2019: The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division filed a lawsuit against two large printing companies, arguing that their potential merger would create a monopolistic entity dominating the market for books, magazines, and catalogs printing.
  • 2007: Commemorating Trevor Henry, a notable New Zealand Justice who was born in 1902, contributing to the country's legal system.
  • 2005: Jack Kilby, a pioneering American electrical engineer who revolutionized modern electronics, passed away at the age of 81. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for his groundbreaking work on integrated circuits, which fundamentally transformed technology and paved the way for modern computing and electronic devices.
  • 2003: Bob Stump, a long-serving U.S. Congressman from Arizona who was born in 1927, passed away on this date.
  • 2001: Heinz Josef Algermissen is officially named as the new bishop of the Fulda diocese, marking a significant ecclesiastical leadership transition in the region.
  • 1996: NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia (mission STS-78) launched into space, conducting a scientific research mission focused on life sciences and microgravity experiments. The mission was part of NASA's ongoing efforts to understand human physiology and technological capabilities in space.
  • 1993: Lee Janzen wins the 93rd US Golf Open at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, shooting a total score of 272 and demonstrating exceptional skill in professional golf.
  • 1979: ABC News correspondent Bill Stewart was brutally shot dead by a Nicaraguan National Guard soldier during the Nicaraguan Revolution, under the oppressive regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle. The shocking murder, captured on camera, became a pivotal moment that exposed the regime's brutality and sparked international condemnation of human rights violations.
Discover all events on June 20 in history
birthday

What famous birthdays are on June 20?

On June 20th there are the following famous birthdays:


  • Nicole Kidman
    Nicole Kidman (1967)

    Oscar-winning actress known for her versatile roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Moulin Rouge!', 'The Hours', and 'Lion'.

  • Brian Wilson
    Brian Wilson (1942)

    American musician and the eccentric genius behind The Beach Boys, Wilson is a composer and producer who transformed pop-rock music by...

  • Lionel Richie
    Lionel Richie (1949)

    Lionel Richie is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame with the Commodores and later as a...

  • John Mahoney
    John Mahoney (1940)

    Renowned English-American actor best known for his role in the TV series 'Frasier' as Martin Crane, a beloved sitcom character.

  • Errol Flynn
    Errol Flynn (1909)

    Iconic Hollywood actor known for swashbuckling adventure films, Errol Flynn was a charismatic leading man who defined the romantic hero...

  • Danny Aiello
    Danny Aiello (1933)

    Danny Aiello was a prominent American character actor known for memorable roles in Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' and the romantic comedy...

  • John Goodman
    John Goodman (1952)

    Acclaimed American actor known for his versatile roles in TV and film, particularly as Dan Conner in 'Roseanne' and in multiple Coen...

  • Anne Murray
    Anne Murray (1945)

    Renowned Canadian-American country and pop singer who won multiple Grammy and Juno Awards.

  • Olympia Dukakis
    Olympia Dukakis (1931)

    Acclaimed American actress who won an Academy Award for her role in 'Moonstruck' in 1987, with a distinguished 40-year career spanning stage...

  • Martin Landau
    Martin Landau (1928)

    Acclaimed American actor known for his roles in 'Mission: Impossible' and winning an Oscar for portraying Bela Lugosi in 'Ed Wood'.

  • More celebrities born on June 20

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 June 20?

On June 20th the following celebrities died:


  • Ryan Dunn
    Ryan Dunn (2011)

    Ryan Dunn was an American actor and stunt performer, best known for his appearances in the MTV show Jackass and its related movies, where he...

  • Estelle Winwood
    Estelle Winwood (1984)

    Actress (miracle on 34th street), is killed at 99.

  • Harry B. Whittington (2010)

    Harry B. Whittington was a renowned British palaeontologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of early animal...

  • Erwin Chargaff (2002)

    Erwin Chargaff was a renowned biochemist who made fundamental contributions to understanding DNA structure.

  • Bugsy Siegel (1947)

    Notorious American mobster who played a significant role in organized crime during the mid-20th century, particularly in Las Vegas casino...

  • Jack Kilby (2005)

    Jack Kilby was an American electrical engineer and inventor who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for his groundbreaking work in...

  • Emil Cioran (1995)

    Emil Cioran was a prominent Romanian philosopher and writer known for his profound pessimistic and existentialist works, significantly...

  • Ira Louvin (1965)

    Renowned American country music singer-songwriter and mandolinist, part of the influential duo The Louvin Brothers, known for their close...

  • Clifton Fadiman (1999)

    Same as original record - television host of 'Information Please' and 'Quiz Kids' programs.

  • More famous people died on June 20

calendar

What day of the year is June 20?


June 20th marks the 171st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 172nd in case of leap years).

There are 194 days remaining until the end of the year.

June 20th is the 20th day of the month of June.

What day of the week is June 20?

On June 20th, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

June 2025
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

Holidays and Observances on June 20

zodiac

What zodiac sign is associated with the day June 20?