May 20: What Happened on This Day in History
May 20th marks the 140th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 141st in case of leap years). There are 225 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 20th in history, famous birthdays on May 20th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 20.
What happened on May 20?
Here's what happened on May 20th in history:
- 2022: After a brutal and prolonged siege lasting nearly three months, Russian forces claimed complete control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Mariupol, marking a significant territorial gain in the ongoing conflict.
- 2017: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War (2014-2018), a devastating attack on an airbase controlled by the Libyan National Army in southern Libya resulted in 140 confirmed fatalities, highlighting the continued instability and violence in the region.
- 2016: Iraqi civil War (2014-present). Ar-Rutbah offensive (2016). U.S. airstrikes helped the Iraqi Army to retake Ar-Rutbah, a southwestern city under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq. This victory will enable the reopening of the Baghdad–Amman highway.
- 2012: During the ongoing Syrian uprising, a roadside bomb exploded near a United Nations convoy in the Douma district of Damascus, underscoring the volatile security situation in the country.
- 2009: The Pitcairn Islands issued its inaugural set of circulating coins, featuring six denominations ranging from 5 cents to 2 dollars, marking a significant milestone in the territory's monetary history.
- 2005: The world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka, opens at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, setting new thrill ride records.
- 2003: Christine Todd Whitman announced her intention to resign from her position as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, effective June 27, 2003.
- 1980: Drummer Peter Criss announces his departure from the iconic rock band Kiss, signaling a significant change in the group's lineup.
- 1979: The Broadway musical 'I Love My Wife' concluded its run at the Barrymore Theater in New York City after an impressive 864 performances, demonstrating the show's popularity and theatrical success.
- 1974: Soyuz 14, a Soviet spacecraft, successfully completed its mission and returned to Earth on May 20, 1974. The spacecraft was part of the Soviet Union's space exploration program during the Cold War era, carrying cosmonauts who conducted scientific experiments and observations in low Earth orbit.
What famous birthdays are on May 20?
On May 20th there are the following famous birthdays:
![James Stewart]()
James Stewart (1908)James Stewart was an iconic Hollywood actor known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in classic films like 'It's a Wonderful...
![Busta Rhymes]()
Busta Rhymes (1972)Busta Rhymes is a prominent American rapper known for his dynamic style and energetic performances.
![Naturi Naughton]()
Naturi Naughton (1984)Accomplished actress and singer known for her roles in films like 'Power' and her successful music career.
![Nawazuddin Siddiqui]()
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (1974)Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a critically acclaimed Indian actor known for his powerful and nuanced performances in both mainstream and...
![Timothy Olyphant]()
Timothy Olyphant (1968)Timothy Olyphant is a prominent American actor known for his charismatic performances in critically acclaimed TV series like Justified and...
![Anton Corbijn]()
Anton Corbijn (1955)Renowned Dutch photographer and music video director famous for iconic images of bands like Depeche Mode and U2.
![Tony Goldwyn]()
Tony Goldwyn (1960)Tony Goldwyn is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer best known for his role as President Fitzgerald Grant in the hit TV...
![Owen Teale]()
Owen Teale (1961)Welsh actor known for his prominent role as Alliser Thorne in the critically acclaimed HBO series 'Game of Thrones'.
![Mindy Cohn]()
Mindy Cohn (1966)American actress best known for her role as Natalie Green in the popular 1980s sitcom 'The Facts of Life'.
![George Gobel]()
George Gobel (1919)George Gobel was a popular American comedian and television personality known for his deadpan humor and self-deprecating style.
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 20?
On May 20th the following celebrities died:
![Gilda Radner]()
Gilda Radner (1989)Iconic comedian and original Saturday Night Live cast member who pioneered comedic character work and was known for her memorable characters...
![Jon Pertwee]()
Jon Pertwee (1996)English actor best known for portraying the Third Doctor in the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who from 1970 to 1974, becoming a...
![Susan Roces]()
Susan Roces (2022)Prominent Filipino film producer and actress known for her significant contributions to Philippine cinema.
![Lucy Gordon]()
Lucy Gordon (2009)British actress and model who tragically died young, known for her roles in films like 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Serendipity'.
![Anton Diffring]()
Anton Diffring (1989)German actor known for his roles in international films and television, particularly in Vienna and European productions.
![Barbara Murray]()
Barbara Murray (2014)Barbara Murray was a notable English stage and screen actress who had a significant career in British theatre and film during the mid-20th...
- Christopher Columbus (1506)
Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual...
- Niki Lauda (2019)
Legendary Austrian Formula One driver who survived a near-fatal crash and returned to racing, winning three world championships.
- Robin Gibb (2012)
Legendary Bee Gees member and influential pop music singer-songwriter who significantly shaped the disco and pop music landscape of the...
- Barbara Hepworth (1975)
A pioneering British sculptor who significantly influenced modern art, known for her abstract and organic sculptural forms in stone, wood,...
What day of the year is May 20?
May 20th marks the 140th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 141st in case of leap years).
There are 225 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 20th is the 20th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 20?
On May 20th, 2025 the day of the week is Tuesday.
| 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 20?
The zodiac sign associated with May 20th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
