May 23: What Happened on This Day in History
May 23rd marks the 143rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 144th in case of leap years). There are 222 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 23rd in history, famous birthdays on May 23rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 23.
What happened on May 23?
Here's what happened on May 23rd in history:
- 2017: Sir Roger Moore, the iconic actor who portrayed James Bond from 1973 to 1985, passed away at the age of 89. Moore was a beloved figure in cinema, known for his suave and sophisticated portrayal of the legendary spy.
- 2016: The Iraqi government initiated Operation Breaking Terrorism to reclaim the city of Fallujah, which had been under Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) control since early 2014. This military operation represented a significant effort to push back against ISIS territorial gains and restore government control.
- 2012: A United States drone attack in North Waziristan resulted in the deaths of five individuals, continuing the controversial military strategy of targeted drone operations in conflict zones.
- 2009: The Australian government distributes bonus payments worth US$700 to citizens, representing the largest cash handout in the country's history. The total cost of the stimulus package is US$33 billion, aimed at supporting the economy during the global financial crisis.
- 2005: Channel 10, an Israeli television station broadcast controversial footage alleging that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) used a Palestinian teenager as a human shield during a confrontation with rock-throwers on the West Bank. The IDF immediately denied these claims, sparking a debate about military conduct and human rights.
- 2003: Scientists at Texas A&M University achieved a significant milestone in animal biotechnology by successfully cloning a deer named Dewey, advancing research in genetic replication techniques.
- 1989: The Cleveland baseball team remains at a sub-.500 record (21-22), marking a notable point in their season where they are still maintaining a first-place position despite a losing record.
- 1980: Neil Burton won the ABC Masters Bowling Tournament, a notable achievement in professional bowling competitions of the era.
- 1979: The film 'The Kids Are All Right' premieres, contributing to the cultural landscape of cinema in 1979.
- 1974: Richard Jones, Welsh musician and drummer for the rock band Stereophonics, was born on this date. He would later become a key member of the successful Welsh alternative rock group known for hits like 'Dakota' and 'Maybe Tomorrow'.
What famous birthdays are on May 23?
On May 23rd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Douglas Fairbanks]()
Douglas Fairbanks (1883)American actor, known for his role as a hero film star in the '20s and '40s.
![Joan Collins]()
Joan Collins (1933)Iconic British actress known for her glamorous roles in film and television, particularly her memorable performance as Alexis Carrington in...
![Artie Shaw]()
Artie Shaw (1910)Renowned American jazz clarinetist, composer, and bandleader who was a pivotal figure in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s.
![Bob Mortimer]()
Bob Mortimer (1959)British comedian, writer, and television personality known for panel shows and comedy partnerships with Vic Reeves.
![Johnny Ball]()
Johnny Ball (1938)Johnny Ball is a popular English television presenter known for educational children's programming and making science and mathematics...
![Drew Carey]()
Drew Carey (1958)American comedian, actor, and writer best known for 'The Drew Carey Show' and hosting 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'.
![Rosemary Clooney]()
Rosemary Clooney (1928)Renowned American singer and actress who rose to prominence in the 1950s, known for her warm, enchanting voice and versatile musical...
![Ulla Jacobsson]()
Ulla Jacobsson (1929)Swedish actress known for her role in the historical war film 'Zulu', which was a significant British epic about the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
![Tom Tykwer]()
Tom Tykwer (1965)Renowned German filmmaker known for innovative and artistic films like 'Run Lola Run' and 'Cloud Atlas', working as a director, producer,...
![Helen O'Connell]()
Helen O'Connell (1920)Helen O'Connell was a prominent American big band era singer and actress, known for her performances with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra during...
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 23?
On May 23rd the following celebrities died:
![Roger Moore]()
Roger Moore (2017)Roger Moore was a renowned British actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films and starring in the popular TV series 'The Saint'.
![Sterling Hayden]()
Sterling Hayden (1986)Renowned Hollywood actor famous for his roles in film noir and westerns, particularly memorable in 'Dr. Strangelove' and 'The Godfather'.
![Anne Meara]()
Anne Meara (2015)Renowned American comedian, actress, and playwright who was part of the famous comedy duo Stiller and Meara, and mother of actor Ben...
![George Jessel]()
![Moms Mabley]()
![Nydia Westman]()
![Dorothy Hyson]()
- Heinrich Himmler (1945)
A key Nazi leader who was one of the primary architects of the Holocaust, serving as Reichsführer of the SS and playing a central role in...
- John Forbes Nash (2015)
John Forbes Nash was a brilliant American mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to game theory and won the Nobel Prize in...
- John D. Rockefeller (1937)
American business magnate and philanthropist, founder of the Standard Oil Company and one of the wealthiest people in history.
What day of the year is May 23?
May 23rd marks the 143rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 144th in case of leap years).
There are 222 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 23rd is the 23rd day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 23?
On May 23rd, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.
| 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 23?
The zodiac sign associated with May 23rd is Gemini according to the Western Zodiac.
