On This Day
Discover events that happened On This Day including famous birthdays and notable deaths. Each day we highlight famous people, past and present, who have impacted our world. Browse sections by selecting the links below or click the calendar to view events on another day.
May 12
Events on This Day
-
1937
76 years agoGeorge VI is crowned king of England after his brother the Duke of Windsor abdicates the throne. George is later a major symbolic leader during World War II.
-
1968
45 years agoThe Poor People’s March is held in Washington, D.C., organized by Coretta Scott King and ministers Ralph D. Abernathy and Jesse Jackson.
-
1970
43 years agoHarry A. Blackmun is unanimously confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Though a onetime staunch conservative, he would later go on to author the Court's opinion on Roe v. Wade.
-
1997
16 years agoBasketball great Larry Bird is announced as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and goes on to win NBA Coach of the Year in his rookie season.
May 12
Born on This Day
-
Emilio Estevez
- In these groups:
- Famous Fathers
- Hispanic Actors
- Brat Packers
Emilio Estevez
Film Actor / 1962 -
Actor and "Brat Pack" member Emilio Estevez starred in The Breakfast Club, Repo Man, and a brief marriage to Paula Abdul.
Born: May 12, 1962
Age: 51 years old
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Occupation: Film Actor -
Tony Hawk
- In these groups:
- People with Animal Names
- Famous Taureans
- Famous People Named Tony
Tony Hawk
Professional Skateboarder / 1968 -
Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder, probably the most famous to ever be involved in the sport.
1968 | 45 years old
Professional Skateboarder -
Gabriel Byrne
- In these groups:
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Actors
- Famous Film Actors
Gabriel Byrne
Film Actor, Theater Actor, Television Actor / 1950 -
Actor and producer Gabriel Byrne was involved in many successful films, including Little Women, The Usual Suspects, Vanity Fair and Julie and Julia.
1950 | 63 years old
Film Actor, Theater Actor, ... -
Ving Rhames
- In these groups:
- Names We Like
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Actors
Ving Rhames
Film Actor / 1959 -
Ving Rhames is an actor known for roles in such films as Pulp Fiction and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Born: May 12, 1959
Age: 54 years old
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Occupation: Film Actor -
Katharine Hepburn
- In these groups:
- Sparks On The Set
- Best Actress Oscar Winners
- Honorary Oscar Recipients
Katharine Hepburn
Film Actress, Theater Actress / 1907 - 2003
Katharine Hepburn was an actress known as a spirited performer with a touch of eccentricity in films such as The African Queen and On Golden Pond.
1907 | 96 years old
Film Actress, Theater Actress -
George Carlin
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
- Famous Taureans
George Carlin
Film Actor, Comedian / 1937 - 2008
Actor, writer, and comedian George Carlin was known for his stand-up routines as well as TV appearances and roles in such films as 1987's Outrageous Fortune.
1937 | 71 years old
Film Actor, Comedian
May 12
Died on This Day
-
Perry Como
- In these groups:
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Singers
Perry Como
Film, Singer, Television Personality / 1912 - 2001
Singer Perry Como is best known for his warm baritone crooning which came to characterize popular music in the 40s and 50s.
Died: May 12, 2001
Age: 88 years old
Place: Juniper Inlet Colony, Florida , United States
Occupation: Film, Singer, Television Personality -
Robert Reed
- In these groups:
- TV Dads
- Famous Libras
- Famous Actors
Robert Reed
Television Actor / 1932 - 1992
American actor Robert Reed played the quintessential family man Mike Brady in the enduring sitcom The Brady Bunch.
1992 | 59 years old
Television Actor -
Jeb Stuart
- In these groups:
- Fantastic Facial Hair
- Famous Military Veterans
- Famous Aquarians
Jeb Stuart
General / 1833 - 1864
Jeb Stuart was a General and cavalry leader for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He worked closely with General Robert E. Lee.
1864 | 31 years old
General
Email Updates
Quiz
about Biography?
Answer questions and see how you rank against other players.
Play Nowprofile name: Emilio Estevez profile occupation: Film Actor
profile id: 40989
profile name: Tony Hawk profile occupation: Professional Skateboarder
profile id: 215218
profile name: Gabriel Byrne profile occupation: Film Actor, Theater Actor, ...
profile id: 476242
profile name: Ving Rhames profile occupation: Film Actor
profile id: 9335828
profile name: Katharine Hepburn profile occupation: Film Actress, Theater Actress
profile id: 9542307
profile name: George Carlin profile occupation: Film Actor, Comedian
profile id: 9254500
profile name: Perry Como profile occupation: Film, Singer, Television Personality
profile id: 9542422
profile name: Robert Reed profile occupation: Television Actor
profile id: 9498016
profile name: Jeb Stuart profile occupation: General
profile id: 9308937
profile name: George VI profile occupation: King
profile id: 9542067
profile name: Coretta Scott King profile occupation: Anti-War Activist
profile id: 9214107
profile name: Harry Blackmun profile occupation: Supreme Court Justice
profile id: 9213087
profile name: Larry Bird profile occupation: Basketball Player
profile id: 9398965
profile name: Maria Theresa profile occupation: Political Leader
profile id: 9391300
profile name: Elijah McCoy profile occupation: Entrepreneur
profile id: 9283052
profile name: Bob Dylan profile occupation: Songwriter
profile id: 9513636
profile name: John Updike profile occupation: Author
profile id: 38193
profile name: Ritchie Valens profile occupation: Musician
profile id: 37024
profile name: Tony Pérez profile occupation: Baseball Player
profile id: 36923
profile name: Ellen Wilson profile occupation: U.S. First Lady
profile id: 37144
profile name: Adrienne Rich profile occupation: Poet
Your Connections
Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

June Carter Cash
Musical Monikers
Justin Bieber
My Ghost Story
I Survived
Babe Ruth
Johnny Cash
Georgia O'Keefe
I Survived


