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 20
Events on This Day
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1609
404 years agoWilliam Shakespeare's Sonnets are published for the first time.
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1873
140 years agoLevi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a patent for blue jeans.
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1927
86 years agoPilot Charles Lindbergh takes off in The Spirit of St. Louis from Roosevelt Field, near New York City, on the first transatlantic flight.
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1989
24 years agoSinger/dancer (and future American Idol judge) Paula Abdul scored a No. 1 hit with her single "Forever Your Girl," from the album of the same name.
May 20
Born on This Day
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Cher
- In these groups:
- Sonny and Cher
- Hair Dos and Don'ts
- Bewitching Women
Cher
Film Actress, Singer / 1946 -
As famous for her unusual outfits as she is for her musical talent, Cher is an American singer and actress who got her start as half of Sonny and Cher in the 1960s.
Born: May 20, 1946
Age: 67 years old
Birthplace: El Centro, California, United States
Occupation: Film Actress, Singer -
Cindy McCain
- In these groups:
- Celebrities With Court-side Seats
- Famous Academics
- Famous Teachers
Cindy McCain
Educator, Business Leader, Philanthropist, Political Leader / 1954 -
Cindy McCain is an Arizona businesswoman, a philanthropist who works with international nonprofit organizations, and the wife of U.S. Senator John McCain.
1954 | 59 years old
Educator, Business Leader, ... -
David A. Paterson
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Taureans
- Columbia University Alumni
David A. Paterson
Governor / 1954 -
A lifelong governmental and political figure, David Paterson was the first African American governor of New York state.
1954 | 59 years old
Governor -
Jimmy Stewart
- In these groups:
- Celebrity Enlistees
- Famous Military Veterans
- Best Actor Oscar Winners
Jimmy Stewart
Film Actor, Theater Actor / 1908 - 1997
Jimmy Stewart was a major motion-picture star known for his portrayals of diffident but morally resolute characters in films such as It’s a Wonderful Life.
Born: May 20, 1908
Birthplace: Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States
Occupation: Film Actor, Theater Actor -
Dolley Madison
- In these groups:
- U.S. First Ladies
- Famous Taureans
- Famous People Born in North Carolina
Dolley Madison
U.S. First Lady / 1768 - 1849
Dolley Madison is best known as the wife of United States President James Madison, who served from 1809 to 1817.
1768 | 81 years old
U.S. First Lady -
John Stuart Mill
- In these groups:
- Famous Academics
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Philosophers
John Stuart Mill
Philosopher, Scholar, Economist, Political Scientist, Author / 1806 - 1873
John Stuart Mill, who has been called the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the 19th century, was a British philosopher, economist, and moral and political theorist. His works include books and essays covering logic, epistemology, economics, social and political philosophy, ethics, and religion, among them A System of Logic, On Liberty, and Utilitarianism.
1806 | 66 years old
Philosopher, Scholar, Economist, ...
May 20
Died on This Day
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Gilda Radner
- In these groups:
- Cast of Saturday Night Live
- Famous Cancerians
- Famous Actresses
Gilda Radner
Television Actress, Comedian / 1946 - 1989
Gilda Radner was an award-winning actress and comedian known for her work on Saturday Night Live. She was married to fellow comedian Gene Wilder.
Died: May 20, 1989
Age: 42 years old
Place: Los Angeles, California , United States
Occupation: Television Actress, Comedian -
Christopher Columbus
- In these groups:
- Famous Scorpios
- Famous Explorers
- Famous People Named Christopher
Christopher Columbus
Explorer / 1451 - 1506
Famed Italian explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the "New World" of the Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492.
1506 | 54 years old
Explorer -
Paul Ricoeur
- In these groups:
- Famous Academics
- Famous Pisceans
- Famous Philosophers
Paul Ricoeur
Philosopher, Writer / 1913 - 2005
Paul Ricoeur is widely recognized as one of the most distinguished philosophers of the 20th century. He taught in both France and the United States.
2005 | 92 years old
Philosopher, Writer
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profile name: Cindy McCain profile occupation: Educator, Business Leader, ...
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profile name: David A. Paterson profile occupation: Governor
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