May 19 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

May 19 is an important date in world history, marking remarkable events, the birth of influential figures, and the passing of notable personalities. On this day, significant political, scientific, and cultural milestones have been recorded. Many nations celebrate achievements, commemorate heroes, and honor historical moments that shaped their identities. May 19 continues to stand as a day of remembrance and inspiration for generations around the world.

Famous People Born on May 19

1925 Malcolm X, American civil rights leader and minister

1945 Pete Townshend, English guitarist and songwriter of The Who

1948 Grace Jones, Jamaican singer, model and actress

1951 Joey Ramone, American musician and lead singer of the Ramones

1959 Nicole Brown Simpson, American personality and former wife of O.J. Simpson

1972 Jenny Zigrino, American actress and comedian

1979 Andrea Pirlo, Italian footballer and coach

1980 Drew Fuller, American actor and model

1992 Sam Smith, English singer and songwriter

1993 Nikita Dragun, Belgian-born American YouTuber and makeup artist

Famous Events on May 19

1. 1536 Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, was executed at the Tower of London.
2. 1643 The French army under Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu defeated the Spanish at the Battle of Rocroi.
3. 1897 Oscar Wilde was released from prison after serving two years for gross indecency.
4. 1919 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun, beginning the Turkish War of Independence.
5. 1921 The Emergency Quota Act was passed in the United States, limiting immigration for the first time.
6. 1962 Marilyn Monroe performed her famous "Happy Birthday" song for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden.
7. 1991 Croatians voted for independence from Yugoslavia in a national referendum.
8. 2004 The United States began transferring authority to Iraq’s new government ahead of schedule.
9. 2018 Prince Harry married Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
10. 2020 SpaceX completed a crucial static fire test ahead of the Crew Dragon launch, paving the way for human spaceflight from U.S. soil.

Famous People Who Died on May 19

1536 Anne Boleyn, Queen of England and second wife of King Henry VIII

1825 Henri Braconnot, French chemist known for his work with gelatin and glucose

1864 Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist and author of The Scarlet Letter

1898 William Ewart Gladstone, British statesman and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

1935 T. E. Lawrence, British archaeologist, soldier and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia

1994 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady of the United States

2014 Jack Brabham, Australian Formula One driver and three-time world champion

2020 Ravi Zacharias, Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist and author

2021 Lee Evans, American Olympic sprinter and gold medalist

2023 Martin Amis, British novelist and essayist

May 19 holds a special place in world history as a day that witnessed turning points in politics, science, and culture. From the courage of Anne Boleyn and the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the elegance of royal weddings and artistic brilliance, the date reflects humanity’s enduring struggle for progress and expression. It stands as a reminder of resilience, reform, and the pursuit of freedom.

Throughout generations, May 19 has been marked by both triumph and tragedy, shaping the course of nations and inspiring millions across the globe. The legacies born and lost on this day continue to influence society, culture, and thought. It remains a date of reflection, honoring the people and events that have enriched human history.