1972⚡ Event
Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan
The Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan by the United States, and the U.S. occupation government was abolished.
politics
What Happened on May 15?
Browse 15 historical entries recorded for May 15 — 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
sportspoliticsentertainmentmusicartseconomicsexplorationscience
Image retrieved via Wikipedia: Vincent van Gogh
Historical Events on May 15(5)
1990⚡ Event
Van Gogh painting sells for record price
Vincent van Gogh's Portrait of Dr. Gachet was sold at auction for US$82.5 million, setting a world record for the most expensive painting at the time.
artseconomics
2004⚡ Event
Arsenal finishes season undefeated
Arsenal became the first football team in England's top flight to finish a season undefeated since Preston North End in the 1888–1889 season.
sports
2010⚡ Event
Jessica Watson completes circumnavigation
Jessica Watson arrived in Sydney after sailing non-stop and unassisted around the world, three days before her seventeenth birthday.
explorationsports
2024⚡ Event
Assassination attempt on Robert Fico
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico was hospitalized following an assassination attempt.
politics
Birthdays on May 15(5)
1998🎂 Birth
Lucrezia Stefanini
Lucrezia Stefanini, an Italian tennis player, was born.
sports
1999🎂 Birth
Anastasia Gasanova
Anastasia Gasanova, a Russian tennis player, was born.
sports
2000🎂 Birth
Dayana Yastremska
Dayana Yastremska, a Ukrainian tennis player, was born.
sports
2002🎂 Birth
Chase Hudson
Chase Hudson, an American internet celebrity, singer, and actor, was born.
entertainmentmusic
Deaths on May 15(5)
2021🕊️ Death
Oliver Gillie
Oliver Gillie, a British journalist and scientist, has died. He was born in 1937.
scienceliterature
2022🕊️ Death
Frank Curry
Frank Curry, an Australian rugby league player and coach, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
2022🕊️ Death
Kay Mellor
Kay Mellor, an English actress, has died. She was born in 1951.
entertainment
2024🕊️ Death
Kamla Beniwal
Kamla Beniwal, an Indian politician, has died. She was born in 1927.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Robert Walls
Robert Walls, an Australian footballer, coach, and sportscaster, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
May 15 in History
May 15 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths. These counts describe the current collection, not every historical occurrence associated with this date.
Events on May 15
Examples currently recorded for May 15 include Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan (1972), Van Gogh painting sells for record price (1990), Arsenal finishes season undefeated (2004). View all events →
Birthdays on May 15
People recorded as born on May 15 include Lucrezia Stefanini, Anastasia Gasanova, Dayana Yastremska. View all birthdays →
Deaths on May 15
Remembered figures who died on May 15 include Oliver Gillie, Frank Curry, Kay Mellor. View all →
Browse what happened on May 14 or May 16, explore the full month of May, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 15?
- The DayFacts collection currently has 15 entries for May 15: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
- Which historical event is included for May 15?
- One event currently recorded for May 15 is: Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan.
- Who was born on May 15?
- People recorded as born on May 15 include Lucrezia Stefanini, Anastasia Gasanova, Dayana Yastremska.
- How many historical events are recorded for May 15?
- The current DayFacts collection records 5 historical events for May 15.
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