Historical Events
Cannes Film Festival
32nd Cannes Film Festival: "Apocalypse Now" directed by Francis Ford Coppola and "Die Biechtrommel" directed by Volker Schlondorff jointly awarded the Palme d'Or
Sports History
Billy Martin issues a public apology to Reno sportswriter Ray Hagar
- USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
Famous Birthdays
- Frank Mir, American UFC fighter and professional wrestler, born in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Joe Kennedy, American MLB baseball pitcher. 2001-07 (Tampa Bay Devil Rays and 4 other teams), born in La Masa, California (d. 2007)
- Tracy McGrady, American Basketball Hall of Fame forward (NBA All-Star 2001–07; NBA scoring champion 2003, 04; Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets), born in Bartow, Florida
Famous Deaths
- Jan Arvan, actor (Red Skelton Show, Zorro), dies
1979 Highlights
About May 24, 1979
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 10 months and 5 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Gemini
Music Charts
- #1 Song: Reunited - Peaches & Herb
- #1 Song: Sunday Girl - Blondie