What Happened on May 24, 1979

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
1979 History

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
Born in 1979

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

  • US #1 Song: Reunited - Peaches & Herb
  • UK #1 Song: Sunday Girl - Blondie