What Happened on May 16

Historical Events

May 16 in Film & TV

May 16 in Sport

  • 1948 First chess world championship since WWII; Russian player Mikhail Botvinnik wins a 5-player tournament to begin 20-year Russian domination
  • 1985 Michael Jordan named NBA Rookie of Year

Did You Know?

Theodore Maiman operates the first optical laser, at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California

On May 16, 1960

Would You Believe?

Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creators of the M16 rifle and the AK-47 rifle respectively, meet in Washington, D.C.

On May 16, 1990

Famous Weddings

Famous Divorces

  • 2008 "24" actor Kiefer Sutherland (37) divorces former model Elizabeth Kelly Winn (42) due to irreconcilable differences after nearly 8 years of marriage

More Weddings & Divorces