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May 17, 1984

May 17, 1984, was a Thursday. It was 40 years, 6 months, and 6 days ago. The zodiac star sign for this date is Taurus.

On This Day

What happened on this date?

Notable events that occurred on May 17, 1984:

  • Michael Silka kills nine people during a spree shooting in Manley Hot Springs, Alaska.
Song charts

Top songs

These songs were on top of the music charts in the United States and the United Kingdom on May 17, 1984:

  • United States: "Hello" by Lionel Richie
  • United Kingdom: "The Reflex" by Duran Duran

The Billboard Hot 100 on May 17, 1984

These songs were dominating the music charts:

  • Hello - Lionel Richie
  • Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) - Phil Collins
  • Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins
  • Let's Hear It For The Boy - Deniece Williams
  • Love Somebody - Rick Springfield
Play the top singles from 1984
A Spotify playlist of songs from the year 1984. Take a trip back to the days of Tina Turner, George Michael, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and Prince.
Breakin'

Top movie

The movie "Breakin'" was at the top of the box office on this day.

Facts

This date occurred 14,800 days ago. Approximately 493 months have passed. It was the 138th day of 1984, in week 20. The decade was the eighties. People who were born on May 17, 1984, are now 40 years old and belong to the Millennial generation. 1984 was a leap year, which means that it had an extra day in February. We have gone through approximately 164 seasons of weather since this date.

Take me back to May 17, 1984

Let's take a walk down memory lane.

The date is May 17, 1984, and it's a Thursday. Babies who are born today will have the star sign Taurus. The summer of 1984 has finally arrived. The weather has warmed up, and the evenings are brighter than usual. The school year is nearly finished.

In America, the song "Hello" by Lionel Richie is at the top of the singles charts, while "The Reflex" by Duran Duran is the number-one song in the UK. Ronald Reagan is the President of the United States, and the movie Breakin' is at the top of the box office. Margaret Thatcher is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

On television, people are watching popular shows such as "The Jeffersons", "The Love Boat", "Magnum, P.I.", and "Only Fools and Horses". In fashion, women are wearing long sweaters, fishnet stockings, fingerless gloves, jumpsuits, over-sized scarves, miniskirts, stirrup pants, and spandex cycling shorts. Meanwhile, men are wearing Hawaiian shirts, flannel, shell suits, and wool sport coats. Because it's 1984, the radio stations are being dominated by artists such as George Michael, Stevie Wonder, Wham!, Cyndi Lauper and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

If you were to travel back to this day, notable figures such as Truman Capote, Kiki Camarena, David Huffman, and Rock Hudson would all still be alive. People are playing video games such as "Space Invaders", "Donkey Kong", "Mario Bros.", and "Duck Hunt". Kids and teenagers are watching TV shows such as "Cockleshell Bay", "Fraggle Rock", "The Littles", and "Alvin and the Chipmunks".

Children are playing with toys such as Lite-Brite, Cabbage Patch Kids, Monchhichi / Chicaboo, and Turnin' Turbo Dashboard.

Zodiac info

Zodiac

Zodiac, birthstone, and birth flower information.

Personality summary image

  • Zodiac Sign (Astrology): Anyone born on May 17, 1984, will have the star sign Taurus.
  • Zodiac Element: Earth.
  • Chinese Zodiac Animal: In the Chinese Zodiac, 1984 was the year of the Rat (Yang Wood).
  • The Life Path Number for this date is 8.
  • Native American Zodiac: May 17, 1984 falls under the Beaver.
  • Birthstone: A person during the month of May will have the birthstone Emerald.
  • Birth flower (May): The Lily of the Valley and the Hawthorn.
News

News, nostalgia, and fads

These are news stories, trending topics, and fads that were popular on May 17, 1984.

  • 1984 in music.

    1984 in music

    Popular music artists in 1984 included Prince, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Kenny Loggins, Phil Collins, Van Halen, Lionel Richie, Yes, Culture Club and John Waite.
  • Who were the best NBA players in 1984?

    Who were the best NBA players in 1984?

    The best NBA players in 1984 were Larry Bird, Bernard King, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas.
  • Mid 1980s fashion.

    Mid 1980s fashion

    Strappy sandals, Keds, kitten-heeled sandals, and pumps were popular footwear in the mid-80s. Fashion became more colorful during this period. Popular clothing included long wool coats, long and bulky sweaters, jumpsuits, large scarves, beanies, leather gloves, long flared skirts, slim miniskirts, slightly tapered pants, and stirrup pants.
  • 1984 in movies.

    1984 in movies

    Movies released in 1984 included Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, The Terminator, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, The Karate Kid, Police Academy, Footloose, Romancing the Stone, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Red Dawn, Splash and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
  • Who were the best football players?

    Who were the best football players?

    In 1984, the best soccer players were Michel Platini, Diego Maradona, Jean Tigana, Preben Elkjær-Larsen, Ian Rush, Fernando Chalana, Graeme Souness, Harald Schumacher, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Alain Giresse and Bryan Robson.
  • Amadeus.

    Amadeus

    "Amadeus" won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1984.
  • Peter Ueberroth.

    Peter Ueberroth

    Peter Ueberroth was named Time Person of the Year in 1984 due to his role in organizing the 1984 Summer Olympics.
  • Tina Turner - "What's Love Got to Do with It"

    Tina Turner - "What's Love Got to Do with It"

    "What's Love Got to Do with It" by Tina Turner won a Grammy for 1984's Song of the Year.
  • The Commodore 64.

    The Commodore 64

    The Commodore 64 was dominating the home computer market.
  • VCRs are becoming popular.

    VCRs are becoming popular

    VCRs started to become a popular household item during the first half of the 1980s. However, they were still very costly. This device gave people the ability to play VCR tapes and record TV programs and movies.
  • Iran-Iraq War.

    Iran-Iraq War

    Between September 1980 and August 1988, an armed conflict was being fought between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iraqi Republic.
  • Computers are replacing typewriters.

    Computers are replacing typewriters

    Desktop computers were beginning to replace typewriters in offices.
  • TV remotes.

    TV remotes

    Although TV remotes existed, many homes didn't have one. Infrared technology was still relatively new.
  • The Walkman.

    The Walkman

    In the late 1970s and 1980s, portable cassette players such as the "Sony Walkman" were becoming more common.
  • Wallpaper.

    Wallpaper

    Wallpaper was extremely common in people's homes throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It wasn't until the mid-late 1980s that "modernism" started to creep in.

Personality traits

Check out our personality summary for people who were born on May 17, 1984.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

View Personality Summary

Events

What happened around this time?

News stories, pop culture trends, and other events that happened around May 17, 1984.

  • April 23, 1984: United States researchers announce their discovery of the AIDS virus.
  • April 25, 1984: Robert F. Kennedy's son David F. Kennedy dies from an overdose of cocaine at a hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.
  • May 8, 1984:
    • Former Canadian Forces corporal Denis Lortie kills three government employees in the National Assembly of Quebec building.
    • The Soviet Union announces that it is boycotting the 1984 Summer Olympics in the United States.
  • May 10, 1984: Soccer: Ray Wilkins agrees to join Italian side AC Milan from Manchester United.
  • May 12, 1984: Soccer: Liverpool win the First Division title after a 0-0 draw with Notts County.
  • May 14, 1984: British pop duo Wham! release their single "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go".
  • May 16, 1984:
    • Prince releases his single "When Doves Cry".
    • American comedian Andy Kaufman dies from cancer at the age of 35.
  • This date: May 17, 1984
  • May 19, 1984: Everton win the FA Cup final after a 2-0 victory over Watford.
  • May 21, 1984: The "Atari 7800" video game console is announced.
  • May 23, 1984: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) is released.
  • May 30, 1984: Football: Liverpool win the European Cup after defeating Roma on penalties.
  • May 31, 1984:
    • The song "Ghostbusters" is released by Parker, Jr.
    • Six inmates on death row escape the Mecklenburg Correctional Center in Virginia.
  • June 1, 1984:
    • The film Once Upon a Time in America (1984) is released.
    • Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) is released in cinemas.
  • June 3, 1984: US President Ronald Reagan visits the Republic of Ireland.
  • June 4, 1984:
    • The song "Two Tribes" is released by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
    • Bruce Springsteen releases his album "Born in the USA".
  • June 6, 1984: The game "Tetris" is released.
  • June 8, 1984:
    • Ghostbusters (1984) is released in cinemas.
    • The movie Gremlins (1984) is released.
  • June 12, 1984:
    • The Boston Celtics win the 1984 NBA Finals after they defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-3.
    • Soccer: Graeme Souness leaves Liverpool to join Sampdoria.

Mid-1980s fashion

Photographs of mid-1980s fashion and hairstyles.

Mid-1980s fashion

Television shows

TV series on May 17, 1984

People in May 1984 were watching the following TV series:

TV shows from May 1984.

Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
Kate & Allie
Kate & Allie
Night Court
Night Court
Scarecrow and Mrs. King
Scarecrow and Mrs. King
The A-Team
The A-Team
'Allo 'Allo!
'Allo 'Allo!
Cheers
Cheers
Knight Rider
Knight Rider
Family Ties
Family Ties
Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey
Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses
Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues

Cars in 1984

1984 saw the introduction of cars such as the Citroën Axel, the Mercedes-Benz W124, the Toyota Carina II, the Chevrolet Corvette (C4), the Pontiac Fiero, and the Volkswagen Citi Golf.

Cars in 1984.

Children TV shows

Cartoons and children's TV shows in May 1984

Children and teenagers were watching the following cartoons and TV series:

Mister T
Mister T
The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show
The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons

Alvin and the Chipmunks
Alvin and the Chipmunks
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
The Littles
The Littles
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Fraggle Rock
Fraggle Rock
Inspector Gadget
Inspector Gadget
Danger Mouse
Danger Mouse
Postman Pat
Postman Pat
Toys

Toys in 1984

Children were playing with the following toys and games:

Turnin' Turbo Dashboard
Turnin' Turbo Dashboard
My Little Pony (figures)
My Little Pony (figures)
The Commodore 64
The Commodore 64
Masters of the Universe (figures)
Masters of the Universe (figures)
The Lego train set
The Lego train set
Fisher-Price Little People (Farm)
Fisher-Price Little People (Farm)
Space Lego
Space Lego
Fischer Price cassette player
Fischer Price cassette player
Monchhichi / Chicaboo
Monchhichi / Chicaboo
Strawberry Shortcake dolls
Strawberry Shortcake dolls
The Big Wheel (tricycle)
The Big Wheel (tricycle)
The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
Video games

Video games

Popular video games that people were playing in May 1984.

Duck Hunt 1984
Duck Hunt
Mario Bros. 1983
Mario Bros.
Donkey Kong 1981
Donkey Kong
Missile Command 1980
Missile Command
Pac-Man 1980
Pac-Man
Galaxian 1980
Galaxian
Asteroids 1979
Asteroids
Lunar Lander 1979
Lunar Lander
Space Invaders 1978
Space Invaders

Were you born on May 17, 1984?

If you were born on this date, then it is unlikely that you will remember anything from the year 1984.

This is because humans find it difficult to retrieve memories of their early childhood.

If you are looking for some childhood nostalgia, then you should check out May 17, 1990, instead.

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrities, historical figures, and other notable people who were born on May 17.

Dennis Hopper

Dennis Hopper

Actor Deceased
Born on May 17, 1936
He turned 48 on this day in 1984.

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton

Actor Deceased
Born on May 17, 1955
He turned 29 on this day in 1984.

Bob Saget

Bob Saget

Comedian / Actor Deceased
Born on May 17, 1956
He turned 28 on this day in 1984.

Sugar Ray Leonard

Sugar Ray Leonard

Boxer
Born on May 17, 1956
He turned 28 on this day in 1984.

Enya

Enya

Irish singer
Born on May 17, 1961
She turned 23 on this day in 1984.

Tahj Mowry

Tahj Mowry

Actor
Born on May 17, 1986
He was born exactly 2 years after this date.

Charlotte Crosby

Charlotte Crosby

English TV personality
Born on May 17, 1990
She was born exactly 6 years after this date.

Holidays

Holidays

National holidays and famous events that fall on May 17:

USA

US President

Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States on May 17, 1984.

UK

UK Prime Minister

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Ireland

Irish Taoiseach

Garret FitzGerald was the Taoiseach of Ireland.

Conception

Conception dates

Conception estimates for this date.

  • A baby that was born on May 17, 1984 was most likely conceived around August 25, 1983.
  • The due date for a baby that was conceived on May 17, 1984 is close to February 7, 1985.

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Stats for May 17, 1984

Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics about May 17, 1984:

  • 14,800 days have passed since this date.
  • 2,114 weeks have passed.
  • 1,278,723,600 seconds have passed since May 17, 1984.
  • If you were born on this day, your heart has beat approximately 1,491,844,200 times.
  • Since then, the Earth has traveled approximately 659,821,377,600 miles through space.
  • If you were born on this day, your eyes have blinked approximately 213,120,600 times.
  • You have taken approximately 109,970,230 steps. That's roughly 48,876 miles.
  • 15,344,683 meteors have entered the Earth's atmosphere.
  • How many years ago was 1984?

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