January 26: What Happened on This Day in History
January 26th marks the 26th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 339 days (340 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 26th in history, famous birthdays on January 26th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 26.
What happened on January 26?
Here's what happened on January 26th in history:
- 2022: Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech commenced a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant. The trial involved recruiting adults aged 18-55 from the United States and South Africa to assess the safety and protective capabilities of the new vaccine formulation, both as an initial vaccination and a booster shot.
- 2019: On January 26, 2019, reports emerged that Russian military contractors, believed to be from the Wagner Group, were operating in Venezuela. The presence of these contractors was seen as support for President Nicolás Maduro's government amid political turmoil and international pressure. The Russian government denied any official involvement, but the situation raised concerns about foreign influence in Venezuela's internal affairs. source: aljazeera.com
- 2005: Swaziland's primary labor union initiated a two-day strike protesting a new constitution that they believed would expand the power and control of King Mswati III.
- 2003: On January 26, 2003, a historic cross-strait flight took place between Taiwan and mainland China, marking the first direct commercial flight between the two regions in over 50 years. The flight was part of a series of chartered flights aimed at facilitating travel and improving relations between Taiwan and China, which had been strained due to political differences. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1996: On January 26, 1996, First Lady Hillary Clinton became the first spouse of a U.S. president to testify before a federal grand jury. She addressed questions regarding the reappearance of her law firm's billing records related to the Whitewater real estate venture. Clinton stated she was 'glad' to have the opportunity to set the record straight but did not know how the documents ended up in the White House living quarters. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1979: Nelson Rockefeller, the 41st Vice President of the United States and former Governor of New York, died on January 26, 1979, at the age of 70. He suffered a fatal heart attack in his Manhattan townhouse, where he was accompanied by his aide, Megan Marshack. Initial reports incorrectly stated he died at his office in Rockefeller Center. His death led to widespread speculation about the circumstances, particularly regarding his relationship with Marshack. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1974: On January 26, 1974, Bülent Ecevit, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), formed a coalition government with the National Salvation Party (MSP) in Turkey. Ecevit became the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of the 37th government of Turkey. source: britannica.com
- 1973: The government of Belgium, led by Prime Minister Edmond Leburton, was formed on January 26, 1973. This government was notable for its focus on economic and social reforms during a period of political change in the country. source: bbc.com
- 1972: On January 26, 1972, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established in Canberra, Australia, as a protest against the government's treatment of Indigenous Australians. This event became a significant symbol of the Aboriginal rights movement. source: theguardian.com
- 1971: On January 26, 1971, a severe thunderstorm caused a flash flood in Canberra's Woden Valley, resulting in seven fatalities, including four children, and injuring 15 people. The flood caused significant damage, with insurance costs estimated at A$9 million. A memorial was dedicated in 2010 to honor the victims. source: abc.net.au
What famous birthdays are on January 26?
On January 26th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Ellen DeGeneres]()
Ellen DeGeneres (1958)Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer best known for hosting 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and for her stand-up comedy and television work, including starring in the sitcom 'Ellen.' [bio]
![Wayne Gretzky]()
Wayne Gretzky (1961)Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Known as "The Great One," he set numerous NHL records for goals, assists, and points during his career. [bio]
![Eddie Van Halen]()
Eddie Van Halen (1955)Eddie Van Halen was a legendary Dutch-American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. Renowned for his innovative guitar techniques, such as tapping, Van Halen transformed the sound of rock music in the late 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in history. [bio]
![Anita Baker]()
Anita Baker (1958)Anita Baker is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter, regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists in the genres of soul, R&B, and jazz. She rose to fame in the 1980s with her powerful, emotive vocals and sophisticated musical style, earning numerous Grammy Awards and platinum albums throughout her career. [bio]
![Louis Zamperini]()
Louis Zamperini (1917)Louis Zamperini was an American Olympic distance runner, World War II veteran, and a US Air Force lieutenant whose incredible story of survival as a Japanese prisoner of war became internationally known through the book and film 'Unbroken.' [bio]
![Gilles Marini]()
Gilles Marini (1976)Gilles Marini is a French-American actor and former model best known for his roles in television series such as 'Brothers & Sisters' and 'Switched at Birth,' as well as for appearing in 'Sex and the City: The Movie.' He gained further popularity as a contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars.' [bio]
![Roger Vadim]()
Roger Vadim (1928)Roger Vadim was a renowned French film director, screenwriter, producer, and author, best known for his films that highlighted sensual and controversial themes, as well as for his relationships with some of the most iconic actresses of his time. [bio]
![Melvil Poupaud]()
Melvil Poupaud (1973)Melvil Poupaud is a French actor, director, and screenwriter, known for his extensive career in both French and international cinema. He has collaborated with renowned directors such as Raúl Ruiz, François Ozon, and Xavier Dolan, and is recognized for his versatility and compelling performances in drama and art-house films. [bio]
![Mary Murphy]()
Mary Murphy (1931)Mary Murphy was an American film and television actress best known for her role as Kathie Bleeker in the classic film 'The Wild One' (1953) opposite Marlon Brando. Over a career spanning several decades, she appeared in numerous films and television series. [bio]
![Joan Leslie]()
Joan Leslie (1925)Joan Leslie was an American actress and dancer, best known for her performances in classic films of the 1940s such as 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and 'Sergeant York.' She was noted for her wholesome screen presence and gracefully transitioned from a child actress to leading lady during the Golden Age of Hollywood. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 26?
On January 26th the following celebrities died:
![Kobe Bryant]()
Kobe Bryant (2020)Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Recognized as one of the greatest basketball players in history, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). His influence extended both on and off the court, and he was a … [bio]
![James Cameron]()
James Cameron (1985)James Cameron is a Canadian filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and producer, widely regarded for his innovative work in science fiction and epic filmmaking. He is known for directing some of the most successful films of all time, including 'Titanic' and 'Avatar.' Cameron's films are notable for their pioneering use of special effects and technology, often pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. [bio]
![Bear Bryant]()
Bear Bryant (1983)Paul 'Bear' Bryant was a legendary American college football coach, best known for his tenure at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to six national championships. Revered for his transformative impact on college football, Bryant's career spanned four decades, making him one of the most influential and successful coaches in the sport's history.[1][2] [bio]
![José Ferrer]()
José Ferrer (1992)José Ferrer was a Puerto Rican actor and director, best known for his groundbreaking work on stage and screen. He was the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, celebrated for his performance in 'Cyrano de Bergerac' (1950). [bio]
![Barbara Hale]()
Barbara Hale (2017)Barbara Hale was an American actress best known for her role as Della Street on the long-running television series 'Perry Mason.' Her career spanned film, television, and radio from the 1940s through the 1990s. [bio]
![Abe Vigoda]()
Abe Vigoda (2016)Abe Vigoda was an American actor best known for his roles as Detective Phil Fish on the television sitcom "Barney Miller" and as Salvatore Tessio in the film "The Godfather." [bio]
![Mike Connors]()
Mike Connors (2017)Mike Connors was an American actor best known for his role as Joe Mannix in the television detective series 'Mannix,' which aired from 1967 to 1975. He had a career spanning film, television, and stage, earning acclaim for his distinctive performances. [bio]
![Al McGuire]()
Al McGuire (2001)Renowned basketball coach and player who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
![William Wrigley]()
William Wrigley (1932)Prominent American businessman who founded the Wrigley Company, a global chewing gum and confectionery manufacturer.
![José Emilio Pacheco]()
José Emilio Pacheco (2014)Renowned Mexican poet, novelist, and essayist who was a significant figure in Latin American literature, known for his critical and poetic...
What day of the year is January 26?
January 26th marks the 26th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 339 days remaining until the end of the year (or 340 days in case of leap years).
January 26th is the 26th day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 26?
The zodiac sign associated with January 26th is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
