May 26: What Happened on This Day in History
May 26th marks the 146th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 147th in case of leap years). There are 219 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 26th in history, famous birthdays on May 26th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 26.
What happened on May 26?
Here's what happened on May 26th in history:
- 2017: On May 26, 2017, gunmen attacked a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of 28 people. This attack was part of a series of assaults targeting the Christian minority in the country. source: bbc.com
- 2016: On May 26, 2016, Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election after winning the Washington State primary. This victory solidified his position as the party's candidate, leading to the general election in November. source: nytimes.com
- 2012: On May 26, 2012, reports confirmed the Houla massacre, where over 100 civilians were killed in Syria. This incident intensified global scrutiny of the Syrian government's actions during the civil war. source: reuters.com
- 2009: The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi began on May 26, 2009, in Myanmar, where she faced charges of violating her house arrest. The trial drew international attention and condemnation from human rights organizations. source: bbc.com
- 2005: On May 26, 2005, the South African Geographical Names Council unanimously approved the recommendation to change Pretoria's name to Tshwane, aligning with the Metropolitan Municipality's name. However, the Minister of Arts and Culture requested further research before final approval. If approved, the name change would be published in the Government Gazette, allowing public comment before a parliamentary vote. source: mg.co.za
- 1989: On May 26, 1989, Denmark's Parliament passed a law allowing same-sex couples to enter registered partnerships, granting them nearly all the rights of heterosexual marriages, except for adoption and recognition by the state Lutheran Church. The law took effect on October 1, 1989, making Denmark the first country to legally recognize same-sex unions. source: bbc.com
- 1980: On May 26, 1980, Hungarian cosmonaut Bertalan Farkas became the first Hungarian to travel into space aboard the Soviet Soyuz 36 spacecraft. This mission marked Hungary's entry into the group of spacefaring nations, with Farkas conducting various scientific experiments during his seven-day stay on the Salyut 6 space station. source: esa.int
- 1979: The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, completed its final voyage on May 26, 1979, arriving at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California. It was decommissioned on March 3, 1980, after 25 years of service and over half a million miles steamed. source: history.navy.mil
- 1969: On May 26, 1969, the Apollo 10 mission concluded with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 400 miles east of American Samoa. The crew, consisting of Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan, had completed an eight-day mission that served as a rehearsal for the first Moon landing. source: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
- 1968: On May 26, 1968, Iceland officially transitioned from left-hand to right-hand traffic. This significant change aimed to improve road safety and align with most European countries' driving practices. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on May 26?
On May 26th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Helena Bonham Carter]()
Helena Bonham Carter (1966)Helena Bonham Carter is an acclaimed English actress known for her versatility and distinctive roles in both independent films and major blockbusters. Recognized for her frequent collaborations with director Tim Burton and her portrayals of quirky and complex characters, she has received multiple award nominations throughout her career. [bio]
![Lauryn Hill]()
Lauryn Hill (1975)Lauryn Hill is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress, widely recognized for being a member of the Fugees and for her critically acclaimed solo album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'. She is considered one of the most influential musicians of her generation, known for blending hip hop with soul, reggae, and R&B. [bio]
![Peggy Lee]()
![James Arness]()
James Arness (1923)James Arness was an American actor best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series 'Gunsmoke.' He became a cultural icon through his 20-year performance on the show, making him one of the most recognized actors in American television. [bio]
![Peter Cushing]()
Peter Cushing (1913)Peter Cushing was a renowned English actor, celebrated for his roles in classic horror films produced by Hammer Films, as well as for portraying Grand Moff Tarkin in 'Star Wars' (1977). He was widely respected for his versatility and presence on stage and screen. [bio]
![Philip Michael Thomas]()
Philip Michael Thomas (1949)Philip Michael Thomas is an American actor and musician, best known for his role as Detective Ricardo Tubbs in the classic 1980s television series 'Miami Vice.' Renowned for his work in both television and music, Thomas became an iconic figure of the 1980s pop culture landscape. [bio]
![George Formby]()
George Formby (1904)George Formby was an English actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian, renowned for his light-hearted musical performances, particularly his skillful ukulele and banjolele playing. He became one of Britain's most popular entertainers during the 1930s and 1940s, celebrated for his comic songs and distinctive northern charm. [bio]
![Pam Grier]()
Pam Grier (1949)Pam Grier is an acclaimed American actress known for her groundbreaking roles in 1970s blaxploitation films and for portraying strong, complex female characters. She is widely recognized for her performance in 'Foxy Brown' and her comeback role in Quentin Tarantino's 'Jackie Brown.' [bio]
![Paul Lukas]()
Paul Lukas (1895)Paul Lukas was a Hungarian-American actor best known for his Academy Award-winning role in 'Watch on the Rhine' (1943). He had a prolific career spanning both European and American cinema, excelling in stage, film, and television performances. [bio]
![Levon Helm]()
Levon Helm (1940)Levon Helm was an American musician and actor best known as the drummer and one of the vocalists for the rock group The Band. Renowned for his distinctive, soulful voice and innovative drumming, Helm played a key role in shaping the group's sound and influence on Americana and roots rock. [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 May 26?
On May 26th the following celebrities died:
![Ray Liotta]()
Ray Liotta (2022)Ray Liotta was an acclaimed American actor best known for his roles in crime dramas and thrillers, particularly his leading performance as Henry Hill in the classic film 'Goodfellas.' Over his four-decade career, Liotta became recognized for his intense screen presence, distinct voice, and versatility in both film and television. [bio]
![Art Linkletter]()
Art Linkletter (2010)Art Linkletter was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality, best known for his long-running radio and TV shows including 'House Party' and 'People Are Funny.' He became a household name in the United States for his witty interviews, especially with children. [bio]
![Eddie Albert]()
Eddie Albert (2005)Eddie Albert was an acclaimed American actor and activist, known for his work in film, television, and theater. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Albert earned fame for his versatility and was especially recognized for his roles in the TV sitcom 'Green Acres' and the film 'Roman Holiday.' [bio]
![George Brent]()
George Brent (1979)George Brent was an Irish-American film and stage actor, best known for his leading roles in Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s, particularly as a leading man opposite Bette Davis. [bio]
![Jean Constantin]()
Jean Constantin (2010)Jean Constantin was a renowned Romanian comedian and actor, celebrated for his roles in film, television, and theater, particularly known for his comedic performances in Romanian cinema. [bio]
![Sharon Lynn]()
![Bart Starr]()
Bart Starr (2019)Legendary quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who led the team to five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls.
![Prem Tinsulanonda]()
Prem Tinsulanonda (2019)Prominent Thai statesman who served as the 16th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1980 to 1988.
![Samuel Pepys]()
Samuel Pepys (1703)Samuel Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament who is most famous for the detailed diary he kept for a decade,...
![Alberto Ascari]()
Alberto Ascari (1955)Legendary Italian Formula One racing driver who won two consecutive World Championships in 1952 and 1953.
What day of the year is May 26?
May 26th marks the 146th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 147th in case of leap years).
There are 219 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 26th is the 26th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 26?
On May 26th, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.
| May | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 26?
The zodiac sign associated with May 26th is Gemini according to the Western Zodiac.
