October 26: What Happened on This Day in History
October 26th marks the 299th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 300th in case of leap years). There are 66 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 26th in history, famous birthdays on October 26th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 26.
What happened on October 26?
Here's what happened on October 26th in history:
- 2017: On October 26, 2017, the National Archives released over 2,800 previously classified records related to President John F. Kennedy's assassination. However, some documents were withheld for up to six months due to national security concerns, as requested by the FBI and CIA. source: archives.gov
- 2016: ISIL insurgents have attacked civilians in Ghor province, Afghanistan, resulting in numerous deaths. This incident underscores the ongoing violence and instability in the region as security forces struggle to maintain control. source: reuters.com
- 2012: On October 26, 2012, Microsoft officially released Windows 8, a major update to its operating system. Windows 8 introduced a new user interface optimized for touch devices, aiming to unify the experience across PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The release marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to operating systems, emphasizing a more mobile-friendly and app-centric design. source: microsoft.com
- 2009: Yahoo! officially shuts down its free web hosting service GeoCities, which was originally purchased from John Rezner and David Bohnett.
- 2005: On October 26, 2005, Croatian authorities confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in swans found dead in the country. This discovery raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus to humans and other animals. The government initiated measures to monitor and control the situation. source: reuters.com
- 1989: On October 26, 1989, China Airlines Flight 204, a Boeing 737, crashed into the sea near the coast of Taiwan, killing all 54 people on board. The crash was attributed to pilot error and was one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Taiwan at the time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1980: On October 26, 1980, Tanzania conducted general elections, including both presidential and National Assembly elections. The country was a one-party state at the time, with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) as the sole legal party. In the presidential election, Julius Nyerere, leader of CCM, was re-elected with 95.56% of the vote. For the National Assembly, there were two candidates from CCM in each of the 106 constituencies. Voter turnout was 86% for the presidential election and 85% for the National Assembly. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1979: On October 26, 1979, South Korean President Park Chung Hee was assassinated by Kim Jae-kyu, the head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency. This event marked a significant turning point in South Korea's political landscape, leading to a period of instability and eventual democratic reforms. Park's rule had been characterized by authoritarianism and economic development, but his assassination opened the door for political change. source: britannica.com
- 1969: WHMA-TV, later known as WJSU-TV, began its first broadcast on October 26, 1969, in Anniston, Alabama. The station initially operated as a primary CBS and secondary NBC affiliate, serving the Anniston-Gadsden area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1968: The Soyuz 3 mission, launched on October 26, 1968, successfully achieved a space rendezvous, marking a significant milestone in Soviet space exploration. The mission was notable for its docking maneuvers and the performance of cosmonaut Georgi Beregovoy. source: nasa.gov
What famous birthdays are on October 26?
On October 26th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Hillary Clinton]()
Hillary Clinton (1947)Hillary Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001, U.S. Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, the 67th U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States in 2016. [bio]
![Aaron Kwok]()
Aaron Kwok (1965)Aaron Kwok is a highly influential Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor, often recognized as one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of Cantopop. He has enjoyed a prolific career in both music and film, becoming a major figure in Asian popular culture. [bio]
![James Pickens]()
James Pickens (1954)James Pickens Jr. is an American actor best known for his long-running role as Dr. Richard Webber on the popular television medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy.' He has appeared in numerous films and television series throughout his career and is recognized for his consistent and respected work in Hollywood. [bio]
![Seth MacFarlane]()
Seth MacFarlane (1973)Seth MacFarlane is an American animator, writer, producer, actor, and singer best known as the creator of the animated television series 'Family Guy', 'American Dad!', and 'The Orville'. [bio]
![Cary Elwes]()
Cary Elwes (1962)Cary Elwes is an English actor and writer best known for his leading roles in iconic films such as 'The Princess Bride,' 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights,' and the 'Saw' film series. With a career spanning decades, he has become a recognizable figure in both film and television. [bio]
![Jaclyn Smith]()
Jaclyn Smith (1945)Jaclyn Smith is an American actress and businesswoman, best known for her role as Kelly Garrett in the television series 'Charlie's Angels' (1976–1981). She has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur in the fashion and home furnishings industries. [bio]
![Bob Hoskins]()
Bob Hoskins (1942)Bob Hoskins was an acclaimed English actor known for his distinctive voice and versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. He gained international recognition for his performances in films such as 'The Long Good Friday,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit.' [bio]
![Raveena Tandon]()
Raveena Tandon (1974)Raveena Tandon is an acclaimed Indian actress and producer who rose to prominence in the 1990s and is known for her roles in Bollywood films. She has received critical and commercial acclaim for her work in Hindi cinema and has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award and Filmfare Awards. [bio]
![Natalie Merchant]()
Natalie Merchant (1963)Natalie Merchant is an American singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead vocalist for the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and for her successful solo career. Her expressive vocals, poetic songwriting, and advocacy for social causes have made her a respected figure in contemporary music. [bio]
![Dylan McDermott]()
Dylan McDermott (1961)Dylan McDermott is an American actor best known for his starring role as lawyer Bobby Donnell in the legal drama series 'The Practice.' He has appeared in numerous other television shows and films, establishing a reputation for his dramatic roles and charismatic screen presence. [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 October 26?
On October 26th the following celebrities died:
![Alma Cogan]()
Alma Cogan (1966)Alma Cogan was an English singer known for her effervescent personality and distinctive voice, earning her the nickname 'The Girl with the Laugh in Her Voice.' She was one of the most successful female vocalists in the UK during the 1950s and early 1960s, with several chart-topping hits. [bio]
![Hoyt Axton]()
Hoyt Axton (1999)Hoyt Axton was an American folk music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor known for his deep voice and influence on both country and pop music from the 1960s through the 1980s. He wrote several songs that became hits for other artists, including 'Joy to the World' and 'Never Been to Spain.' [bio]
![Delmar Watson]()
Delmar Watson (2008)Delmar Watson was a child actor known for his roles in classic films like 'Gone with the Wind'.
![Hattie McDaniel]()
![Elizabeth Cady Stanton]()
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1902)A leading figure of the American women's rights movement, co-founder of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
![Park Chung Hee]()
Park Chung Hee (1979)Influential South Korean military officer and politician who served as the third president of South Korea from 1963 to 1979.
![Arthur Kornberg]()
Arthur Kornberg (2007)Renowned American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his discovery of the mechanisms of DNA...
![Roh Tae-woo]()
Roh Tae-woo (2021)South Korean general and politician who served as the 6th President of South Korea from 1988 to 1993, playing a significant role in the...
![Charles J. Pedersen]()
![Sybil Leek]()
Sybil Leek (1982)Renowned British witch, astrologer, and author who popularized modern witchcraft and became a prominent figure in the occult community...
What day of the year is October 26?
October 26th marks the 299th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 300th in case of leap years).
There are 66 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 26th is the 26th day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 26?
On October 26th, 2026 the day of the week is Monday.
| October | 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 October 26?
The zodiac sign associated with October 26th is Scorpio according to the Western Zodiac.
