May 25 birthdays and deaths:

George Floyd

George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for 9 minutes, causing his death. The incident sparked nationwide protests and calls for police reform, sparking a global conversation on racial injustice.

Deathyear: 2020

Albert S. Ruddy

Albert S. Ruddy is a renowned Canadian film producer, born in 1930. He is best known for producing the iconic TV series "The Godfather" and its sequels, as well as the films "The Natural" and "War and Remembrance".

Deathyear: 2024

Madam C. J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker was a pioneering African American entrepreneur who founded the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company in 1910. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, she revolutionized the hair care industry with her line of hair care products, becoming one of the wealthiest self-made women of her time.

Deathyear: 1919

Sunil Dutt

Sunil Dutt was a beloved Indian actor, director, producer, and politician. Born in 1929, he debuted in 1955 and went on to star in over 130 films, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He served as a Member of Parliament from 2000 to 2009.

Deathyear: 2005

Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly was a renowned American actor, comedian, and director, born on January 13, 1931. He had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, earning multiple Emmy nominations and winning one for his work on the popular TV game show "Match Game."

Deathyear: 2007

Rosa Bonheur

Rosa Bonheur, a pioneering French artist, was born in 1822. Known for her realistic animal paintings and sculptures, she became an international sensation. Her masterpiece, "The Horse Fair," showcased her unprecedented depiction of equine anatomy.

Deathyear: 1899

Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst was a renowned English musician, composer, and educator. Born in 1874, he is best known for his orchestral suite "The Planets," which explores celestial themes through complex harmonies and orchestration.

Deathyear: 1934

Witold Pilecki

Witold Pilecki, a Polish officer and Resistance leader, fought for his country's freedom from Nazi occupation. Born in 1901, he volunteered for the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1940 to gather intelligence and organize an uprising. Captured, tortured, and executed in 1948, Pilecki's bravery has become a symbol of Polish resistance.

Deathyear: 1948

John Warner

John Warner is a renowned American attorney and politician, born in 1927. He served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia (1979-2009) and held various positions, including Secretary of the Navy (1972-1974) under Presidents Nixon and Ford.

Deathyear: 2021

Vic Tayback

Vic Tayback was an American actor, born on May 6, 1930. He was best known for his role as Mel Sharples in the TV series "Alice." Tayback appeared in a range of films and TV shows, including "The Untouchables," "M*A*S*H," and "The Love Boat."

Deathyear: 1990

Claus von Bülow

Claus von Bülow is a Danish-British socialite known for his high-society life and mysterious scandals. Born in 1926, he was married to Sunny von Bülow, but was accused of trying to murder her twice through insulin overdose, and was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Deathyear: 2019

Robert Capa

Robert Capa was a renowned Hungarian photographer and journalist, born in 1913 as Endre Friedmann. Fighting as a correspondent in WWII, he captured iconic images of World War II and the Spanish Civil War, immortalizing the human cost of conflict through his poignant and powerful photography.

Deathyear: 1954

Idris of Libya

Idris of Libya, born in 1889, was a Libyan nationalist and politician who played a key role in the country's independence from Italy. He served as King of Libya from 1951 until his exile in 1969, following a military coup that overthrew his monarchy.

Deathyear: 1983

Wojciech Jaruzelski

Wojciech Jaruzelski was a Polish general and politician who served as the country's 1st President, holding office from 1989 to 1990. He played a significant role in Poland's transition to democracy, and served as the Prime Minister during the 1980s when he imposed martial law.

Deathyear: 2014

Symon Petliura

Symon Petliura was a Ukrainian politician and journalist who served as the chairman of the Directorate of Ukraine in 1919.

Deathyear: 1926

Pope Gregory VII

Pope Gregory VII, born Hildebrand of Soana, was the Bishop of Rome from 1073 to 1085. He played a central role in the Investiture Controversy, challenging secular power over the Church and advocating for clerical independence.

Deathyear: 1085

Richard M. Sherman

Richard M. Sherman, along with his brother Robert B. Sherman, composed iconic Disney songs, such as "It's a Small World" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Their music has delighted audiences for generations, earning them the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Deathyear: 2024

Ismail Merchant

Ismail Merchant was a renowned Indian-born film producer and director, known for his lyrical and poignant storytelling. He co-founded Merchant Ivory Productions with James Ivory, and their collaborations included critically acclaimed films like "A Room with a View," "Howards End," and "The Remains of the Day."

Deathyear: 2005

Mieszko I

Mieszko I, the first historical ruler of Poland, was born around 935. He united the Polish tribes and converted to Christianity in 966. He founded the Piast dynasty and expanded his kingdom, establishing trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.

Deathyear: 992

Henry Ossawa Tanner

Henry Ossawa Tanner was a celebrated painter and illustrator, born in 1859 in Pittsburgh. He studied in Philadelphia and Paris, blending African American and European influences in his work. Notable for his realistic and symbolic depictions of the human experience, Tanner's style was characterized by vivid colors and emotional power.

Deathyear: 1937

Itzhak Bentov

Itzhak Bentov was a Czech-Israeli engineer, mystic, and author born in 1923. He developed innovative technologies, including the first scramjet. Bentov's philosophical and spiritual pursuits led him to author notable books on meditation and personal growth, exploring the intersection of science and spirituality.

Deathyear: 1979

Grayson Murray

Grayson Murray is an American professional golfer born in 1993. He turned pro in 2012 and has had success on the PGA Tour, including a win at the 2016 HP Byron Nelson Classic.

Deathyear: 2024

Kaduvetti Guru

Kaduvetti Guru is a prominent Indian politician and leader of the Veera Vanniyar caste, born in 1961. He has been instrumental in promoting the interests of the Tirunelveli region and has played a key role in Tamil Nadu's politics.

Deathyear: 2018

William Paley

William Paley, a prominent English priest and philosopher, was born in 1743. He is best known for his apologetic works, particularly his book "Natural Theology," which uses analogies to argue for the existence of God.

Deathyear: 1805

Georg von Küchler

Georg von Küchler was a German field marshal born in 1881. He fought in World War I and led the German Sixth Army during the Soviet advance on Stalingrad, resulting in the disastrous defeat. He was imprisoned by the Allies after the war for his role in the atrocities he committed during his time in charge.

Deathyear: 1968

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Pedro Calderón de la Barca was a renowned Spanish playwright, poet, and playwright who wrote extensively in the 17th century. Born in 1600, he is considered one of the most important figures in Spanish Golden Age literature, known for his poetic and philosophical plays that explored themes of love, fate, and faith.

Deathyear: 1681

John Spenkelink

John Spenkelink was an American murderer who was sentenced to death in 1976 for the murder of a hitchhiker in Florida. His execution in 1979 was a significant event in the country's capital punishment debate, as it was televised live for the first time.

Deathyear: 1979

Henry II of Navarre

Henry II of Navarre, b. 1533, was a French prince and king. Born to John III of Navarre and Catherine de' Medici, he became the first Bourbon king of France in 1589, ending the Wars of Religion.

Deathyear: 1555

Krešimir Ćosić

Krešimir Ćosić, a renowned Croatian basketball player and coach, was born in 1948. He is a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer (1996) and a significant figure in Croatian basketball history. Known for his impressive skills, he participated in the 1980 Moscow Olympics and led the Yugoslavian national team to several championships.

Deathyear: 1995

Graham Kennedy

Graham Kennedy was a renowned Australian television host and actor, best known for his roles in the sitcom "The Graham Kennedy Show" and the Australian soap opera "Young Doctors". He was a beloved figure in Australian entertainment, entertaining audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2005

Pope Alexander IV

Pope Alexander IV (b. 1185) was the 180th Pope of the Catholic Church, serving from 1254 to 1261. He was a Dominican friar and was known for his role in the Condemnation of 1277, which denounced various philosophical ideas of the time.

Deathyear: 1261

Peter III of Portugal

Peter III of Portugal, born Peter of Braganza, was the youngest son of King John V and Queen Maria Anna of Austria. He reigned as King of Portugal and the Algarves from 1777 to 1786, succeeded by his sister Queen Maria I.

Deathyear: 1786

Matthew Saad Muhammad

Matthew Saad Muhammad, a highly skilled American boxer, held multiple championships, including the WBC and WBA heavyweight titles.

Deathyear: 2014

J. R. Simplot

J. R. Simplot, a pioneering entrepreneur, founded the Simplot company in 1929. Born in 1909, Simplot built a vast potato empire, innovating in processing and farming practices. His legacy spans over 90 years, leaving a lasting impact on the Idaho agricultural industry.

Deathyear: 2008