May 26 birthdays and deaths:

Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta, born on December 18, 1954, is a renowned American actor known for his versatility and range. He gained fame for his iconic roles in "Goodfellas" (1990), "Field of Dreams" (1989), and "Blow" (2001), showcasing his talent in various genres from drama to comedy.

Deathyear: 2022

Edmund I

Edmund I, son of Edgar the Peaceful, ruled England from 939 to 946. Despite facing Viking invasions, he maintained control over most of England. He died in 946, allegedly murdered by Peverel, a loyal thane who claimed Edmund's affections for his wife had gone unrequited.

Deathyear: 946

Andy Fletcher (musician)

Andy Fletcher, also known as "Fletch," was a British musician, best known as the keyboardist and founding member of the electronic music duo Depeche Mode.

Deathyear: 2022

Martin Heidegger

Martin Heidegger, a prominent German philosopher, explored the human condition and existence in his works. He emphasized being and temporality, influencing existentialism and phenomenology. His famous book "Being and Time" (1927) is considered a landmark in modern philosophy.

Deathyear: 1976

Sydney Pollack

Sydney Pollack was a renowned American film director, producer, and actor with a career spanning over six decades. Born in 1934, Pollack directed iconic films like "Tootsie," "Out of Africa," and "The Way We Were."

Deathyear: 2008

Edsel Ford

Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford, served as president of the Ford Motor Company from 1919 to 1943. He played a significant role in the company's success, expanding its operations and introducing new models, including the Lincoln model.

Deathyear: 1943

Eddie Albert

Eddie Albert was a talented American actor, born on April 22, 1906, in Rock Island, Illinois. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular sitcom "Green Acres" and the Oscar-nominated film "Roman Holiday." He passed away on May 26, 2005, at the age of 99.

Deathyear: 2005

Zbigniew Brzezinski

Zbigniew Brzezinski, born in Poland in 1928, was a prominent American politician and scholar. He served as National Security Adviser under President Jimmy Carter from 1977-1981, known for his efforts to resolve the Iran hostage crisis and his hawkish stance on Soviet foreign policy.

Deathyear: 2017

Bayezid II

Bayezid II, the 7th Ottoman sultan, ruled from 1481 to 1512, granting the Ottomans stability and prosperity after his father's tumultuous reign. He strengthened the empire's economy and military, while also persecuting Byzantine Orthodox Greeks and Jewish populations.

Deathyear: 1512

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a controversial Indian religious leader, founded the Ahmadiyya movement in 1889. Born in 1835, he claimed to be the messiah and revived the message of Islam. He was a prolific writer and introduced the concept of the "Promised Messiah."

Deathyear: 1908

Bede

Bede (673-735 AD) was an English monk, historian, and theologian. He wrote extensively on scripture, history, and science. His "Ecclesiastical History" remains a vital source on early Christianity.

Deathyear: 735

Samuel Pepys

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) was an English administrator and Member of Parliament who served as Secretary to the Admiralty from 1660 to 1689. He is best known for his daily diary, which provides a unique and intimate account of life in 17th-century England.

Deathyear: 1703

Alan White (Yes drummer)

Alan White, renowned English drummer, is best known for his work with Yes, playing on iconic albums like 'Close to the Edge' and '90125.' With his distinctive style and precision, he's considered one of the most influential drummers in progressive rock history.

Deathyear: 2022

Mehmed I

Mehmed I, known as "Clever" or "The Conqueror", was the Ottoman Sultan from 1413-1421. He solidified Ottoman hold on Rumelia, captured Thessaloniki, and laid the foundation for Ottoman expansion into Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Deathyear: 1421

Anne Haney

Anne Haney was an American actress born in 1934. With a career spanning multiple decades, she appeared in various TV shows and films, often playing memorable characters. Her notable roles include the TV series "Picket Fences" and the film "Dumb and Dumber."

Deathyear: 2001

Augustine of Canterbury

Augustine of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk and Archbishop of Canterbury who introduced Christianity to England in the 6th century. He was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to convert the Anglo-Saxons and worked tirelessly to spread Christianity throughout the land.

Deathyear: 604

Jimmie Rodgers

Jimmie Rodgers, known as the "Father of Country Music," was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born on September 8, 1897, in Meridian, Mississippi, he blended blues and folk to create a unique sound that would influence generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 1933

Don Revie

Don Revie was a decorated English footballer and manager, playing for Manchester United and Leeds United as a defender. He then managed Leeds United, leading the team to numerous titles, and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Deathyear: 1989

George Brent

George Brent was a renowned Irish-American actor, born in 1904. With over 100 film credits, he charmed audiences in over 100 films, often playing romantic leads. His most notable roles include "This Is My Life" and "Jezebel," earning him the title of "King of the Warner Bros. Studios."

Deathyear: 1979

Art Linkletter

Art Linkletter was a beloved Canadian-American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the popular variety show "House Party" and his gentle humor. Born in 1912 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, Linkletter entertained generations with his warm wit and charisma.

Deathyear: 2010

Jacob Riis

Jacob August Riis was a Danish-American journalist, photographer, and reformer who exposed the harsh conditions faced by New York City's poor. His investigative reporting and photographic essays, like "How the Other Half Lives" (1890), helped drive social reform and improve public housing.

Deathyear: 1914

Alberto Ascari

Alberto Ascari was an Italian racing driver who won seven Grand Prix races and two Formula One World Championships in 1952 and 1953. He was also a decorated World War II pilot and a member of the Ascari racing family.

Deathyear: 1955

Friz Freleng

Friz Freleng (1906-1995) was a renowned American animator, director, and producer. Known for creating beloved Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird, Freleng directed over 300 cartoons and won numerous awards, cementing his place as one of the most iconic animation masters of his time.

Deathyear: 1995

Ali al-Rida

Ali al-Ridha, the 8th Imam of the Twelve Imams, was a renowned Islamic scholar and physician who was known for his extensive knowledge of medicine and his opposition to the Abbasid Caliphate. He was martyred in his early 30s and is revered as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Deathyear: 818

Jack Vance

Jack Vance was a renowned American author, born in 1916, known for his imaginative and detailed stories.

Deathyear: 2013

Emir Abdelkader

Abdelkader El Djezairi, a leader of the Mediterranean coast, ruled the Kabyle territories in Algeria from 1830-1847. He led a resistance against French colonization, earning him a heroic reputation. Despite defeats, El Djezairi remained unyielding in his defense of Algerian independence.

Deathyear: 1883

Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly

Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly was a Russian field marshal and politician who served as Governor-General of Finland from 1819 to 1823. He played a key role in the Napoleonic Wars and later served as the War Minister of Russia from 1810 to 1812.

Deathyear: 1818

Christian Wirth

Christian Wirth was a German SS officer born in 1885. He was known for his brutality and served as the commandant of the Hartheim Euthanasia Centre, where thousands of mentally and physically disabled individuals were systematically murdered during the Nazi regime.

Deathyear: 1944

Zeb-un-Nissa

Zeb-un-Nissa, daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was a renowned poet, writer, and princess. Born in 1638, she was a patron of the arts and a prolific writer of ghazals and masnavis, showcasing her skill and talent in Urdu and Persian poetry.

Deathyear: 1702

Prem Tinsulanonda

Prem Tinsulanonda, Thailand's former Prime Minister (1980-1988), was a veteran politician and Army general. He served as Prime Minister during Thailand's transition to democracy and played a key role in shaping the country's politics and economy.

Deathyear: 2019

Allan Lockheed

Allan Haines Loughead, a pioneer in aviation, co-founded the Lockheed Corporation in 1926. Born in 1889, Loughead's innovations in aircraft design and manufacturing revolutionized the industry. He played a crucial role in shaping the aerospace sector, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of flight.

Deathyear: 1969

Sonny Sharrock

Sonny Sharrock was an American guitarist and composer, born in 1940. He was a prominent figure in the free jazz movement, known for his intense and expressive playing style.

Deathyear: 1994

Robert Filmer

Robert Filmer, an English theorist and author, was born in 1588. He was known for his writings on politics and governance, particularly his support for absolute monarchy.

Deathyear: 1653

Victor Herbert

Victor Herbert was a renowned Irish-American cellist, composer, and conductor. He co-founded the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1914. Born in 1859, Herbert was a prominent figure in the music world, known for his operas, waltzes, and orchestral works.

Deathyear: 1924

Almon Brown Strowger

Almon Brown Strowger, an American soldier and inventor, was born in 1839. He developed the first automated telephone switching system in the late 19th century, revolutionizing communication. Strowger's invention enabled direct dialing and facilitated long-distance calls, transforming the telephone industry.

Deathyear: 1902

Sidney Smith (Royal Navy officer)

Here is a 40-word biography of Sidney Smith, English admiral and politician: Sidney Smith (1764-1840) was a British admiral and politician who played a key role in the Napoleonic Wars. He commanded several ships and played a key role in the Battle of Trafalgar and the capture of the French fleet in the Baltic Sea.

Deathyear: 1840