May 26

Jack Kevorkian (May 26, 1928 – June 3, 2011) was an American pathologist and author. Nicknamed "Dr. Death", he became a controversial advocate for physician-assisted suicide. Kevorkian developed early euthanasia devices and claimed responsibility for aiding hundreds of terminally ill patients. In 1999, he was convicted of second-degree murder for administering lethal injections. He served eight years in prison before returning to writing and public speaking. His activism sparked ongoing debates about medical ethics and end-of-life rights.

Aldrich Ames was born on May 26, 1941, and joined the CIA where he served in key Cold War operations. Beginning in 1985, he sold U.S. intelligence secrets to the KGB for cash and lavish gifts, compromising dozens of agents. His espionage activities remained undetected for nearly a decade, becoming one of the most damaging breaches in CIA history. Ames was arrested in 1994 and pled guilty to charges of espionage in exchange for a life sentence without parole. His case led to major reforms within the U.S. intelligence community and exposed vulnerabilities in counterintelligence procedures.

Cliff Drysdale was born on May 26, 1941, in Nelspruit, South Africa. He rose through the amateur ranks to become one of the world’s top tennis players in the 1960s, achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 4. Drysdale reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and won multiple international titles. After retiring from professional play, he co-founded the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) to support players’ interests. He built a second career as a respected sportscaster, providing commentary for ESPN for decades. Drysdale was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. His contributions both on and off the court have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Erica Terpstra was born on May 26, 1943, in The Hague, Netherlands. As a freestyle swimmer, she won a silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics and a gold at the 1962 European Championships. After retiring from sports, she became a journalist and television presenter for NOS. Entering politics in 1982, Terpstra served as a Member of the House of Representatives for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). She was State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sport from 1986 to 1989 and became Speaker of the House from 2002 to 2006. Known for her lively personality and advocacy for sports and culture, she has remained an influential public figure in the Netherlands.

Phil Edmonston was born on May 26, 1944, in Washington, D.C., and later became a Canadian citizen. He founded the Automobile Protection Association in 1969 to advocate for consumers against unfair automotive practices. Edmonston authored the popular 'Lemon-Aid' series, offering drivers independent reviews and repair advice. In 1990, he entered politics as a member of the New Democratic Party and was elected Member of Parliament for Chambly in Quebec. He served from 1990 to 1993, where he continued his consumer advocacy on a legislative level. After his political career, he returned to writing and lecturing on consumer rights until his passing in 2022.

Sam Posey was born on May 26, 1944, in New York City. He began his racing career in Formula Ford and quickly moved into Formula 5000 and sports car competition. Posey earned victories at prestigious events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and competed at Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. Known for his analytical mind, he transitioned into journalism and broadcast commentary, working for NBC and ESPN. He authored articles for major automotive magazines, sharing insights into racing technology and history. Posey’s contributions as both driver and commentator have made him a respected figure in motorsport circles.

Born in Lancashire in 1956, Fiona Shackleton was called to the Bar in 1985 and joined Payne Hicks Beach. She earned the nickname "the Queen of the Divorce" for her skill in family law negotiations. Shackleton has represented members of the British royal family and leading public figures. Her discretion, strategic acumen, and courtroom expertise have set industry standards. She leads the family law department at her firm and advises on complex financial settlements. Beyond practice, she lectures on legal ethics and has influenced reforms in family law.

Tarsem Singh (born May 26, 1961) is an Indian-American director, producer, and screenwriter. He began his career directing award-winning commercials and music videos. Singh made his feature film debut with the cult classic 'The Cell' (2000), showcasing his unique visual style. He continued to receive acclaim for 'The Fall' (2006) and later directed 'Immortals' (2011). Known for blending surreal imagery with narrative storytelling, he has left a distinct mark on cinema.

Mika Yamamoto was a Japanese journalist and war correspondent. She reported from conflict zones including Iraq, Palestine, and Syria, covering human rights issues. Yamamoto worked for NHK and Asahi Shimbun, producing documentaries and frontline reports. In 2012, she was tragically killed while covering the civil war in Aleppo, Syria. Known for her dedication to frontline journalism, she highlighted civilian suffering. Her colleagues honored her with posthumous awards for bravery in reporting. Yamamoto's legacy continues to inspire journalists committed to bearing witness in dangerous regions.