May 27

François Ravaillac (1578–1610) was a French religious extremist driven by fervent Catholic beliefs. Convinced that King Henry IV threatened the Catholic Church, he plotted to kill the monarch. On May 14, 1610, Ravaillac stabbed Henry IV to death in his carriage in Paris, plunging France into renewed religious and political turmoil. Captured immediately, he underwent a sensational trial where his fanaticism was laid bare. Condemned for regicide and heresy, he was executed by drawing and quartering. Ravaillac’s act of violence remains one of the most notorious assassinations in French history, illustrating the deadly intersection of faith and politics.

Françoise-Athénaïs, Marquise de Montespan, was born in 1640 into a noble French family. She became the most celebrated mistress of King Louis XIV, wielding significant influence at court. Known for her intelligence, charm, and political savvy, she shaped royal patronage and etiquette. Her lavish lifestyle and patronage of the arts sparked both admiration and scandal in Versailles. Despite falling from favor, her legacy endures in memorable memoirs and portraits. She passed away on May 27, 1707, remembered as a defining figure of Louis XIV's reign.

François-Noël Babeuf, born in 1760 in Saint-Quentin, France, was a revolutionary journalist. He edited radical newspapers advocating equality and abolition of private property. Known as 'Gracchus Babeuf', he led the Conspiracy of Equals after the French Revolution. His ideas on communal ownership influenced 19th-century socialist and communist movements. Babeuf was tried and executed for treason on May 27, 1797. His martyrdom cemented his reputation as a pioneer of social justice and radical thought.

Giorgos Tzifos was a Greek actor and cinematographer whose work spanned stage and film from the 1940s through the 1970s. He appeared in numerous classic Greek films, earning praise for his emotional range and screen presence. Later in his career, he worked behind the camera as a cinematographer, contributing to the visual style of Greek cinema. His technical skill and artistic eye helped shape the aesthetics of post-war Greek film. Tzifos's dual talents as performer and filmmaker left a lasting mark on his nation's cultural heritage. He died on May 27, 1986.

Rob Borsellino was an American journalist and columnist celebrated for his human-interest stories in the Chicago Tribune. Born in 1949, he began his career covering local news before becoming a beloved voice on community issues. His columns blended humor, empathy, and social commentary, resonating with readers across the Midwest. Borsellino also wrote books and spoke publicly about his battle with bladder cancer, inspiring many with his candid reflections. His compassionate reporting and fearless honesty made him a respected figure in American journalism.

Ed Yost pioneered the modern hot air balloon by developing the propane burner system and lightweight envelope materials. On October 22, 1960, he completed the first successful free flight in a modern hot air balloon in Nebraska. Yost founded the Balloon Federation of America and served as its first president, promoting ballooning as a sport. He authored technical papers and books on balloon design and safety, shaping industry standards. His innovations revived interest in ballooning and laid the groundwork for commercial and recreational flights worldwide. Yost held numerous patents and was inducted into the U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame. He died in 2007, leaving a lasting legacy in aeronautical invention and adventure.

Mona Grey began her nursing career in London before moving to Northern Ireland in the 1950s. In 1960, she became the first Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, overseeing public health and hospital nursing services. Grey implemented new training programs, standardized nursing qualifications, and improved workforce conditions. She represented Northern Ireland at international nursing conferences and advised the World Health Organization. Her leadership helped professionalize nursing and expand community care services throughout the region. Grey received several honors for her service, including a CBE for her contributions to healthcare. She passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy of innovation in nursing administration.

Larry Kramer was born in 1935 and gained critical acclaim for his play "The Normal Heart," which highlighted the early years of the AIDS crisis. In 1982, he co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis to address the epidemic's impact on the LGBT community. Kramer later founded ACT UP, renowned for its direct-action protests that pressured governments and institutions to respond to the public health emergency. His uncompromising activism and powerful writing played a central role in raising awareness and effecting policy change. Kramer continued to write novels, essays, and plays that challenged social norms. Larry Kramer passed away in 2020, leaving an indelible mark on theater, advocacy, and public health.