The 26th of May has seen the passing of numerous notable individuals across various fields. This article pays tribute to several celebrities who left a lasting impact on the world and died on this date. Their contributions span the arts, sports, science, politics, and entertainment, reflecting the diverse ways in which they touched our lives.
1. John Severson
Date of Death: May 26, 2017
John Severson was a pioneering figure in the world of surfing. Born on December 12, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Severson was instrumental in shaping the surf culture we know today. He founded Surfer magazine in 1960, which became the bible of the surfing community. The magazine didn’t just cover the sport; it celebrated the lifestyle, the art, and the philosophy behind surfing.
Severson was also an accomplished filmmaker and artist. His films, such as *Surf Safari* (1959) and *Big Wednesday* (1961), captured the essence of surfing and introduced it to a broader audience. His art, often featured in his magazine, depicted the vibrant, carefree spirit of the surf culture. Severson’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his contributions continuing to inspire new generations of surfers and artists.
2. Zbigniew Brzezinski
Date of Death: May 26, 2017
Zbigniew Brzezinski, born on March 28, 1928, in Warsaw, Poland, was a prominent political scientist and statesman. He served as the United States National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Brzezinski was a key architect of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, playing a crucial role in the normalization of relations with China and the brokering of the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
A prolific author, Brzezinski wrote extensively on international relations and political theory. His works, such as *The Grand Chessboard* (1997), have been influential in the field of geopolitics. Brzezinski’s strategic mind and deep understanding of global affairs made him a respected figure in both academic and political circles.
3. Alan Bean
Date of Death: May 26, 2018
Alan Bean, born on March 15, 1932, in Wheeler, Texas, was an American naval officer, aviator, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut. He was the fourth person to walk on the Moon, as the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 12, the second manned mission to land on the Moon, in November 1969. Bean spent 31 hours on the lunar surface, collecting samples and conducting experiments.
After his NASA career, Bean pursued his passion for art. He used his experiences as an astronaut to create paintings that depicted the lunar landscape and space exploration. His unique perspective and artistic talent allowed him to share the wonders of space with the world. Bean’s contributions to space exploration and his artistic legacy continue to inspire awe and wonder.
4. Ted [Samuel Frederick] Dabney
Date of Death: May 26, 2018
Ted Dabney, born Samuel Frederick Dabney Jr. on May 2, 1937, in San Francisco, California, was a pioneering figure in the video game industry. He co-founded Atari, Inc. with Nolan Bushnell in 1972, a company that would become synonymous with the golden age of arcade games. Dabney played a key role in the development of *Pong*, one of the first commercially successful video games.
Dabney’s contributions to the video game industry were foundational. His work on early arcade games laid the groundwork for the modern gaming industry. Despite leaving Atari in the mid-1970s, Dabney’s influence remained, and his pioneering spirit is remembered by gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
5. Bart Starr
Date of Death: May 26, 2019
Bart Starr, born Bryan Bartlett Starr on January 9, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama, was an iconic American football player and coach. As the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Starr led his team to five NFL championships in the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls. He was named the MVP of both Super Bowl I and II.
Starr’s leadership on the field was matched by his character off it. He was known for his humility, work ethic, and sportsmanship. After retiring as a player, Starr went on to coach the Packers and remained a beloved figure in the sports community. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history endures.
6. Richard Herd
Date of Death: May 26, 2020
Richard Herd, born on September 26, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a versatile American actor with a career spanning over five decades. He was best known for his roles in television series such as Seinfeld, where he played Mr. Wilhelm, and *V*, where he portrayed John, the Visitors’ leader.
Herd’s film credits included roles in All the President’s Men (1976), The China Syndrome (1979), and Get Out (2017). His ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters made him a respected figure in Hollywood. Herd’s contributions to film and television left a lasting impact on the industry and audiences alike.
7. Stanley Ho
Date of Death: May 26, 2020
Stanley Ho, born Ho Hung-sun on November 25, 1921, in Hong Kong, was a billionaire businessman and casino magnate. Often referred to as the “King of Gambling,” Ho played a pivotal role in transforming Macau into the “Las Vegas of the East.” He held a monopoly on the Macau gambling industry for decades, through his company SJM Holdings.
Ho’s business acumen and vision helped develop Macau into a major global gambling hub. Beyond his casinos, he was involved in various industries, including real estate, shipping, and tourism. Ho’s influence extended beyond business; he was also known for his philanthropy and contributions to the economic development of Macau.
8. Patrick Sky [Lynch]
Date of Death: May 26, 2021
Patrick Sky, born Patrick Linch on October 2, 1940, in Liveoak Gardens, Georgia, was an American folk musician and songwriter. He emerged in the 1960s folk scene, known for his poignant and sometimes politically charged songs. His debut album, *Patrick Sky* (1965), established him as a talented and influential folk artist.
Sky’s music was marked by its lyrical depth and social commentary. He was also an advocate for traditional Irish music, co-founding the Green Linnet record label to promote it. Sky’s contributions to folk music and his efforts to preserve traditional music have left a lasting legacy.
9. Tarcisio Burgnich
Date of Death: May 26, 2021
Tarcisio Burgnich, born on April 25, 1939, in Ruda, Italy, was an Italian footballer renowned for his defensive prowess. Nicknamed “The Rock,” Burgnich was a key player for Inter Milan during their dominant period in the 1960s, known as “La Grande Inter.” He also played for the Italian national team, earning 66 caps and winning the 1968 European Championship.
Burgnich’s robust defending and tactical intelligence made him one of the best defenders of his era. His contributions to Inter Milan’s success, including winning multiple Serie A titles and two European Cups, cemented his place in football history. Burgnich’s legacy continues to inspire defenders worldwide.
See also: 17 Famous People Born on May 29 You Might Not Know
10. Alan White
Date of Death: May 26, 2022
Alan White, born on June 14, 1949, in Pelton, England, was a celebrated drummer and songwriter, best known for his long tenure with the progressive rock band Yes. White joined Yes in 1972, contributing to the band’s most successful albums, including *Close to the Edge* and Tales from Topographic Oceans.
White’s dynamic drumming and musical versatility were integral to Yes’s sound. He also collaborated with other notable musicians, including John Lennon and George Harrison. White’s influence on progressive rock and his contributions to music are celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
11. Andy Fletcher
Date of Death: May 26, 2022
Andy Fletcher, born on July 8, 1961, in Nottingham, England, was a founding member and keyboardist of the iconic electronic band Depeche Mode. Fletcher, known as “Fletch,” played a crucial role in the band’s formation and success. Depeche Mode became one of the most influential bands in the synth-pop and electronic music genres.
Fletcher’s keyboard work and stage presence were essential to Depeche Mode’s sound and live performances. The band’s hits, including “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus,” are testaments to their innovative approach to music. Fletcher’s contributions to Depeche Mode’s enduring success are fondly remembered by fans worldwide.
12. Arnold Burgen
Date of Death: May 26, 2022
Arnold Burgen, born on March 20, 1922, in London, England, was a distinguished pharmacologist and academic. His pioneering research in receptor theory and his work on the mechanisms of drug action significantly advanced the field of pharmacology. Burgen held various esteemed positions, including Director of the MRC Molecular Pharmacology Unit in Cambridge.
Burgen’s contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors. His work laid the foundation for much of modern pharmacology, influencing both research and clinical practice. Burgen’s legacy lives on through his scientific achievements and the generations of researchers he inspired.
13. Ciriaco De Mita
Date of Death: May 26, 2022
Ciriaco De Mita, born on February 2, 1928, in Nusco, Italy, was an influential Italian politician and statesman. He served as Prime Minister of Italy from 1988 to 1989 and was a prominent figure in the Christian Democracy party. De Mita was known for his intellectual approach to politics and his efforts to modernize the Italian political system.
Throughout his career, De Mita held various key political roles, including Minister of Industry, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Secretary of the Christian Democracy party. His contributions to Italian politics and his efforts to foster democratic principles are well remembered.
14. Ben Roberts
Date of Death: May 26, 2022
Ben Roberts, born Benjamin Eisenberg on July 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prolific American television and film writer and producer. He was best known for co-creating and writing for the long-running police procedural series *Charlie’s Angels* (1976-1981). Roberts’s work on *Charlie’s Angels* helped define the genre and contributed to the show’s enduring popularity.
In addition to *Charlie’s Angels*, Roberts worked on various other television series and films, showcasing his talent for storytelling and character development. His contributions to television have left a lasting impact on the industry and audiences.
See also: 23 famous people you may not have known died on May 29
15. Jack Vance
Date of Death: May 26, 2013
Jack Vance, born John Holbrook Vance on August 28, 1916, in San Francisco, California, was a celebrated American author of fantasy, science fiction, and mystery. Vance’s richly imaginative worlds and intricate plots made him a beloved figure in speculative fiction. His notable works include the *Dying Earth* series and The Demon Princes series.
Vance’s writing was characterized by its lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and unique blend of humor and darkness. He won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. Vance’s influence on the genres of science fiction and fantasy is profound, with many contemporary authors citing him as an inspiration.
16. Didymos I
Date of Death: May 26, 2014
Didymos I, born Cyril Paul on October 29, 1921, in Thuruthikkara, India, was the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Serving from 2005 to 2010, Didymos I was known for his spiritual leadership and efforts to promote unity within the Christian community.
Didymos I’s tenure was marked by his dedication to religious education and social service. He established numerous educational institutions and charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to both faith and humanitarian efforts. His legacy continues through the institutions he founded and the lives he touched.
17. Manuel Uribe Garza
Date of Death: May 26, 2014
Manuel Uribe Garza, born on June 11, 1965, in Monterrey, Mexico, was once considered the world’s heaviest man. At his peak weight of around 1,320 pounds (598 kg), Uribe’s story garnered international attention. Despite his struggles with obesity, he became a symbol of hope and resilience.
Uribe’s journey to lose weight was documented by media worldwide, highlighting his determination and the medical challenges he faced. By the time of his death, he had lost significant weight and inspired many with his story of perseverance. Uribe’s legacy is a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome immense obstacles.
In conclusion, the 26th of May has seen the loss of many influential figures, each leaving behind a legacy in their respective fields. From the world of sports, music, and entertainment to science, politics, and religion, their contributions have shaped our world in countless ways. Their lives and achievements continue to inspire and impact us, even after their passing.