Famous people born on June 26th
June 26 brings together an unusually wide-ranging set of birthdays, spanning foundational science, modern pop culture, and public life. The date links pioneers who reshaped how we measure the world with performers and athletes who defined generations of entertainment. From Enlightenment-era statesmen to contemporary film and music stars, the lineup shows both depth and variety across centuries.
Notable highlights
- Lord Kelvin (1824) - Gave his name to the absolute temperature scale, shaping modern thermodynamics and precision measurement.
- Virginia Satir (1916) - A foundational figure in family therapy, known for practical communication tools that influenced counseling worldwide.
- Bill Lear (1902) - Prolific inventor whose innovations in avionics helped modernize navigation and business aviation.
- John Langdon (1741) - Early U.S. leader who served as a key figure in New Hampshire politics during the nation’s founding era.
- Paul Thomas Anderson (1970) - Director celebrated for ambitious character-driven films and distinctive long takes and ensemble storytelling.
- Derek Jeter (1974) - New York Yankees icon whose postseason performances helped define an era of MLB championship runs.
- Ariana Grande (1993) - Pop and R&B powerhouse known for a wide vocal range and chart-dominating singles and albums.
- Sean Hayes (1970) - Emmy-winning actor recognized for sharp comedic timing and scene-stealing television performances.
- Colin Greenwood (1969) - Bassist for Radiohead, anchoring the band’s rhythm section through decades of stylistic reinvention.
- Greg LeMond (1961) - Trailblazing American cyclist who brought new prominence to U.S. riders in the sport’s biggest races.
On this day
- 1945 - The United Nations Charter is signed in San Francisco, creating the framework for the postwar international organization.
- 1974 - The U.S. Supreme Court orders President Nixon to turn over White House tapes in United States v. Nixon.
- 1977 - Elvis Presley performs his final concert, concluding a defining career in modern popular music.
- 2015 - The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide in Obergefell v. Hodges.