MAY 25 | Birthdays and Events
Famous Birthdays
People born on May 25
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Died: April 27, 1882
Considered one of the most prolific poets of all time. His essays and lectures explored themes like freedom, individuality, and the inner potential of humans.
Bill Robinson
Died: November 25, 1949
Actor and dancer also known as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson who was the highest paying Black actor in the first half of the 20th century.
Bennett Cerf
Died: August 27, 1971
Co-founder of Random House Publishing.
Robert Ludlum
Died: May 12, 2001
Author who wrote The Bourne Trilogy series.
Dixie Carter
Died: April 10, 2010
Actress fondly remembered for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on Designing Women.
Bob Payton
Died: July 13, 1944
American pizza magnate and founder of The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory.
Bob Gale
Died: May 20, 2026
Screenwriter who wrote the Back to the Future films.
Octavia Spencer
Actress with acclaimed roles in The Help, Hidden Figures, Ma, and Self Made.
Historical Events on May 25
Events that occurred on May 25 throughout history
Constitutional convention opens at Philadelphia.
George Washington presides over the first Constitutional convention at Philadelphia.
The first telegraphed news dispatch is published.
The first telegraphed news dispatch is published in Baltimore Patriot. Sent by inventor Samuel Morse, the message reported a U.S. House of Representatives vote rejecting a proposal to debate the formation of the Oregon Territory.
Babe Ruth suspended for throwing dirt on an umpire.
Babe Ruth gets suspended for 1 day and fined $200 for throwing dirt on an umpire.
Henry Ford announces that he is ending production of the Model T Ford.
Henry Ford announces that he is ending production of the Model T Ford. The Model T had become obsolete compared to competitors like Chevrolet, which offered more power, smoother rides, and stylish designs.
Jesse Owens equals or breaks four world records in 45 minutes at a Big Ten meet.
Athlete Jesse Owens equals or breaks four world records in 45 minutes at a Big Ten meet at Ferry Field in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The event is remembered as "the greatest 45 minutes ever in sport".
The first airmail letter to circle globe returns to New York.
The first airmail letter to circle globe returns to New York.
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel opens in New York City.
The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel opens in New York City.
The first atomic cannon is electrically fired.
The first atomic cannon electronically fired at Frenchman Flat, Nevada
The Supreme Court rules closing schools to avoid desegregation is unconstitutional.
US Supreme Court rules closing schools to avoid desegregation is unconstitutional. This ruling marked the first time the Supreme Court ordered a local county government to exercise its power of taxation to fund schools and ensure constitutional compliance.