Welcome to today’s edition of historical events on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. It marks the 361st day of the year, with only four days remaining.
Notable events on this day:
On Dec. 27, 1831, renowned naturalist Charles Darwin embarked on a global voyage aboard the HMS Beagle from Plymouth, England.
Other significant events on Dec. 27:
In 1904, James Barrie’s iconic play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” premiered at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.
In 1932, Radio City Music Hall in New York City opened its doors to the public.
In 1945, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was officially established with its first 29 member countries ratifying its Articles of Agreement; operations commenced in 1947.
In 1968, the Apollo 8 capsule safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding the first manned mission to orbit the moon.
In 1979, Soviet forces took control of Afghanistan, leading to the overthrow and execution of President Hafizullah Amin and his replacement by Babrak Karmal.
In 1985, American conservationist Dian Fossey, known for her study of mountain gorillas in Africa, was tragically found murdered in her cabin in Rwanda.
In 2007, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a violent attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, claiming at least 20 lives.
In 2022, Adam Fox, involved in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, was sentenced to 16 years in prison, alongside Barry Croft Jr. receiving a nearly 20-year sentence.
In 2022, state and military authorities were deployed to clear snow-clogged roads in Buffalo following a deadly storm that claimed over 30 lives in western New York.
Birthdays on Dec. 27:
- Basketball Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson turns 84 today.
- Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) celebrates his 81st birthday.
- Actor Gérard Depardieu marks his 77th birthday.
- Rock musician David Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 73 today.
- Basketball Hall of Fame coach Bill Self turns 63.
- TV journalist Savannah Guthrie celebrates her 54th birthday.
- Actor Masi Oka turns 51 today.
- Actor Aaron Stanford celebrates his 49th birthday.
- Actor Jay Ellis marks his 44th birthday.
- Olympic sprint gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates her 39th birthday.
- Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) turns 37 today.
- Country singer Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay) celebrates his 34th birthday.
- Actor Timothée Chalamet marks his 30th birthday.
- NFL quarterback Brock Purdy turns 26 today.
