The last words of the most famous people in history are sometimes poignant, often revealing - and occasionally humorous.
- Astor, Lady Nancy Witcher Langhorne (1879-1964) Legendary champion of women's and children's rights, American Nancy Witcher Langhorne immigrated to England in 1903 where she married Waldorf Astor, the son of a wealthy American-born British Lord. As the first female member of British Parliament, Lady Astor was a woman of great intellect and wit. At the time of her death, she awoke momentarily to find her family standing by her bedside and quipped, "Am I dying or is this my birthday?"
- Chaplin, Charles (1889-1977) Fondly remembered for his silent pictures Charlie Chaplin was one of the worlds' greatest comedians. At the time of his death, a priest was summoned to read the last rites, and said to Chaplin, "May the Lord have mercy on your soul," to which Chaplin replied, "Why not? After all, it belongs to him."
- Dean, James (1931-1955) After filming wrapped for Giant, Dean and a stuntmen were on their way to attend a race meet in Salina’s, California. Two hours after receiving a speeding ticket, they saw a car turn onto the road on which they were travelling and Dean remarked, "That guy's got to stop. . . . He'll see us."
- Edison, Thomas A. (1847-1931) Stricken with pneumonia and drifting in and out of consciousness on his deathbed, Edison’s wife Mina asked him if he was suffering. He looked out the window and replied, “No, just waiting. "It's very beautiful over there."
- Fairbanks, Douglas, Sr. (1883-1939) The early Hollywood star had not been well for some time, when he was prescribed complete bed rest by a doctor after complaining of severe arm and chest pain. After sleeping for most of the day, Fairbanks awoke in the afternoon. His nurse enquired as to how he was feeling. Smiling he responded, "Never felt better." Fairbanks died later that night.
- Hilton, Conrad N. (1887-1979) When asked for some words of wisdom as he lay on his deathbed, the international hotel mogul answered, "Leave the shower curtain on the inside of the tub."
- Hubbock, Chris (1944-1974) "And now, in keeping with Channel 40's policy of always bringing you the latest in blood and guts, in living color, you're about to see another first--an attempted suicide." Depressed 1970’s American newsreader, Chris Hubbock, moments before pulling a pistol and shooting herself in the head on live TV.
- Ibsen, Henrik (1828-1906) After suffering a stroke, the Norwegian playwright spent his last few years in bed. Upon receiving a visitor, Ibsen overheard his nurse remarking that he was feeling better. "On the contrary," said Ibsen, and died.
- Kelly, Ned (1854-1880) The Australian folk hero and bushranger legend was executed for highway robbery in 1880. As the hangmen placed the hood over his head he remarked, "I suppose it had to come to this. Such is life."
- Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963) The assassinated 35th president of the United States was riding in a motorcade through the streets of Dallas as part of his upcoming election campaign. As the people waved and cheered watching the procession as it passed, the Texas governor's wife said, "Mr. President, you can't say that Dallas doesn't love you", to which Kennedy responded "That's obvious," as the first bullet struck him in the head.
- Marx, Karl (1818-1883) "Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven't said enough!" The German economist, philosopher, and revolutionary responding to his housekeeper when asked if he had any last words.
- Nostradamus (Michel de Notre Dame) 1503-1566 On the evening before his death, Nostradamus' assistant saw him at his bench and said goodnight, saying "Tomorrow, master?" Nostradamus replied, "Tomorrow, I shall no longer be here." His assistant left and upon returning the next morning, found Nostradamus dead and a note on the desk: "Upon the return of the Embassy, the King's gift put in place. Nothing more will be done. He will have gone to God's nearest relatives, friends, blood brothers. Found quite dead near bed and bench."
- Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973) "Drink to me!" Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramist, who developed Cubism, the influential modern painting style.
- Pompadour, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Marquise d'Etoiles (1721-1764) "Wait a second." Madame de Pompadour was a lady of the French court, mistress to Louis XV, and a great authority on French politics of the mid-18th century. As she died, Madame de Pompadour called on God to "Wait a second," then hurriedly applied some rouge to her cheeks.
- Reeves, George "Superman" (1914-1959) "I'm tired. I'm going back to bed." George Reeves was an American actor most famous for playing Superman on the classic 1950's television series. Despite his success, Reeves was depressed due to the fact of being so typecast in his Superman role that he couldn't find work after the series finished in 1957. One evening two friends came to his home to see him. Reeves was irritated at having been awoken, telling his guests he was going back to bed. He went into his bedroom and shot himself in the head.
- Saroyan, William (1908-1981) Ever the optimist, the Pulitzer Prize winning writer announced, "Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. Now what?" .
- Socrates (469-399 B.C.) "Crito, I owe a cock to Asclepius. Will you remember to pay the debt?" The Greek philosopher after being sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.
- Vega Carpio, Lope Felix de (1562-1635) The great Spanish playwright on his deathbed made the admission "All right, then, I'll say it, Dante makes me sick."
- Villa, Francisco "Pancho" (Doroteo Arango) (1878-1923) "Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something!" The Mexican outlaw and revolutionary, making his final request to newspaper reporters as he lay dying.
- Voltaire (1694-1778) A priest was summoned as the French essayist and philosopher lay on his deathbed. The priest asked that Voltaire renounce Satan, to which he responded, "Now, now my dear man, this is no time to make new enemies."
The copyright of the article Famous Last Words in Historical Resources is owned by Kym Hills. Permission to republish Famous Last Words in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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