Famous Last Words from 17 Iconic People
Updated: Aug. 16, 2018These people had it all figured out.
George Orwell
“At fifty, everyone has the face he deserves.”
—George Orwell, writer, on January 21, 1950. It’s only fitting that one of the world’s greatest writers had famous last words.
William Henry Seward
“Nothing, only ‘love one another.'”
—William Henry Seward, U.S. Secretary of State.
Leonardo da Vinci
“I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
—Leonardo da Vinci, artist, on May 2, 1519.
Donald O’Connor
“I’d like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get.”
—Donald O’Connor, performer, on September 27, 2003. For more famous last words, check out these funny last words of notable people.
Dominique Bouhours
“I am about to—or I am going to—die. Either expression is correct.”
—Dominique Boubours, French grammarian, on May 27, 1702. Read more word-nerd one-liners with these best grammar jokes of all time.
Maude Adams
“Life is still full of joy. Thumbs up for joy and adventure.”
—Maude Adams, actress, on July 17, 1953. Like many famous last words, these powerful quotes will fill you with hope.
Moe Berg
“How did the Mets do today?”
—Morris (Moe) Berg, baseball player, on May 29, 1972
William Saroyan
“Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. What now?”
—William Saroyan, American novelist, on May 1981. Get more laughs in with these 50 short jokes anyone can remember.
Raphael
“Happy.”
—Raphael, Italian artist
Leonard Nimoy
“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP [live long and prosper].”
—Leonard Nimoy, actor, in his final tweet in 2015
Vic Morrow
“I should have asked for a stunt double!”
—Vic Morrow, American actor, on July 23, 1982. Here are 20 more funny phrases that are worth memorizing.
Bat Masterson
“We all get the same amount of ice. The rich get it in the summer. The poor get it in the winter.”
—Bat Masterson, gunfighter, on October 25, 1921
Louis XVIII
“A King should die standing.”
—Louis XVII, King of France, on September 16, 1824
Billie Holiday
“Don’t be in such a hurry.”
—Billie Holiday, musical artist, on July 17, 1959. Don’t miss these moving quotes that will inspire you to dream big.
Ian Fleming
“I am sorry to trouble you chaps. I don’t know how you get along so fast with the traffic on the roads these days.”
—Ian Fleming, English author, to ambulance drivers in Canterbury, Kent, England, on August 11, 1964
W.C. Fields
“I’m looking for loopholes.”
—W.C. Fields, comedian, when asked why he was reading the Bible on his deathbed. For more quotes that will inspire you to live your best life, check out these 17 uplifting quotes that will stay with you.