Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Famous Last Words by SerialXLain Famous Last Words. Contrary to popular belief, very few fatal injuries result in instant death. As long as you haven't been decapitated, shot in the head, or blown up, your body will take at least two minutes to fully shut down. So long as your throat is relatively intact and you can get breath enough to make sound, this gives you a chance to belt out a few parting words to your comrades or the enemy that felled you. Of course, this doesn't really work in real life, since few people (except for those expecting to die) have good last words prepared, or the energy or wherewithal to say anything as they go into shock. Ah, but this is fiction. Fictional characters who aren't killed instantly will usually have something to say. Some can pull off the Final Speech, able to utter page after profound page in their dying moments. These are usually delivered with the calm gravitas of someone who knows the end is near. In contrast, Famous Last Words are brief and often poignant: the statement said by a character who hasn't quite accepted that he's dying. These can actually be very character-defining, to the point that they represent the very climax of that character's development leaving a lasting impression on the other characters and the fans. This is difficult to write despite being just a few words. Misuse it and it can come off as cheesy. Done perfectly and it can even garner the respect of a fan that hated the character. An affectionate subversion is that a character utters what he expects will be his Famous Last Words — but survives after all. Compare Sedgwick Speech, where a character gets killed directly after his speech or one-liner, usually in an ironic fashion. See also "Facing the Bullets" One-Liner where a character says a one-liner before knowingly facing death, Pre-Mortem Catchphrase when a character's Catchphrase ends up being their last words and Dying Curse when these words are a curse. See also Dying Declaration of Love and Dying Declaration of Hate. Often a Tear Jerker. Contrast Lame Last Words, which are last words that are completely innocuous or pathetic—after all, not everybody has the right to famous last words. However, such last words can become famous last words if they are memetic enough. Some supposed Real Life final last words are fictional and were possibly concocted for ulterior motives. At the time of his death, it was widely reported in newspapers that Lou Costello's last words were "I think I'll be more comfortable", said to the nurse who was preparing to help him turn over in bed. Within months the legend arose that he died in the presence of a group of beloved friends and that his last words were "that was the best ice-cream soda I ever tasted". Whether his friends were embarrassed that he died virtually alone or whether someone meant to imply that Costello died because he was fat (he had a chronic heart valve infection) nobody knows, but the legend can be found in almost every book of famous last words. Please note: this trope is not simply for the last words a character says before their death. If Bob says "Hmm that's interesting" because he sees an eye-catching billboard while walking home, then two minutes later he gets hit by a car while crossing the street and instantly killed without saying another word, that is not sufficient to count as this trope. The trope is called Famous Last Words, not just "The Last Thing Someone Says Before Death". Massive Spoilers Within , so don't go further if you don't want them. "Famous Last Words" lyrics. Now I know That I can't make you stay But where's your heart? But where's your heart? But where's your. And I know There's nothing I can say To change that part To change that part To change. So many Bright lights, they cast a shadow But can I speak? Well is it hard understanding I'm incomplete A life that's so demanding I get so weak A love that's so demanding I can't speak. I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home. Can you see My eyes are shining bright 'Cause I'm out here On the other side Of a jet black hotel mirror And I'm so weak Is it hard understanding I'm incomplete A love that's so demanding I get weak. I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home. I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home. These bright lights have always blinded me These bright lights have always blinded me I say. I see you lying next to me With words I thought I'd never speak Awake and unafraid Asleep or dead. (How can I see, I see you lying) 'Cause I see you lying next to me (How can I see, I see you lying) With words I thought I'd never speak (How can I see, I see you lying) Awake and unafraid (How can I see, I see you lying) Asleep or dead. 'Cause I see you lying next to me With words I thought I'd never speak Awake and unafraid Asleep or dead. 'Cause I see you lying next to me With words I thought I'd never speak Awake and unafraid Asleep or dead. I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone (Or dead) Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home (Or dead) I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone (Or dead) Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home (Or dead) I am not afraid to keep on living I am not afraid to walk this world alone (Or dead) Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven Nothing you can say can stop me going home. Famous Criminals' Last Words. Some people say crazy things moments before they are executed. Here are some of the most famous and bizarre last words spoken by criminals facing their own appointment with the Grim Reaper. Ted Bundy. On the night before Ted Bundy was executed, he spent most of his time crying and praying. At 7 a.m. on January 24, 1989, Bundy was strapped into the electric chair at Starke State prison in Florida. Superintendent Tom Barton asked Bundy if he had any last words, to which he replied: He was speaking to his lawyer Jim Coleman and to Fred Lawrence, a Methodist minister who spent the evening in prayer with Bundy. Both nodded their heads. Serial killer Theodore Robert Bundy (November 24, 1946–January 24, 1989) killed a confessed 30 women during 1974 through 1979 in Washington, Utah, Colorado, and Florida. The total number of Bundy's victims is unknown but is estimated to run above 100. John Wayne Gacy. Convicted serial rapist and killer John Wayne Gacy was executed at the Stateville Penitentiary in Illinois by lethal injection just after midnight on May 10, 1994. When asked if he had any last words, Gacy snarled: John Wayne Gacy (March 17, 1942–May 10, 1994) was convicted of the rape and murder of 33 men between 1972 and his arrest in 1978. He became known as the "Killer Clown" thanks to the numerous parties he attended where he worked as a children's entertainer wearing a clown suit and full-face makeup. Timothy McVeigh. Convicted terrorist Timothy McVeigh had no final words prior to being executed by lethal injection on June 11, 2001, in Indiana. McVeigh did leave a handwritten statement that quoted a poem by British poet William Ernest Henley. The poem ends with the lines: Timothy McVeigh is best known as the Oklahoma City Bomber. He was convicted of setting off a device that killed 149 adults and 19 children at the federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 19, 1995. McVeigh admitted to investigators after his capture that he was angry at the federal government for their treatment of white separatist Randy Weaver at Ruby Ridge, Idaho in 1992 and with David Koresh and the Branch Davidians at Waco, Texas, in 1993. Gary Gilmore. Convicted murderer Gary Gilmore's final words before being put to death in Utah on January 17, 1977, by a volunteer firing squad: Then, after a black hood was placed over his head, he said, To which the Roman Catholic prison Chaplain, Reverend Thomas Meersman replied, Gary Mark Gilmore (December 4, 1940–January 17, 1977) was convicted of killing a motel manager in Provo, Utah. He was also charged with the murder of a gas station employee the day before the motel murder but was never convicted. Gilmore was the first person legally executed in the United States since 1967, ending a 10-year lapse in U.S. executions. Gilmore donated his organs and shortly after he was executed, two people received his corneas. John Spenkelink. Convicted murderer John Spenkelink's final words before being executed in the electric chair in Florida on May 25, 1979, were: John Spenkelink was a drifter who was convicted of killing a traveling companion. He claimed it was self-defense. The jury saw it otherwise. He was the first man put to be put to death in Florida after the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976. Aileen Wuornos. Convicted serial murderer Aileen Wuornos' final words before being executed by lethal injection in October 2002 in Florida: Aileen Wuornos (February 29, 1956–October 9, 2002) was born in Michigan and abandoned by her parents at an early age. By the time she was in her teens, she was working as a prostitute and robbing people to support herself. In 1989 and 1990, Wuornos shot, killed, and robbed at least six men. In January of 1991, after her fingerprints were found on evidence located by police, she was arrested and tried for her crimes. She received a total of six death sentences. Although the title wasn't accurate, Wuornos was dubbed by the press as the first female American serial killer. In the end, she fired her attorney, dropped all appeals, and asked that her execution take place as soon as possible. George Appel. Convicted murderer George Appel's final words before being executed in the electric chair in New York in 1928 for the murder of a New York City police officer were: However, depending on which account you read, it was also said that his final statement was: Jimmy Glass. Convicted murderer Jimmy Glass' final words before being electrocuted on June 12, 1987, in Louisiana, for the robbery and murder of a couple on Christmas Eve, were: Jimmy Glass is best known not for being a killer, but for being a petitioner in a Supreme Court case in 1985 in which he argued that executions by electrocution violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution as "cruel and unusual punishment." The Supreme Court did not agree. Barbara Graham. Convicted murderer Barbara "Bloody Babs" Graham's final words before being executed in the gas chamber in San Quentin were: Barbara Graham was a prostitute, drug addict, and a murderess who was executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin in 1955 along with two accomplices. Graham beat an elderly woman to death when a robbery went bad. When she was strapped into the gas chamber by Joe Ferretti, the man in charge of her execution, told her, "Now take a deep breath and it won't bother you," to which she responded, "How would you know?" After Graham's death, her life story was made into a movie called, "I Want to Live!" Susan Hayward, who starred in the film, later won an Academy Award for portrayal of Graham. 40 Funny Last Words That Are The Epitome Of Gallows Humor. Because if you can’t go out with a bang, you might as well go out with a laugh. 2. “Hey fellas! How about this for a headline for tomorrow’s paper? ‘French fries.'” — James French, convicted murderer (before his execution) 3. “What the devil do you mean to sing to me, priest? You are out of tune.” — Jean-Philippe Rameau, composer (as the priest sung hymns at his deathbed) 4. “Good. A woman who can fart is not dead.” — Louise-Marie-Thérèse de Saint Maurice, Comtesse de Vercellis (after letting one rip) 5. “I’d hate to die twice. It’s so boring.” — Richard Feynman, physicist and author. 6. “I did not get my Spaghetti-O’s; I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this.” — Thomas J. Grasso, convicted murderer (after he ate his last meal on death row) 7. “I’d like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get.” — Donald O’Connor, actor. 8. “I knew it! I knew it! Born in a hotel room and, goddamn it, dying in a hotel room.” — Eugene O’Neill, playwright (as he died in a hotel) 10. “And now for a final word from our sponsor—.” — Charles Gussman, TV announcer. 11. “Remember, Honey, don’t forget what I told you. Put in my coffin a deck of cards, a mashie niblick, and a pretty blonde.” 12. “Damn it! Don’t you dare ask God to help me!” — Joan Crawford, actress (when her housekeeper was praying) 13. “Yeah, country music.” — Buddy Rich, drummer (when asked, ““Is there anything you can’t take?” by a nurse before going into surgery) 14. “Bring me a bullet-proof vest.” — James W. Rodgers, convicted murderer (when asked if he had a last request before dying by firing squad) 15. “Surprise me.” — Bob Hope, comedian (when his wife asked him where he wanted to be buried) 16. “Thank god. I’m tired of being the funniest person in the room.” — Del Close, comedian. 18. “I’ve had 18 straight whiskeys… I think that’s the record.” — Dylan Thomas, poet. 19. “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist—” — John Sedgwick, general of the Union Army (as he was shot mid-sentence) 20. “On the contrary.” — Henrik Ibsen, playwright (after his wife said he was looking better) 21. “I should have never switched from scotch to martinis.” — Humphrey Bogart, actor. 22. “I am sorry to bother you chaps. I don’t know how you get along so fast with the traffic on the roads these days.” — Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond (while ambulance crew took him to hospital) 23. “Now is not the time for making new enemies.” — Voltaire, philosopher (after a priest asked if he wished to denounce Satan) 24. “I’m looking for loopholes.” — W.C Fields, actor (when asked why he was reading the Bible) 25. “This wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. Either it goes or I do.” — Oscar Wilde, author. 26. “Gun’s not loaded… see?” — Johnny Ace, singer (while playing with a gun backstage during a concert) 28. “Am I dying, or is this my birthday?” — Lady Nancy Astor, socialite (when she woke up and saw her family gathered around her bed) 29. “Oh, you young people act like old men. You have no fun.” — Josephine Baker, dancer (while reportedly trying to seduce a younger man) 30. “Codeine… bourbon…” — Tallulah Bankhead, actress (when asked if she wanted anything) 31. “No.” — Alexander Graham Bell, scientist (after his wife said, “Don’t leave me.”) 32. “I’m bored with it all.” — Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister. 33. “This is no way to live.” — Groucho Marx, comedian. 34. “I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles.” — Niccolo Machiavelli, Italian diplomat. 35. “Turn me over — I’m done on this side.” — Lawrence of Rome, deacon (while being burned alive as punishment) 36. “Now why did I do that?” — Sir William Erskine, 2nd Baronet (after he jumped off a balcony) 37. “Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something important.” — Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary. 38. “Oh Lord, forgive the misprints!” — Andr ew Bradford, book publisher. 40. “All right, then, I’ll say it: Dante makes me sick.” — Lope de Vega, playwright and poet. Get the best of Thought Catalog in your inbox. Sign up for the Thought Catalog Weekly and get the best stories from the week to your inbox every Friday. You may unsubscribe at any time. By subscribing, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Statement. About the author. Learn more about Thought Catalog and our writers on our about page. Related. I’ve Never Been In Control Of My Life, And It’s All Because Of A Damn Psychic. My Brother Was A Convicted Murderer With Very Mysterious Last Words, I Think I Finally Know What He Meant. If you’re going to f*cking panic — this book is here to help. There is seemingly no end to how many ways your beautiful brain can mess up your day with uncool thoughts, so comedian and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh’s new workbook is about to become your new best friend and a permanent resident on your bedside table. Famous Last Words: Actors and Actresses. A select collection of the dying words spoken by well-known TV and movie stars. Share PINTEREST Email. TV Shows Movies. B.A. in English, Marquette University. Whether realized at the time they are said or only in hindsight, nearly everyone will express a word, phrase or sentence that proves the last thing he or she ever says while alive. Sometimes profound, sometimes everyday, here you will find a select collection of the last words spoken by famous actors and actresses of cinema, television and stage. Desi Arnaz (1917-1986) I love you too, Honey. Good luck with your show. Arnaz said this to his former wife, Lucille Ball, over the telephone . Lucille Ball (1911-1989) My Florida water. The comedienne and star of I Love Lucy replied with these words when asked if she wanted anything. Tallulah Bankhead (1902-1968) Codeine. Bourbon. John Barrymore (1882-1942) Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him. Richard Burton (1925-1984) Our revels now are ended. Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) I should never have switched from scotch to martinis. John Wilkes Booth (1838-1865) Useless, useless. The man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln was a well-known stage actor from a prominent theatrical family. Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) Why not? It belongs to him. Probably apocryphal, the silent-film star allegedly said this in response to a priest at Chaplin's deathbed who had said, "May the Lord have mercy on your soul." Graham Chapman (1941-1989) Hello. Suffering from terminal cancer, the comedian of Monty Python fame said this from his hospital bed after his adopted son arrived . Joan Crawford (1904-1977) Damn it. Don't you dare ask God to help me. Crawford allegedly uttered these words to her maid, who had started praying for the actress . Nelson Eddy (1901-1967) I can't see. I can't hear. While singing at a nightclub in Florida, Eddy suffered a stroke on stage and died several hours later. Douglas Fairbanks Sr. (1883-1939) I've never felt better. Errol Flynn (1909-1959) I've had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Ava Gardner (1922-1990) I'm so tired. Jackie Gleason (1916-1987) I always knew what I was doing. Epitomizing style, sophistication and elegance throughout his life, Grant uttered these words to his wife as he was taken into intensive care after suffering a stroke. Edmund Gwenn (1877-1959) Yes, it's tough, but not as tough as doing comedy. "Kris Kringle" from the film Miracle on 34th Street allegedly said this after a friend commented that it is "hard to die." Oliver Hardy (1892-1957) I love you. The portly half of Laurel and Hardy expressed this to his wife . Jean Harlow (1911-1937) Where is Aunt Jetty? Hope she didn't run out on me. Bob Hope (1903-2003) Surprise me. The radio and film star said this to his wife, Dolores, after she asked him where he wanted to be buried. For the record, Hope was interred in the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana Cemetery in Los Angeles, California . Rock Hudson (1925-1985) No, I don't think so. This was Hudson's reply when asked if he wanted some more coffee . Al Jolson (1886-1950) This is it! I'm going. I'm going. Boris Karloff (1887-1969) Walter Pidgeon. Why the actor most famous for his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster mentioned the Canadian actor is unknown . Stan Laurel (1890-1965) No, but I'd rather be skiing than doing what I'm doing. The slender half of Laurel and Hardy said this to his nurse, who had asked if Laurel skied after the comedian initially uttered, "I wish I was skiing." Jeanette MacDonald (1903-1965) I love you. Often paired with actor/singer Nelson Eddy in Hollywood musicals, MacDonald expressed this sentiment to her husband, Gene Raymond. Groucho Marx (1890-1977) Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do! Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to Jack and say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy. The blonde bombshell allegedly said these words to actor Peter Lawford, President John F. Kennedy's brother-in-law, over the telephone the night she died . Laurence Olivier (1907-1989) This isn't Hamlet , you know. It's not meant to go into the bloody ear. The star of numerous productions of Shakespeare's plays, Olivier said this to his nurse, who'd spilled water on the actor while moistening his lips. In the play, Hamlet's father is murdered by Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, who drips poison into the doomed man's ear as he sleeps . George Reeves (1914-1959) I'm tired. I'm going back to bed. Television's original Superman said this to friends before he committed suicide . George Sanders (1906-1972) Dear World, I am leaving you because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool -- good luck. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, the British actor wrote these words in a suicide note before taking his life in a hotel in Spain . Jimmy Stewart (1908-1997) I'm going to go be with Gloria now. Stewart's wife, Gloria, preceded him in death by three years . Carl Switzer (1927-1959) I'm going to kill you! "Alfalfa" from the Our Gang series of film shorts allegedly said this while confronting Moses Samuel Stiltz about payment of a $50 debt that the child-star believed Stiltz owed him. The man then raised a .38-caliber pistol and shot Switzer in the groin. "Alfalfa" was pronounced D.O.A. upon arrival at the hospital due to a massive loss of blood . Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926) Don't pull down the blinds. I feel fine. I want the sunlight to greet me!