Can You Die From Laughing?

You’ve probably heard the old chestnut, “Laughter is the best medicine.” But, as it turns out, that medicine sometimes comes with side effects—like death. No joke. Well, there is usually a joke involved, but you understand what we’re trying to say. The medical community, in its infinite ability to name the absurd with total seriousness, calls it gelastic syncope: death by laughter. It’s like your diaphragm threw a party, forgot to invite your heart, and things got tragically out of hand.

As rare as it is ridiculous, this condition has reportedly claimed emperors, philosophers, and at least one unfortunate Brit who just really enjoyed British comedy a little too much. If you think a joke can’t kill you, history begs to differ—and it’s got receipts. So buckle up and prepare for some historical hilarity that was, quite literally, to die for.

Disclaimer: The Commonplace Fun Facts Legal Department requires us to post the following notice: Commonplace Fun Facts assumes no liability, actual or implied, from anyone who kicks the bucket while chuckling, laughing, giggling, guffawing, or otherwise twittering because of anything contained in this article. Side effects of reading may include snorting, coffee-through-the-nose syndrome, temporary loss of dignity, and unexpected abdominal toning. If your laughter lasts longer than three hours, please consult a historian, a cardiologist, and possibly a jester. This content is not approved by the FDA, the AMA, or your grandma. Reader discretion is advised. Batteries not included.

Death by Donkey Joke

Chrysippus, a Greek Stoic philosopher known for deep thoughts and deeper robes, allegedly died from laughing too hard at a drunken donkey. The story goes that he fed the beast some wine-soaked figs—because why not?—and watched in hysterics as the donkey stumbled around like a college freshman at a toga party. The result? One dead philosopher, one confused donkey, and zero sympathy from Plato.

Oh, the Irony: The Guy Who Wrote About Laughter

Thomas Urquhart—Scottish nobleman, Renaissance man, and walking thesaurus—allegedly died in 1660 from an uncontrollable fit of laughter upon hearing that Charles II had finally regained the English throne. Historians are torn between two explanations: either he was a fervent royalist who was overcome with joy, or he just thought Charles’ hair looked funny. Either way, he reportedly went out giggling.

Urquhart’s life was more than enough to inspire its own share of laughs. Read about this strange Scottish eccentric in this article.

Emperor’s New Laugh

Emperor Elagabalus—a Roman emperor who was so bad that even his grandmother tried to murder him—was said to be such a fan of jokes at other people’s expense that he used them as weapons. One of his signature pranks involved releasing wild animals under dinner tables mid-feast. You know, just your typical dinner party surprise involving lions. There’s no record of anyone dying from laughing at these stunts, but the emperor sure got his share of chuckles while watching his guests avoid “death by cheetah.”

Martin the Humane: The King Who Laughed Himself to Death

Some kings go down in history for their conquests. Others for their cunning. And then there’s Martin the Humane, King of Aragon and Sicily, who’s mostly remembered for overdosing on geese and giggles.

The year was 1410. Martin had just polished off an entire goose for dinner—which, even by medieval monarch standards, was a bold gastrointestinal choice. Feeling uncomfortably full and presumably wishing Pepto Bismol had been invented four centuries earlier, he called for his court jester. Because if there’s anything that pairs well with fowl-induced indigestion, it’s slapstick comedy.

The jester obliged with a truly bizarre tale: he had seen a young deer hanging from a vine, apparently being punished for stealing figs. Now, most people might chuckle politely and then check their figs. But not Martin. No, he found it so hysterically funny that he laughed continuously for three hours straight. That’s not a typo. Three hours. Nonstop. Medieval FitBit data unavailable, but we’re guessing his ab workout was exceptional.

And then—like a punchline from the gods—he died. Just like that. One minute, he’s howling over a fig-thieving deer, and the next, he’s history. Martin became one of the few documented cases of death by laughter. Which, in fairness, is probably the most on-brand way for a court jester’s set to end.

So remember: when people say “laughter is the best medicine,” they probably don’t mean three hours of unrelenting, diaphragm-obliterating laughter while digesting a goose the size of a Fiat. But hey—different monarchs, different methods.

British Comedy: Dark, Dry, and Deadly

Fast-forward to the 20th century. In 1975, Alex Mitchell of England was watching an episode of the British TV show The Goodies. The sketch was about a man being attacked by a bagpipe-wielding kilt enthusiast. Mitchell found it so funny he reportedly laughed for 25 minutes straight… and then dropped dead. His wife later wrote to the show to thank them for making her husband’s final moments joyful. British humor: dark, dry, and apparently deadly.

The Funny Bone Isn’t Actually a Vital Organ

As much as we love a good laugh (and trust us, we’re partial to puns and pratfalls), the evidence is pretty clear: laughter is wonderful—but only in moderation. Too much of it, and you risk turning your chuckles into chest compressions.

So next time someone says, “Laughter is the best medicine,” you might want to ask for a second opinion. Maybe something with fewer side effects. Like light sarcasm. Or a hug. Or actual medicine.

In the meantime, keep laughing—but maybe not while operating heavy machinery, running with scissors, or watching vintage British comedy.

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