Except for the person who has never spoken, everyone will utter his or her last words. Those words may be an expression of surprise, such as Julius Caesar’s famous, “Et tu, Brute?” […]
Memorable Last Words of Famous People
Mr. Accordion’s Revenge From the Grave
Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois is not your typical graveyard. It receives visitors from all parts of the world who come to pay their respects at the final resting place of […]
Shakespeare’s Final Blessing and Curse
No writer is more celebrated than William Shakespeare. His plays and poems transformed literature, culture, and even the English language itself. Such a man should leave this life by writing his own […]
What Can You Expect With a Name Like Millard Fillmore?
Some people seem destined for greatness on the basis of their names, alone. Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, for example, may have achieved success as secretary of the interior and associate justice of […]
Getting Killed By the Bullet He Said Couldn’t Kill Him
The Spanish-American War was about to experience one of its most dramatic events. The date was July 1, 1898. Future President Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were positioned at the bottom […]
Churchill’s Bequest for a Marmalade Cat
When Winston Churchill donated his home to the United Kingdom’s National Trust, he did so with the request that there always be a marmalade cat named Jock, with a white bib and […]
How the Wilhelm Scream Became One of Hollywood’s Biggest Easter Eggs
Certain lines from movies are so iconic that they are immediately recognized. “I am your father!” is instantly associated with James Earl Jones’ powerful portrayal of Darth Vader. Who can read the […]
The Death Row Origin of Nike’s Slogan
“Just Do It” has been the slogan of Nike since 1988. The words evoke visions of bold determination and inspirational challenges to be your best. Far from inspirational, the origin of the […]
Charles Vance Millar: The Man Who Laughed From Beyond the Grave
To be a good practical joker, you need to have patience. Timing of a joke is everything. By that measure, Charles Vance Millar had all the makings of being one of the […]
The Mystery of Einstein’s Last Words
Albert Einstein’s (1879-1955) life was marked by his ability to answer many of science’s greatest mysteries. Paradoxically, his dying words left us with questions that will never be answered.
The Elephants Were Safe, But the General Should Have Ducked
General John Sedgwick (1813-1864) saw his final combat at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 9, 1864. Confederate sharpshooters were about 1,000 yards (900 m) away, and their shots caused members […]
Lope de Vega’s Startling Deathbed Confession
Spanish playwright Lope de Vega (1562-1635) had one secret that he carried up to the very end. As an eminent contributor to the world of literature, he tried not to speak ill […]
Oscar Wilde’s Final Battle With Wallpaper
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was famous for his humorous, ironic observations. This quality stayed with him right up to the end. The final words attributed to the Irishman, as he lay on his […]
Ten Days on Death Row: The Speedy Execution of Giuseppe Zangara
Giuseppe Zangara attempted to kill President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 15, 1933. Although missing FDR, Zangara’s shots managed to mortally wound Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who died 23 days later, on […]
Grave Irish Humor
President Ronald Reagan liked to tell the story about the time he and Nancy visited a cemetery in Ireland. They came across an old gravestone, on which was carved this inscription: Remember […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 