Ten final impressions entered into the pages of history
Our last words allow us to leave a final lasting impression on the world. Sometimes they’re insightful, other times they’re downright hysterical. Here are the famous last words of 10 people.
1. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)
“That’s obvious.”
In response to Mrs. Connally saying, “Mr. President, you can’t say that Dallas doesn’t love you.”
2. General John Sedgwick (1813-1864)
“They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.”
The teacher and career military officer was dismissing the battalion of Confederate troops when shot and killed.
3. General Albert Sidney Johnston (1803-1862)
“Yes, and I fear seriously.”
After serving in three armies, the general was asked if he was wounded and replied as such.
4. Margaret Sanger (1879-1966)
“A party! Let’s have a party.”
Nurse, birth control activist, sex educator, and writer who founded the organization that would evolve into Planned Parenthood. Clearly a badass.
5. Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953)
“I knew it! I knew it! Born in a hotel room and, goddamnit, dying in a hotel room.”
Nobel and Pulitzer-Prize winning American playwright with an apparent passion for hotel rooms.
6. Harvey Korman (1927-2008)
“Tape Seinfeld for me.”
Actor, comedian, and lover of Seinfeld, which had been off the air for 10 years at the time of his death.
7. Marie Antoinette (1755-1793)
“Pardonnez-moi, monsieur.”
The Queen of France and lover of cake accidently stepped on her executioner’s foot and used her last words to apologize.
8. Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)
“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.”
Philosopher who wrote The Prince, from which we get the term Machiavellian, and major jokester.
9. Thomas Moran (1897-1971)
“I’ve never forgiven that smart-alecky reporter who named me Butterfingers. To me, it’s not funny.”
The famous pickpocket who reportedly stole from over 50,000 victims and disliked his nickname.
10. Barbara Graham (1923-1955)
“Good people are always so sure they’re right.”
Murderer, executed in a gas chamber, who tried to avoid death by holding her breath, which she did — for 60 seconds.
Photos obtained via Wikimedia Commons