“I can’t sleep”
These were the dying words of the novelist and playwright, who is best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. James Matthew Barrie died of pneumonia at a nursing home in London, he was 77 years old.
J M Barrie (1860 – 1937)
Truman Capote (1924 – 1984)
“Answered Prayers”
These were Truman Capote’s last words before he died, spoken to a close friend, and referred to the title of his unfinished novel. The author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was aged 59 when he passed away from liver disease complicated by multiple drug intoxication.
Graham Chapman (1941 – 1989)
“Death can really absorb a person. Like most people, I would find it pleasant not to have to go, but you just accept that it’s more or less inevitable.”
The comedian and actor wrote this speech for his own memorial service and it was read at the funeral by other members of Monty Python. Graham Chapman was 48 years old when he died in hospital of complications resulting from terminal cancer.
Babe Ruth (1895 – 1948)
“The kids can’t take it if we don’t give it!”.
Babe Ruth reportedly spoke these deathbed words to a priest who gave him the last rites as he was dying in hospital. The baseball legend died in his sleep from cancer, he was 53 years of age.
Walter Raleigh (1553 – 1618)
“What dost thou fear? Strike, man, strike!”
A hero to some, a pirate to others, these were his last words to the executioner who hesitated before delivering the fatal axe blow. Walter Raleigh was beheaded on the orders of Britain’s King James, following an attack by Raleigh’s men on a Spanish outpost, violating a peace treaty between the two countries.
Gary Coleman (1968 – 2010)
“I love you and my head hurts”
The star of TV show Diff’rent Strokes spoke these dying words to ex-wife Shannon when he was in hospital. He had fallen at home, hitting his head and suffered brain hemorrhaging. Gary Coleman died two days later he was 42 years old.
Charles Schulz (1922 – 2000)
“Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy.. how can I ever forget them?”
Charles Schulz’ last words came in the form of a goodbye message to his fans that was published in the very last edition of the original ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. The 77 year old cartoonist died of a heart attack in his sleep the night before that final Sunday strip was published.
Jim Henson (1936 – 1990)
“Maybe I’m dying”
The puppeteer and animator, most famous for creating the Muppets, spoke these final deathbed words to his ex-wife Jane. Jim Henson was 53 years old when he died in hospital of organ failure resulting from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Joan Crawford (190? – 1977)
“Damn it, don’t you dare ask God to help me.”
The Oscar winning actress scolded a maid who prayed for her as she was dying from a heart attack. Joan Crawford died in her New York apartment, her age was reported to be 69.
John Belushi (1949 – 1982)
“Just don’t leave me alone”
The comedian and actor’s dying words were to a friend who woke him in the morning and then left shortly afterwards.
John Belushi died alone in his bungalow at the age of 33, the cause of death was an overdose from cocaine and heroin.