Hollywood stars leave a lasting legacy on our lives and culture throughout their careers. A well-delivered line or two can instantly become a quotable moment of cinema history or an often sung song. So, when they take their final breaths, the words that come before their passing take on an almost magical quality in the cultural imagination.
Read on to find out what the biggest Hollywood stars said before they passed on…
© Getty ImagesJoan Crawford’s last words were addressed to nurses by her bedside
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford reportedly passed away with the words, “Don’t you dare ask God to help me,” targeted at the nurses praying at the side of her bed.
The actress starred in hits like Goodbye, My Fancy and This Woman is Dangerous. She passed on May 10, 1977 from a heart attack, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
© Bettmann ArchiveElvis left memorable last words behind in public and in private
Elvis Presley
The ‘Jailhouse Rock’ singer Elvis Presley passed at 42 years old on 16 August 1977. While at his Graceland Mansion, he reportedly told his fiancée Ginger Alden that he was going to the bathroom to read.
Those in attendance in June 1977 will remember his last public words from the stage, telling the audience, “We’ll meet you again, may God bless you, adios.”
© Getty ImagesMarilyn reportedly left her friend Peter with a list of goodbyes
Marilyn Monroe
The loss of Marilyn Monroe at the age of 36 is one of Hollywood’s biggest tragedies. The 1950s icon found fame with star roles in Niagara and The Seven Year Itch.
She reportedly spoke to her friend Peter Lawford hours before being found dead from an acute barbiturate overdose, telling him: “Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to the President, and say goodbye to yourself, because you’re a nice guy.”
© Getty ImagesPatrick Swayze’s last words were a testament to his love for wife Lisa
Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze is best known for his dancing skills and leading man roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost. He passed on 14 September 2009 at 57 years old from pancreatic cancer.
According to his wife Lisa Niemi, his last words were “I love you”, as revealed in her memoir Worth Fighting For and the documentary I Am Patrick Swayze.
© Getty ImagesMichael Landon passed in 1991
Michael Landon
Michael Landon starred as the loving father Pa on Little House on the Prairie. He spent his last days surrounded by his nine children and wife Cindy.
Michael reportedly asked to be alone with his wife when he passed, reportedly telling his family: “You’re right. It’s time. I love you all.” He died of cancer in 1991.
© Michael Ochs Archives via Getty ImagesJames Brown possessed a profound knowledge of music and knew when his time had come
James Brown
James Brown’s soulful voice is still with us today, even if the star himself passed in the early hours of Christmas Day in 2006.
His friend and manager Charles Bobbit was by his side as James seemed to know exactly what was coming next. He reportedly turned to Bobbit and said, simply, “I’m going away tonight.”
Read the full article here
