The Final Meals of History’s Most Famous People

For some reason, we are fascinated by the last meals of famous people. Whether they are rock stars, criminals, or world leaders, knowing their last meal is more intriguing than it likely should be. For one reason or another, something about a famous person’s final moments feels like it brings us closer to their passing. With that in mind, let’s dive deep into the final meals of some of history’s most famous people.

Elvis Presley

One of the world’s greatest rock stars and most famous people has a level of fame that lives on well past his death. It’s for this reason that we look closely at his last meal. According to reports, Elvis Presley had a combination of four scoops of ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. His last meal took place on August 16, 1977, when he died at 42 years old.

Michael Jackson

Arguably the greatest pop star who ever lived, Michael Jackson’s death caught the world by surprise. Equally surprising is that Michael’s last meal was very healthy as he ate a spinach salad with chicken breasts before he passed away.

Kurt Cobain

The man who brought the grunge movement out of Seattle and into the mainstream died far too young. His suicide was a shock to the whole world who saw a man who had it all. According to reports, Cobain had a can of root beer and a cigarette before he died in 1994.

John Lennon

When The Beatles singer John Lennon was fatally shot, the world truly mourned the loss of one of its most famous people. Right before he was shot, Lennon ate a corned beef sandwich before he was killed around 10:30 PM. What’s known about this incident is that Lennon never wanted to go out for this meal leaving the world to wonder what if.

Abraham Lincoln

Before Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth, he had one final meal. As the U.S. President who kept the country together during the Civil War, Lincoln’s place in history is assured. His last meal consisted of a mock turtle soup, which included chestnut stuffing, cauliflower with cheese, and baked yams.

Ernest Hemingway

One of the most prolific authors in generations, Ernest Hemingway is no doubt one of history’s most famous people. His death on July 2nd, 1961 was moving to the world as millions loved his words on a page. However, before his death, Hemingway enjoyed a last meal of a Caesar salad, New York strip steak, baked potato, and a glass of wine.

Princess Diana

The people’s princess, Princess Diana was one of the world’s most famous people. Her ability to move millions into action on global issues remains unrivaled. Her tragic death in 1997 was a huge loss. Before her death, Princess Diana dined at a Ritz Carlton hotel and had Dover sole fish, an omelet, and vegetable tempura.

John F. Kennedy

As the 35th President of the United States, Kennedy is famous for his promise to take America to the moon. However, Kennedy’s assassination in November 1962 was one of the worst moments in American history. Right before he left for Dallas, Kennedy had two boiled eggs, coffee, orange juice, and toast with marmalade.

Frank Sinatra

Old Blue Eyes will forever be remembered as one of the greatest crooners in modern music. Before he died at 82, Sinatra’s wife fondly recalled his last meal. Sitting by the pool in his wheelchair, his last meal consisted of a basic grilled cheese sandwich.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Living on the island of St. Helena on May 5, 1821, the one-time Emperor of France had liver and bacon as his last meal. Along with this dish, Napoleon also ate shirred eggs with cream, garlic toast, sauteed kidneys in sherry, and roasted tomatoes. Not a bad way to go.

Mahatma Gandhi

While Gandhi is famous for his hunger strikes, he did have one last meal before passing away. The renowned civil rights leader, Gandhi is fondly remembered for his role in building up post-colonial India. His last meal was a combination of orange juice, cooked vegetables, and goat’s milk.

Socrates

The Greek philosopher who is considered to be the founder of Western philosophy is one of the world’s greatest figures. In 399 B.C., before a jury of Athenians determined he needed to be put to death, Socrates’ last meal was a drink of poison hemlock.

Cleopatra

Like Socrates, Cleopatra’s last meal was one of poison. As she watched her husband Mark Antony take his last breaths, Cleopatra wanted to die with her husband. As a result, she ate a handful of figs and followed it, as rumors go, with a poisoned cup of hemlock or wolfsbane.

Marilyn Monroe

One of the most famous Hollywood stars of all time, Marilyn Monroe’s death remains one of mystery. Whether she was killed or died naturally, Monroe’s last meal is well documented. Consisting of stuffed mushrooms, champagne, and meatballs, Monroe undoubedly enjoyed her last meal.

Julia Child

Largely remembered as the woman who introduced America to French cuisine, Julia Child is fondly remembered. The famous television chef had a simple meal before she died in 2004. It’s somewhat fitting that Child’s last meal was a bowl of French onion soup.

John Candy

The beloved funnyman played a central role in some of the 1980s best movies. Before his death filming the movie Wagons East in 1994, Candy died in his sleep as a result of a heart attack. Before going to sleep that evening, Candy had a spaghetti dinner with his assistants.

James Dean

A cultural icon with bad-boy good looks, James Dean was an actor whose life was taken too early. Right before he crashed his Porsche, James Dean stopped for a roadside dinner and enjoyed a slice of apple pie and a glass of milk.

John Belushi

Famous for his roles on Saturday Night Live and immortalized in the films Animal House and Blue Brothers, John Belushi was taken too soon. Even though he was larger-than-life, Belushi’s last meal was completely normal. Before he died, Belushi had a simple bowl of lentil soup.