“My Mother Did It” Famous Last Words

Arnold Rothstein was one of America’s first and most important leaders of organized crime. I was reading a wonderful biography about him and was fascinated to read his last words. People who attend my public speaking presentations love when I share interesting anecdotes about my talks’ subjects. I thought it would be fun to share six of the fascinating last words I have come across.

ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN – LAST WORDS

Arnold Rothstein was a gambler and financier of the Maffia. (Click here to read about how he brought the drug trade to America.) Perhaps his greatest claim to fame was his instrumental role in fixing the “Black Sox” World Series of 1919!

Rothstein had been shot in the gut and was dying in horrible pain. True to the underworld code of silence, he refused to help the police by revealing the name of his murderer. In fact, New York City Police would never solve the murder. So what were his last words when asked, “Who shot you?”

“My mother did it!”

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MARIE ANTOINETTE – LAST WORDS

You probably recall that French Queen Marie Antoinette was executed in public utilizing the guillotine. In her last seconds on this earth, the refined Marie Antoinette revealed the dignity of a queen.

As she was being led to her death, Marie Antoinette inadvertently stepped on the foot of the man who was about to chop off her head. And so what were her last words?

“Monsieur, I beg your pardon.”

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LOU COSTELLO – LAST WORDS

At one time, Abbott and Costello’s comedy team was the most popular pairing in show business. Their classic “Who’s On First” routine is rightly considered a classic comedy creation.

Just over 5 foot 5 and quite portly, Funnyman Lou Costello always portrayed a childlike persona that endeared him to audiences. There is no unanimous agreement on his last words, but the ones reported are so wonderful that I hope they are true. Some sources claim he said them about an hour before he died. Costello was in the hospital, having survived a heart attack. Honoring his request, friends brought him a strawberry milkshake. Reportedly Lou Costello’s last words were:

“That was the best ice-cream soda I ever tasted!”

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HUMPHREY BOGART – LAST WORDS

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s passionate love affair sizzled on screen – but that just reflected the love they shared off-screen. Bogie’s affection and admiration of his wife, the much younger Bacall, was obvious to all who knew them.

Bogart wasted away from cancer and was very weak in the end. Lauren Bacall cared for him tenderly in his final days. His last words reflect his affection for Baby, as he called Bacall. And if you are a Bogart fan, just close your eyes, and you can hear him saying it:

“Goodbye, Kid. Hurry back”

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THOMAS EDISON – LAST WORDS

Thomas Edison’s long and impactful life was coming to an end at age 84. Complications from diabetes left him weak and bedridden.

As the great inventor was slipping away, in and out of consciousness, Edison’s beloved wife leaned over and asked him, “Are you suffering?” At that moment, Thomas Edison opened his eyes and uttered his final words:

 “No, just waiting. It’s very beautiful over there.”

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CHARLIE CHAPLIN – LAST WORDS

Charlie Chaplin was baptized as a Christian but had little use for organized religion throughout his life. A great actor, writer, director, and composer. Chaplin’s long life was coming to an end in 1977.

Chaplin was 88, bedridden and dying when a priest leaned over him and said, “May the Lord have mercy on your soul.” To which Chaplin replied:

 “Why not? After all, it belongs to Him.”

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I hope you enjoyed these – I’ll be glad to post more if you’d like. And feel free to leave your favorites in the comments section below.