When it comes to celebrities, we often focus on their achievements, scandals, and moments in the spotlight. However, there’s a morbid curiosity that surrounds the last moments of these famous figures, including the food they chose to consume before their untimely departures.
In exploring last meals, we catch a glimpse of the diverse personalities, circumstances, and tastes that celebrities had in their final moments. It’s worth noting that these last meals can be a poignant reminder that celebrities, despite their fame, are ultimately human. They face the same universal fate as the rest of us, and their final culinary choices, in a way, humanize them even further. So, while we may never truly know the thoughts that raced through their minds as they enjoyed these meals, we can reflect on the diverse and often unexpected choices they made, shedding new light on their lives, legacies, and the intriguing world of celebrity. In this article, we look at the final culinary choices of 10 celebrities, shedding light on their last meals before they exited the stage of life.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, took his last supper on August 16, 1977. That the guy, known for his flamboyant tastes, did not choose a spectacular feast may surprise some. As a straightforward yet heartfelt farewell to the world, he chose to have six chocolate chip cookies and four scoops of ice cream instead.
Michael Jackson
On June 25, 2009, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, departed from this life under mysterious circumstances. But he made a fairly health-conscious decision with his final meal. His other opulent and colourful lifestyle was in sharp contrast to his enjoyment of a spinach salad with chicken breasts.
John Lennon
The world lost the musical talent of John Lennon, on December 8, 1980. Sadly, he was never able to have the larger dinner that he had intended to have when he arrived home. Mark David Chapman killed him soon after he finished a corned beef sandwich.
Whitney Houston
On February 11, 2012, Grammy-winning singer Whitney Houston passed away unexpectedly. She had ordered a comfortable and calming meal before that terrible night in her hotel room in Beverly Hills: a hamburger and turkey sandwich with fries on the side, Champagne, and Heineken.
Jimi Hendrix
The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix passed away at the tender age of 27 on September 18, 1970, while staying at the Samarkand Hotel in London. His last meal was a late-night tuna fish sandwich lovingly prepared by his girlfriend, Monika Dannemann, a simple yet intimate parting meal.
Princess Diana
The world mourned the loss of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. Before her tragic accident in Paris, she enjoyed a meal fit for royalty. Her final dinner at the restaurant L’Espadon inside the Ritz Carlton consisted of Dover sole, vegetable tempura, and a mushroom and asparagus omelette.
Brittany Murphy
The sudden death of actress Brittany Murphy on December 20, 2009, shocked the world. Her last meal was casual yet comforting: noodles, Thai leftovers, and Gatorade, perhaps a reflection of a relaxed evening at home.
Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway, known for his rugged masculinity and literary prowess, chose a fitting last meal before ending his own life on July 2, 1961. He dined on a New York strip steak, baked potato, and a Caesar salad, likely accompanied by a generous pour of Bordeaux.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, the self-appointed Emperor of France, met his end in exile on the island of Saint Helena. His final meal was a somewhat luxurious affair, with liver and bacon chops, sautéed kidneys, shirred eggs, and garlic toast with roasted tomatoes. A last taste of the empire he once ruled.
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq, faced the gallows as a prisoner of war. Reports suggest that his last meal consisted of boiled chicken and rice, accompanied by hot water mixed with honey. He was even offered cigarettes, which he refused, in a stoic display of his final moments.
In reflecting on these final meals of iconic figures, we are reminded that food serves as more than mere sustenance; it is a deeply personal choice, sometimes offering comfort, other times simplicity, and often a taste of the familiar in their last hours. These parting suppers, ranging from the opulence of royal dining to the simplicity of a sandwich, provide a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of those whose time on the public stage has come to an end. Beyond the veil of fame, these meals underline a shared humanity and a common thread that binds us all — the simple pleasures that life affords us, right to the very end.
