Elvis Presley - Ice Cream and Cookies
Dubbed the 'King of Rock and Roll,' it's fair to say that many of Elvis Presley's fans hoped that he would live forever. But, sadly, that just wasn't the case. His death came quickly and unexpectedly, and distraught fans woke up to the news that their king had died. And while reports around his death suggested that illicit substances were to blame, autopsy reports ultimately concluded that he had experienced a heart attack - probably while on the toilet.
A few hours earlier, though, Elvis had been in relatively good health. He had even made sure to eat his favorite snack: four scoops of ice cream with a side of cookies.
John Lennon - Corned Beef Sandwich
It's always extremely sad and horrifying when the life of someone so talented and famous is cut short, and it's fair to say that the world was shocked when John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman in December 1980. The crazed fan shot the legendary member of the Beatles, and the Englishman sadly couldn't be resuscitated. But have you ever wondered what Lennon's last meal was before he passed away?
Reportedly, Lennon wanted to be reminded of home while he was in New York, so he ordered a corned beef sandwich earlier that day. This is similar to a classic salt-beef Reuben sandwich.
Kurt Cobain - Bananas Dulce
The death of legendary rockstar Kurt Cobain shocked fans across the world. While it was no secret that the Nirvana frontman struggled with addiction and his mental health, nobody had predicted that he'd join the 27 club by taking his own life. And while the exact meal he ate the night before he died isn't known, we do know what he ate 48 hours before the tragedy occurred: bananas dulce.
Yes, Cobain took himself to a restaurant in Seattle two days before he took his own life and apparently had very specific requirements. He wanted the sweet dessert, a can of root beer, and a packet of cigarettes.
Ted Bundy - Steak and Eggs
While he's not technically a celebrity, there's no doubt about the fact that Ted Bundy was extremely famous - largely due to his infamous crimes as a serial killer throughout the 1970s. As if his gruesome acts of violence weren't enough, Bundy was also able to escape from prison twice before continuing his terror spree. But, thankfully, he was eventually captured and kept safely behind bars in 1978.
Ten years later, Ted Bundy was sent to the electric chair - but not before he had the chance to choose his death row meal. But what did he pick? Well, he wanted steak (medium-rare), eggs (over-easy), toast, hash browns, and three drinks, including coffee, milk, and juice.
Adolf Hitler - Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce
Like some of the other names on this list, Adolf Hitler wasn't exactly a celebrity - but his infamous crimes certainly made people curious about both his life and his death. And while it's widely accepted that the Nazi Dictator killed himself before being captured by his enemies Before he did so, however, he decided to have one last meal and stick to the routine of eating dinner with his wife.
Curiously, Hitler and his wife made a point to avoid talking about anything war or politics-related when they were eating their dinner - which we assume was also the case when he ate his last meal: spaghetti with tomato sauce.
Cleopatra - Figs
By the time the legendary Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, was just 39, she had already achieved so much. But when she realized that she didn't have the manpower or the strength to take on Octavian, she decided that she wasn't going to let his men capture her and take her to Rome. So, she opted to take her own life instead - but before she did so, she had a bath and ate some figs.
Although the actual cause of her death is questioned by historians, it's believed that the Egyptian Queen chose to take her own life by allowing a poisonous snake to bite her.
Julia Child - French Onion Soup
Julia Child is generally considered to be one of the best celebrity chefs of all time. As well as releasing best-selling cookbooks, the world-renowned chef also had multiple television shows that all aimed to teach the average American how to cook. And while she wasn't French herself, Julia was obsessed with French cuisine and eventually studied how to cook like the French in France itself. So, her last meal might not surprise you.
Her last meal was a steaming hot bowl of French onion soup, and we can only assume that she ate it with some crusty, cheesy bread to boot. Shortly after, she died of kidney failure.
Timothy McVeigh - Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Timothy McVeigh was not famous, but he was infamous. Known as the man behind the Oklahoma City bombing, his actions caused the death of 168 people and terrible injuries to 680 people, and he almost destroyed a federal building. Thankfully, it didn't take long for the authorities to track the perpetrator down, and he was arrested and found guilty of his charges in no time. Then, he was given the death sentence.
McVeigh died in 2001 in the prison where he had already served six years behind bars, but his last meal certainly caused a lot of confusion. Out of all of the foods he could have chosen, he opted for a singular bowl of chocolate chip ice cream.
Marilyn Monroe - Stuffed Mushrooms
Let's be honest; Marilyn Monroe will never be forgotten. Her impact on the world of show business will be talked about for centuries to come - especially as people still talk about her tragic and untimely death today. Of course, you might be aware that there are countless conspiracy theories surrounding her passing, but one thing we do know for sure is that she passed away in 1962, just hours after eating her last meal.
According to sources close to the late actress, Marilyn feasted before her death and chose to eat some stuffed mushrooms with a side of meatballs. She then washed the whole thing down with a big glass of Dom Perignon.
Ernest Hemingway - Steak and a Baked Potato
Dubbed as one of the best writers to have ever lived, Ernest Hemingway's death was a blow to the literary world - but, sadly, it wasn't the biggest surprise. Ernest famously struggled with his mental health and often wrote about his battles with depression. It's believed that he chose to end his life, but that he chose to celebrate his final hours by eating his most favorite meal in a restaurant in Idaho.
So, what did he choose as his last meal? It's said that he ordered a New York strip steak with a baked potato on the side, a caesar salad, and a large glass of Bordeaux wine.
Abraham Lincoln - Mock Turtle Soup and Roast Virginia Fowl
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most well-known stories in America, and everyone knows how the events of that terrible night unfolded. But before Abraham Lincoln sat down in the theater, Abraham filled himself up on a delicious, fancy meal—not that he would have appreciated it as much as other people. After all, it's been well documented that after growing up poor, he wasn't that taken by fancy food.
His last meal consisted of a mock turtle soup with a roast Virginia fowl that had been stuffed with chestnuts and with a side of cauliflower cheese and baked yams. For some, that's the perfect last meal.
Aileen Wuornos - Black Coffee
Aileen Wuornos is another infamous serial killer to add to this list. After being charged with the murder of six men, she was ultimately sent to death row to await her turn. This happened ten years later, but not before she was given the chance to have her death row meal. However, Aileen didn't seem interested in this, despite the fact that she could have had anything that cost under $20.
In the end, the guards reportedly bought her barbecued chicken with sides of mashed potato and an apple crisp, but she didn't want it. All she wanted before she took her last breaths was a large cup of black coffee.
Brittany Murphy - Thai Noodles
The death of actress Brittany Murphy came as a huge shock to the entertainment world. She was so young, and she was really starting to get into her stride when she passed away, and it's fair to say that her death was met with a lot of questions. Although it was officially ruled that she had died from intoxication and pneumonia, many speculated that there was instead foul play involved.
Whatever happened to Brittany Murphy, we do know that her last meal was a relatively normal one. She reportedly ate some Thai noodles and then washed the whole thing down with a Gatorade.
Napoleon Bonaparte - Liver and Bacon
Infamous for his involvement in the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte wasn't the kind of military leader to shy away in the background. And while he certainly left a wake of destruction behind him, his impact on the world has led many to call him one of the best military commanders of all time. However, he eventually had no choice but to surrender himself to the British in 1815, where he was then exiled to Saint Helena.
During his time on the island, Napoleon's health worsened and it wasn't long before he passed away. Before then, though, he ate his final meal of liver and bacon with a side of kidneys, eggs, toast, and tomatoes.
Princess Diana - Dover Sole
No modern death has rocked the world quite like the death of Princess Diana in 1997. Although the marriage between Princess Diana and the now-King Charles had broken down before then, she was still considered to be the People's Princess - and not to mention the mother of Princes Harry and William. Her death also sparked a conversation about the paparazzi and the security risks that celebrities have to contend with.
Before the tragic car accident, though, Diana had dined in the legendary Ritz Carlton in Paris, where she ate a plate of Dover sole fish with a couple of sides - including an omelet and vegetable tempura.
John F. Kennedy - Boiled Eggs and Toast
The assassination of John F. Kennedy is so famous that it's taught in schools and recounted by Americans on a daily basis. The acts of Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963 have led to countless conspiracy theories and deep dives into everyone's moves not only on that day - but also during the weeks and months leading up to it. After all, the morning he died was just like any other for John F. Kennedy.
He had stayed at a hotel the night before, and the chef at the hotel confirmed that he ordered two boiled eggs with a side of toast and marmalade. To wash it all down, he had both a glass of orange juice and a coffee.
Whitney Houston - Hamburger With Fries
Many celebrities meet tragic ends, and there's no doubt that this was the case for Whitney Houston. although she struggled with her health in the years running up to her death, it was an accidental drowning in the bathtub of the Beverly Hilton Hotel that led to her death. Just a few hours earlier, however, she had enjoyed her last meal in the hotel's restaurant - and she had a feast.
As well as ordering a hamburger with fries, it's been confirmed that Whitney also ate a turkey sandwich with an extra side of Heineken. Alongside this, she drank champagne and beer.
Jimi Hendrix - Tuna Sandwich
Even if you don't think that you know a Jimi Hendrix song, we're going to assume that you do know a Jimi Hendrix song. After all, this guy is known for being one of the best musicians and singers of all time, and his impact on the music world was huge. However, his death came as a huge shock as it was completely unexpected - even to those around him.
Even his girlfriend, Monika Dannemann, had no idea that her boyfriend would pass away when she said goodnight to him the night before he passed. She had made him a tuna sandwich, and they had shared a bottle of wine like they often did.
James Dean - Apple Pie and Milk
James Dean was only 24 years old when he died in a car crash, and his death came as a huge shock to the world. He had been at the top of his acting game when he died - and this was proven when he became the first actor in history to be nominated for two Oscar awards after his death. But his last day was a good one and it started with him and his friend heading out in his brand-new Porsche for a road trip.
To break up the journey, the duo stopped off at a coffee shop and fueled up the car and their stomachs with their last meals - a slide of apple pie and a large glass of milk.
Frank Sinatra - Grilled Cheese
Unlike many of the celebrities on this list, Frank Sinatra lived a very full and long life. He was 82 years old when he passed away, and it's believed that he knew the time was coming. By this point, he couldn't move without the aid of a wheelchair and he was suffering from numerous health conditions. However, his last day on Earth was a happy one, as he spent most of it sitting by the pool in his Palm Springs home with his wife.
In fact, just a few hours before he passed away from a heart attack, he had enjoyed the simple grilled cheese that his wife had whipped up for him by the pool.
George Armstrong Custer - Roasted Buffalo
If you're not familiar with George Armstrong Custer, all you need to know is that this guy was famous during the 1800s for being a cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. he ultimately met his infamous end in battle, but Custer didn't treat war as many other people did. Despite being in the thick of it, he traveled across the U.S. with a personal cook and made it his mission to hunt regularly.
Because of this, it's widely regarded that his last meal was a roasted buffalo that he had hunted and killed himself, with a side of prairie hen, beans with molasses, and wild corn.
Jim Morrison - Sweet and Sour Chicken
Another member of the 27 club was Jim Morrison, who was taken way too early. The legendary lead singer of The Doors was in his prime and at the top of his game musically, and he had taken himself and his girlfriend to Paris to enjoy the delights of the city when he passed away in the bathtub. And while the official autopsy said that he died of heart failure, many people have questioned this over the years.
Whatever the case, it seems as though Jim didn't know what was coming. The night before he died had been like any other, and he had even gone to a Chinese restaurant with his girlfriend, where he ate sweet and sour chicken.
Mahatma Gandhi - Cooked Vegetables
Although Mahatma Gandhi spent much of his life advocating for peace and prosperity worldwide, his views also garnered a lot of negative attention. While some people adored him, he also built up a large network of enemies over the years. It was ultimately one of these enemies who assassinated the pacifist when he was 78 years old - and many think that he knew that it was coming. After all, Gandhi, who was known to fast for months on end, ate breakfast the day he died.
It's been reported that Gandhi chose to eat a breakfast of cooked vegetables alongside fresh tomatoes and orange segments. He also drank goat's milk, carrot juice, and another juice made from ginger, lime, and aloe.
Freddie Mercury - Spare Ribs
While most people knew that Freddie Mercury would succumb to his illnesses at some point, his death still came as a huge shock to the world. The legendary Queen singer had risen to icon status and had fans across the world, and many hoped that he would live forever - just like his songs. However, pneumonia and complications from AIDS ultimately meant that he took his last breath in 1991.
While his exact last meal hasn't been confirmed, it has been speculated that Freddie chose to eat his favorite meal before he passed away - a plate of spare ribs.
Rasputin - Honey Cakes
At one point in his life, Rasputin was a friend to the Romanov family. He was their mystic guru and faith healer, and he grew incredibly close to them over the years. However, that all changed when he tried to overthrow the family and rise to power himself. But one thing you might not realize is that many people also tried to kill Rasputin during this tumultuous time - and many assassination attempts were unsuccessful.
Another attempt on his life occurred when he ate his final meal - honey cakes with wine. And while the cakes had been laced with cyanide, the poison bizarrely had no effect on him. So, he was shot instead.
Anthony Bourdain - Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
As he was one of the most famous chefs of all time, many people asked Anthony Bourdain what his death row meal would be. In fact, he once noted that his death row meal would be bone marrow with a side salad and a salty baguette. But he must have changed his mind later down the line, as Anthony Bourdain's last meal wasn't that. Instead, he ate bratwurst, pork, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
At the time, Anthony was in France filming his television show, so this was a very European meal. Sadly, he took his own life just a few hours after this.
John Belushi - Lentil Soup
John Belushi was the kind of guy who could do anything. As well as being a comedian, he was also an actor, writer, and musician. However, it's no secret that John struggled with illicit substances over the course of his short life. He struggled with narcotic addiction and abuse, and he ultimately died at the tender age of 33 due to a deadly concoction supplied to him by groupie and drug dealer Cathy Smith.
Before he passed away at the iconic Chateau Marmont hotel, though, John wasn't feeling well. And although he went out for dinner, he only ordered a lentil soup in the hopes that it would curb his stomach ache.
Liberace - Cream of Wheat
When you think of Liberace, there's a high chance that you think of a talented pianist with a true passion for music. But you also might think of a flamboyant personality and lifestyle. Because of this, you might assume that every meal he ate was rich, delicious, and expensive. But that wasn't the case at all. When Liberace passed away at just 67 years old, his last meal was incredibly humble.
The last thing Liberace ate before he died was a bowl of cream and wheat with added sugar and butter. He was served this by the woman he claimed to be his second mom, Gladys Luckie.
Michael Jackson - Spinach and Chicken Salad
While there's no denying that the King of Pop had a profound impact on the music world, his personal life certainly caused a stir. And while he shied away from the limelight for a few years, in 2009 he made it his mission to make a comeback and prove his musical worth once again. However, before he could do that, he was killed by an overdose that was administered by his personal doctor.
But what was his last meal? Well, before he passed away, Michael Jackson kept it healthy and opted for a spinach salad full of veggies and topped with protein-packed chicken breast.
James Gandolfini - Fried King Prawns
If you're a fan of The Sopranos, there's a high chance that you were also a fan of James Gandolfini. This brilliant actor was a legend in the industry and appeared in countless movies and television shows over the course of his career. But tragedy struck when he decided to take a break from filming and head to Italy with his family in 2003. It was there that he had a heart attack and died.
Prior to his death, however, James had had a lovely dinner with his family and ordered a delicious plate of fried king prawns, foie gras, and a few glasses of wine.