When it comes to their final wishes, many celebrities have expressed unique, and at times bizarre, desires for how they want to be remembered or how they want their legacies to unfold. From elaborate funeral requests to eccentric burial wishes, these stars had some unconventional thoughts about life after death. Here’s a look at some of the most bizarre final wishes of famous celebrities.
1. Marlon Brando – Wanted Ashes Scattered in Tahiti and Death Valley
Marlon Brando, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, had a truly unique final request. Brando, who was known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off screen, wanted his ashes scattered in two very different places — Tahiti, where he had spent time in his later years, and Death Valley, a desert region in California known for its extreme environment. This unusual request reflects Brando’s love for nature and his complicated personality, making his final wish as wild and unpredictable as his career.
2. Janis Joplin – Left Money for a Party to Celebrate, Not Cry
Famed rock singer Janis Joplin, who tragically passed away in 1970 at the age of 27, wanted her legacy to be celebrated, not mourned. Joplin’s final wish was that her estate should fund a celebratory party to mark her passing, rather than a somber funeral. She even left money specifically for the occasion, encouraging her friends to raise a glass and have a good time in her honor. Janis Joplin’s wild and rebellious spirit certainly carried over into her afterlife, ensuring that her fans and friends would continue to party in her name.
3. Elizabeth Taylor – Requested Her Funeral Begin Late as She Was Late Always
Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor was known for her glamour and personality, and she wanted her funeral to reflect that. Taylor, who was famous for always being fashionably late, requested that her funeral begin late as well, a nod to her late-arriving nature throughout her life. This final wish was a whimsical way to honor her unique charm and sense of humor, ensuring that her personality would remain present even in her final moments.
4. Bette Davis – Wanted Her Tombstone to Say “She Did It the Hard Way”
Actress Bette Davis, known for her iconic roles in classic films like All About Eve, had a very straightforward final wish — she wanted her tombstone to say, “She did it the hard way.” This epitaph was a reflection of Davis’s career, which was filled with obstacles, personal struggles, and hard-earned success. The phrase reflects her fierce independence and determination, ensuring that her story would be remembered as one of resilience and grit.
5. Napoleon Bonaparte – Requested Head to Be Shaven and Hair Distributed to Friends
Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous French military leader, had a fascinating set of final requests. He asked that his head be shaved after his death and that the hair be distributed among his friends and family as keepsakes. This unusual request was likely tied to the significance of hair as a personal and symbolic memento in that era. Even in death, Napoleon sought to maintain a lasting connection with those close to him through this odd, yet personal, gesture.
6. Michael Jackson – Final Wish Was “Heartbreaking,” But Never Revealed
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was known for his eccentricities during his lifetime, and his final wishes were no exception. Though details about his specific final wish remain shrouded in mystery, it’s said that his last wish was “heartbreaking.” The singer never revealed it publicly, and his family and friends have been tight-lipped about its content. The ambiguity surrounding Jackson’s final wish only adds to the intrigue surrounding his life and legacy, leaving fans and the public to wonder what he hoped for in his final moments.
7. David Bowie – Requested “No Funeral, Just Disappear into Ashes”
Iconic musician David Bowie, who passed away in 2016, had one of the most poetic final wishes: he requested no funeral at all. Instead, he simply wanted to disappear into ashes. Bowie’s wish was to avoid any public ceremony or traditional funeral, reflecting his avant-garde approach to life and death. His desire to quietly pass into the next realm without fanfare was fitting for the man who consistently challenged the norms throughout his career.
8. Bruce Lee – Wanted to Be Buried Without Shoes, “Walk Freely Into the Afterlife”
Martial arts legend Bruce Lee had one of the most unique requests for his final moments. Lee, who passed away in 1973, wished to be buried without shoes, symbolizing his desire to “walk freely into the afterlife.” This wish reflected his deep spiritual beliefs and philosophy of freedom and openness. Lee’s passing left a lasting impact on the world, and his final wish reinforced his belief in the power of the spirit and mind to transcend earthly concerns.
9. Harry Houdini – Donate His Books to the Library of Congress
The famous escape artist Harry Houdini, known for his death-defying stunts, had an intellectual side that many didn’t realize. In his will, Houdini requested that his books be donated to the Library of Congress after his death. His love for magic and mystery was evident in his career, but he also had a deep respect for knowledge and learning. By donating his collection of books, Houdini hoped to leave a lasting legacy of intellectual contribution in addition to his performances.
10. Hugh Hefner – Grave to Be Buried Beside Marilyn Monroe
The founder of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner, had a well-known obsession with Marilyn Monroe, the iconic actress and sex symbol. Upon his death, Hefner’s final wish was to be buried beside Monroe in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles. This wish was fulfilled when Hefner passed away in 2017, as he was interred next to his long-time idol. His decision to rest beside Monroe speaks to the deep affection he had for her, even long after her passing.
11. Frank Sinatra – Bury with Whiskey, Cigarettes, Lighter, and Coins
The legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, known for his impeccable style and love of a good time, had a very specific set of final wishes. Sinatra requested to be buried with whiskey, cigarettes, a lighter, and coins. This combination of items reflects his larger-than-life persona and his lifelong love of drinking, smoking, and the finer things in life. His final request was a quirky and fitting send-off for a man who lived life to the fullest.
12. Prince – Refused Public Funeral
The iconic musician Prince was known for his eccentric and private nature during his life, and this extended to his death. Upon passing in 2016, Prince requested that there be no public funeral for him. Instead, he wanted a more intimate and private memorial service, honoring his deeply spiritual and personal connection to his friends and family. True to his reclusive nature, Prince’s death was marked by a quiet and private farewell, as he had wished.
Conclusion
The final wishes of these famous celebrities are as intriguing and eccentric as their lives. From odd burial requests to unique ways of saying goodbye, their desires for the afterlife show the world just how personal and unique each person’s relationship with death can be. These fascinating final wishes serve as a reminder that even in death, celebrities continue to surprise us with their individuality and flair.
