Final words

How would you like to be remembered? 12 celebrity epitaphs to inspire you

Image: Greg Bulla

Derived from the Greek epitaphios meaning "a funeral oration," epitaphs are quotations or phrases carved on a grave to honor a deceased person. These poignant inscriptions —some written with a great sense of humor— portray the final thoughts and legacy of the departed. From famous writers to rockstars and Wild West outlaws, here's a selection of our 12 favorite celebrity epitaphs!

Image: Scott Rodgerson

The epitaph inscribed on Emily Dickinson's tomb reflects her characteristically concise style: "Born Dec.10.1830, Called back May.15.1886". This inscription, simple yet loaded with meaning, captures the essence of her work, marked by an economy of words and emotional depth.

The phrase is taken from what is believed to be her last letter, which simply read: "Little Cousins, Called Back. Emily." In addition, Called Back is the title of a novella by Hugh Conway that the poet was fond of. Dickinson, one of the most important figures in American poetry, lived a life of isolation but left a poetic legacy that continues to resonate with readers even today.

Image: By Steven Pavlov - Own work, CC0

Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential guitarists in rock and roll history, left a simple but powerful epitaph: "Forever in Our Hearts". This inscription, along with a carved Stratocaster guitar, celebrates his contribution to the world of music and his lasting impact on his fans.

Hendrix, known for his virtuosity and innovative style, remains an iconic figure in the music world despite dying at a young age. Thanks to this epitaph, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in future generations.

Image: Nate Biddle

Mel Blanc, the legendary voice actor known for voicing iconic Looney Tunes characters, left an epitaph featuring his most famous catchphrase: "That's all folks".

This iconic line from the cartoons that entertained generations of viewers pays tribute to his career and his impact on popular culture. Blanc, who lent his voice to characters such as Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck, remains a beloved figure, and his epitaph ensures that the laughs will go on forever.

Image: By KRichter - probably own picture (see original filename), Public Domain

Edgar Allan Poe was best known for his gothic poetry and short stories. Despite being one of America's most famous writers, his grave remained unmarked after his death. Twenty-five years later, his family managed to raise enough money to install an epitaph honoring his most famous poem, "The Raven."

Edgar Allan Poe's epitaph reads: "Quoth the raven, ‘Nevermore.’" The connection between his resting place and his most celebrated work emphasizes Poe's lasting influence on literature, ensuring that his legacy will continue to fascinate and inspire future generations of readers.

Image: Marco Rickhoff

Film director Billy Wilder, known for films such as Sunset Boulevard, Sabrina, and The Seven Year Itch, had a keen sense of humor. So it's no wonder he left an epitaph that reflects his knack for satire and his distinctive wit.

"I'm a writer, but then nobody's perfect" is the inscription on the grave of the seven-time Academy Award-winning director, a reference to the iconic final line of his film Some Like It Hot. This epitaph not only pays tribute to his film career but also attests to his ironic and positive perspective on life.

Image: By JayHenry - Own work, Public Domain

Francis Scott Fitzgerald, one of the best American novelists of the 20th century, is best known for his fabulous portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age. Fitzgerald lived like his characters, surrounded by glamour, melancholy, and excess. Unfortunately, his career, though successful, was short. He died of a heart attack at the age of 44 and is now buried alongside his wife Zelda at St. Mary's Church Historic Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland.

Written on their gravestone is the last line from his greatest novel, The Great Gatsby: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

Image: By Don English (1901-1964); Paramount Pictures - Heritage Auctions, Public Domain

Marlene Dietrich, the iconic German-American actress and singer, left an epitaph that reflects her elegance and poetic sense: "Hier steh ich an den Marken meiner Tage" ("Here I am standing at the border stones of my days").

Dietrich, known for her glamorous persona and exotic looks, was one of the highest-paid actresses of Hollywood's golden age. The phrase on her gravestone in Berlin, though laden with melancholy, is also a tribute to her career in the arts, and her lifelong humanitarian efforts.

Image: Pierre Antona

Jim Morrison, the charismatic leader of The Doors, left an epitaph that reflects his rebellious spirit and philosophy of life: "Kata ton daimona eaytoy" ("True to his own spirit", in classical Greek).

This inscription is carved on a bronze plaque at his resting place at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, one of the most visited graves by fans from all over the world. The simple but poignant phrase manages to convey the essence of Morrison as an artist who lived by his own rules. His epitaph, as well as his musical and poetic legacy, continues to inspire those who seek to live authentically.

Image: By Missouri State Archives

Jesse James, the famous Wild West outlaw, was treacherously murdered by his friend Robert Ford when he was only 34 years old. His mother, outraged by this heinous act, recorded her grievance on his epitaph: "Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here."

This inscription, loaded with resentment, reflects the controversy and myth surrounding the figure of James. The original grave site is located in the backyard of the James family farm in Kearney, Missouri. The Jesse James Birthplace Museum, open for tours, displays family artifacts and, of course, Jesse's original epitaph.

Image: Andrea Piacquadio

Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the popular British rock group Queen, has one of the most famous epitaphs among rock stars. Freddie died at the young age of 45 and was cremated at West London Crematorium in Kensal Green Cemetery, where there is now a cenotaph in his honor that reads: "Lover of life, singer of songs".

The touching phrase, penned by bandmate Brian May, accurately describes the complex figure of one of the greatest showmen ever. Freddie’s theatrical stage appearances captured the world's attention in the 1970s but he will always be remembered for his incredible voice, flamboyant style, and unparalleled talent.

Image: By Diagram Lajard - Own work, Public Domain

Frank Sinatra, legendary singer and actor, left an epitaph that reflects his unwavering optimism: "The best is yet to come". This phrase, which is also the title of one of his most famous songs, embodies a sense of hope and the promise of a better future.

For his fans, Sinatra's epitaph is a reminder of his musical legacy and indomitable spirit. But it is also a testament to his enormous legacy, a wonderful voice that will continue to resonate long after he is gone.

Image: By Syd Storm - Own work, CC0

John Keats, one of the great British poets of Romanticism, died of tuberculosis in 1821 when he was only 25 years old. Despite his young age, he left us a remarkable body of work that remains among the most popular and analyzed in English literature still to this day.

Knowing himself to be very ill, Keats had only one last wish, to be buried under a tombstone bearing no name or date, only the words, "Here lies One whose Name was writ in Water." Pretty poetic, don’t you think?

DISCOVER THESE HOLLYWOOD LANDMARKS!

Where Magic Happens.

Image: Jakob Owens

Let's face it. Not all of us have the talent of Meryl Streep, the chin of Kirk Douglas, or that Magnum gaze of Derek Zoolander. We may never get to star in a movie or even be in one. But we can explore the actual locations where some of the most famous films were shot.

With a little luck, we'll find some close to home. And for a moment, we can feel surrounded by the magic of cinema too.

Image: Aman

Whether you're short on time, budget, or both, there's only one place you should choose: Hollywood Boulevard. With over 130 movies and TV shows, including 'Chinatown' and 'Lethal Weapon', this iconic street in the already heavily photographed Los Angeles is the most filmed location in America.

No matter when you visit, the chances of stumbling upon a film shoot are enormous. And who knows, if you cross the street at the right time, you might just become part of the next movie classic!

Image: Venti Views

Are you a lover of the classics? Or perhaps you prefer science fiction. Maybe you're more of a musical person?

Whatever your answer, your destination remains the same. Nowhere else will you feel as close to the stars as the Observatory, situated atop Griffith Park, with its astonishing views across the valley.

From 'Rebel Without a Cause', the classic icon featuring James Dean, to the menacing presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the 'Terminator', or the celebration of the love between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in 'La La Land', hundreds of stars and films had the Griffith Observatory as the perfect location.

A unique setting from which you can enjoy all the magnificence of Hollywood.

Image: Matt The Artist

Yes, it exists. The famous Nakatomi Plaza is not (just) a model. You can discover it in Century City, Los Angeles.

While you might not hear Bruce Willis's memorable one-liners while crawling through the ventilation ducts, you can at least enjoy the Fox Plaza skyscraper facade, which served as the main setting in 'Die Hard' (1988).

By the way, unlike its fictional counterpart, the original building has not suffered any damage during the production of this film.

Image: Phillip Ritz from New York, NY, USA

If you're in Manhattan and need help, who ya gonna call? Of course, the city's most beloved "Superstars of the Supernatural."

And if they don't return your call, perhaps you can head over to the Tribeca neighborhood at 14 North Moore Street, where Hook & Ladder Company 8 operates. It's a former fire station converted into the "Ghostbusters" headquarters for the 1984 fantasy comedy.

Image: Harry Knight

With so many incredible locations to discover in New York, you may want to recharge your batteries at a traditional venue. And what better way to do it than at this century-old deli on East Houston Street in Manhattan, where you can taste their delicious pastrami on rye?

Although since Meg Ryan showed her extraordinary expressive skills to Billy Crystal in the film "When Harry Met Sally" (1989), thousands of enthusiastic diners have sat at the same table where the famous, and noisy, scene was filmed, often ordering "I'll have what she's having."

Image: Logan Hughes

This is an easy one. While there are numerous bench scenes in movies, this particular bench in Boston Public Garden hosts one of the most emotional conversations in film history between Matt Damon and Robin Williams, in the movie 'Good Will Hunting' (1997).

Identifying this site is quite simple; it's usually adorned with flowers and memories since the passing of Robin Williams in 2014.

Image: Mick Haupt

This volcanic monolith, located in the Black Hills of Crook County in northeastern Wyoming, has been a sacred site for indigenous communities and holds the honor of being designated America's first national monument in 1906. It is certainly worth a visit.

No doubt, that was what some friendly little gray aliens thought when they decided to use it as a parking lot in the world-famous Steven Spielberg film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977). Since then, they say, its fame has only spread throughout the galaxy.


If you decide to explore this location amidst the stunning landscapes of Winterset, Iowa, there are two things you cannot forget to bring with you: a good camera and an adequate amount of tissues.

One of the most emotional and bittersweet masterpieces of cinema came to us from the skilled hands of Clint Eastwood and the unforgettable gaze of Meryl Streep.

The unique Madison bridges, originally numbering 19 and with six still standing, await all those who dare to relive a true love story.


Long before Joaquin Phoenix's Joker revealed Shakespeare's steps to the world with his iconic dance, turning it into an instant meme to the delight of thousands of Instagrammers who test his movements, and the patience of Bronx neighbors, there was another famous staircase.

A much scarier one.

This is the staircase where the shocking climax of what conceivably is the most terrifying film in history takes place: 'The Exorcist' (1973). Filmed in numerous locations in Georgetown, the 75 steps of 3600 Prospect Street, renowned as a Historic Landmark in 2019, are the most iconic.

Would you dare to go down them?

Image: luke flynt

If in the 80s you were one of those children who dreamed of discovering an old map that would lead you to a pirate treasure and the adventure of a lifetime with your best friends, the beautiful settings of Astoria, Oregon, are your next destination.

There, you can tour not only the spectacular locations of The Goonies (1985), including the Jail (now the Oregon Film Museum), the house of the Goonies, Ecola State Park (lair of the infamous and hilarious Fratelli), and the dazzling views of Cannon Beach.

Moreover, you will also find an entire town that celebrates its most famous movie and even has its day: every June 7, Astoria celebrates The Goonies Day.

So prepare your backpack, your camera, and your sense of adventure. The magic of cinema is waiting for you!