Actors & Entertainers · 20th Century
Groucho Marx’s Last Words
“Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!”— Groucho Marx, August 19, 1977
Who Was Groucho Marx?
Groucho Marx was the wisecracking leader of the Marx Brothers, one of the most successful comedy teams in history. His rapid-fire wit, greasepaint mustache, and cigar became iconic.
The Final Moments
Groucho died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The attributed last words are almost certainly apocryphal but perfectly capture his style of humor.
Are These Words Verified?
Almost certainly apocryphal. Marx was semi-conscious in his final days and this quote appears to be recycled from earlier in his life or invented posthumously.
Sources
- biography Stefan Kanfer's Groucho: The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx
- archive Hospital records note semi-consciousness
- other Anecdotal sources
Legacy
Groucho's anarchic wit influenced virtually every comedian who followed. His one-liners remain endlessly quotable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Groucho Marx’s last words?
“Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!”
How did Groucho Marx die?
Groucho Marx died on August 19, 1977 at the age of 86. Cause of death: Pneumonia.
Were Groucho Marx’s last words documented?
Almost certainly apocryphal. Marx was semi-conscious in his final days and this quote appears to be recycled from earlier in his life or invented posthumously.