Actors & Entertainers · Early 20th Century
W.C. Fields’s Last Words
“On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.”— W.C. Fields, December 25, 1946
Who Was W.C. Fields?
W.C. Fields was an American comedian known for his misanthropic persona, bulbous nose, drawling voice, and profound distrust of dogs and children.
The Final Moments
Fields died on Christmas Day, a holiday he famously despised. The Philadelphia quip is likely apocryphal but perfectly captures his character.
Are These Words Verified?
This was Fields's proposed epitaph, a joke he made years before his death, not actual last words. He died in a sanatorium and his real final words, if any, were not recorded or were incoherent.
Sources
- biography W.C. Fields by Himself edited by Ronald Fields
- biography Various Hollywood biographies
Legacy
Fields's misanthropic comedy influenced generations and he remains a beloved figure of early American humor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were W.C. Fields’s last words?
“On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.”
How did W.C. Fields die?
W.C. Fields died on December 25, 1946 at the age of 66. Cause of death: Stomach hemorrhage and alcohol complications.
Were W.C. Fields’s last words documented?
This was Fields's proposed epitaph, a joke he made years before his death, not actual last words. He died in a sanatorium and his real final words, if any, were not recorded or were incoherent.