Spike Milligan’s ghoulish gravestone quip favourite
SPIKE Milligan’s famous epitaph has been named Britain’s favourite.
With the immortal words “I told you I was ill” carved on to his tombstone, he undoubtedly had the last laugh.
Milligan’s words of wisdom beat Oscar Wilde’s “either those curtains go or I do” and Frank Sinatra’s “the best is yet to come” in a new poll.
The Goon Show star was the clear winner, picking up almost two-thirds of votes. He beat off competition from Wilde, whose epitaph was chosen by one in 10 vot- ers, and Frank Sinatra’s, supported by seven percent.
Fifth was the epitaph of another comic, Frank Carson, “what a way to lose weight”, while war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill finished sixth with “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter”.
As part of the survey, living celebrities also revealed how they wanted to be remembered.
Stephen Fry opted for schoolboy humour, writing: “With thanks to the ingraver for speling my epitarf propperly”.
Wildlife TV presenter Bill Odie also went for the comical afterword “please can I try again”, while comedian Alexei Sayle said “surely there’s been some mistake”.
Documentarymaker Louis Theroux appeared to take inspiration from Milligan’s epitaph, choosing: “So would you call this ‘man flu’?”
Some, like former cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe – who wrote “go tell the chief whip, passers-by, that here, alack, unpaired I lie” – poked fun at themselves.
Screenwriter Stephen Merchant, who co-created The Office and Extras and stands six feet, seven inches (2m) tall, said: “I’d live my life exactly the same again, except three inches shorter.”
Others went for black humour. Actress Fay Ripley who starred in the muchloved ITV series, chose the macabre thought: “Well, now I have Cold Feet”.
Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman selected the words: “One place I don’t need my lipstick”.
Some celebrities appeared to be considering the options more seriously. Former MP Edwina Currie said she would like to be remembered with the words: “she made a difference”.
The survey was carried out by Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, which aims to encourage people to talk more openly about dying and consider becoming an organ donor.
Imelda Redmond, of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “Spike Milligan’s epitaph is legendary, and many of the great comics and writers have been immortalised by their epitaphs.
“It’s important that people discuss things, like where they would like to spend their final moments, with friends and loved ones.” – Daily Mail