Famous Last Words
James Donald French
Oklahoma
August 10, 1966
“How’s this for a headline? ‘French fries.’” (attributed)
French was a convicted murderer, serving time for killing a hitchhiker in 1958 when he strangled his cellmate with a shoelace in 1961. He was executed in the electric chair, reportedly “without flinching or begging.”
French’s last words are one example of many of another person coming up with a quip after the condemned was executed. Shortly before he entered the death chamber, French, who had long stated his hatred for the world, told reporters “I am not dying for murder — I am dying for my beliefs.” Before seating himself in the electric chair, French was asked by the warden if he had any final statements. French smiled slightly and replied “Everything’s already been said.”
