Famous Last Performances
Which final farewells will be forever etched in our memories. From rock royalty to Hollywood icons, read about the memorable swan songs of living legends and fallen stars.
NASA’s most-flown shuttle (when was the maiden voyage?) made its final landing on March 9.
“Peggy Sue” (hear it) crooner Buddy Holly’s last performance was a stop on the “Winter Dance Party Tour” in Iowa on Feb. 2, 1959. He died in a plane crash en route to his next show .
The King’s last show was in Indianapolis (what was the venue?) on June 26, 1977, several weeks before he died at his famous Memphis home.
An internationally renowned performer, Josephine Baker starred in a smash Paris comeback revue on April 8, 1975, just days before her death at age 68
Famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti took the stage for the last time at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Games He died the following year at the age of 71.
The legendary reggae artist’s last gig was a sold-out concert in Pittsburgh on Sept. 23, 1980 He died the following year at the age of 36.
Heath Ledger’s final role was in the 2009 fantasy film “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” He died in January 2008, during a filming break.
This Hollywood icon’s last role was as Jett Rink in the 1956 classic “Giant’.” He died on Sept. 30, 1955, shortly after wrapping the film.
Tejano siren Selena played her native Texas for the last time at a standing-room-only Houston concert on Feb. 26, 1995. What was the occasion? She died two weeks later.
The illustrious illusionists and their Bengal tiger, Montecore performed for Las Vegas audiences one last time in February 2009. What tragedy preceded this reunion.
Before retiring, this celebrated soprano gave her final performance at New York City’s Lincoln Center on Jan. 3, 1985. Which opera did she star in.