7 Celebrities Who Took Their Last Breath in North Carolina
Discover the final days of 10 famous figures who met their end in North Carolina, from beloved actors to infamous pirates and influential leaders.
From the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sun-kissed shores of the Outer Banks, North Carolina has long been a place where legends are born—and where some have taken their final breaths. The Tar Heel State, rich in history and culture, has been the unexpected final chapter for a diverse cast of characters who’ve left an indelible mark on American society. But whose stories came to a close within North Carolina’s borders?
Our list, curated from public records and historical accounts, ranks these notable individuals based on their fame and impact. We’ve combed through centuries of North Carolina history to bring you a compelling lineup of politicians, entertainers, athletes, and trailblazers who drew their last breaths in the state. While the reasons for their presence in North Carolina at life’s end vary widely, each person on this list shares a unique connection to the state in their final moments.
Elizabeth Edwards (1949-2010)
Elizabeth Edwards’ life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Born in 1949, she built a successful career as an attorney before her husband John Edwards’ political aspirations thrust her into the national spotlight. As a political spouse, she became known for her warmth, intellect, and policy acumen, playing a key role in John’s campaigns for the Senate and the U.S. presidency.
Elizabeth faced immense personal challenges with remarkable grace. She lost her teenage son Wade in a car accident in 1996, battled breast cancer beginning in 2004, and weathered a painful public scandal when John’s extramarital affair came to light. Through it all, she remained a fierce advocate for causes close to her heart, including healthcare reform and poverty reduction.
In her final years, Elizabeth focused on her family and continued her activism. She separated from John in early 2010 and released a memoir reflecting on her life’s joys and struggles. On December 6, 2010, Elizabeth’s family announced that further cancer treatment would be unproductive. She passed away the next day at her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at the age of 61, surrounded by loved ones.
Andy Griffith (1926-2012)
Andy Griffith captured America’s heart as the wise and gentle Sheriff Andy Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Born in 1926 in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Griffith began his career as a monologist before finding fame on Broadway and in films. It was television, however, that made him a household name and an enduring symbol of small-town American values.
After “The Andy Griffith Show” ended in 1968, Griffith continued to work in television, most notably starring in the legal drama “Matlock” from 1986 to 1995. He was also an accomplished gospel singer, winning a Grammy Award in 1997 for his album of hymns.
In his later years, Griffith settled in Manteo, North Carolina, on Roanoke Island. He remained active in entertainment and politics, appearing in films and commercials and endorsing political candidates. Griffith passed away on July 3, 2012, at his coastal home in Manteo. He was 86 years old. His family held a small, private service within hours of his death, and he was buried on his property on Roanoke Island.
Blackbeard (c. 1680-1718)
Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was the most infamous pirate of the “Golden Age of Piracy” in the early 18th century. Operating primarily in the West Indies and along the eastern coast of Britain’s American colonies, Blackbeard cultivated a fearsome reputation that often allowed him to take prizes without a fight.
At the height of his power in 1718, Blackbeard blockaded the port of Charles Town (modern-day Charleston) and ran his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, aground near Beaufort, North Carolina. He briefly accepted a royal pardon and settled in Bath, North Carolina, but soon returned to piracy.
Blackbeard’s reign of terror came to an end on November 22, 1718, in a fierce battle at Ocracoke Inlet. A British naval force led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard engaged Blackbeard’s crew in hand-to-hand combat. Blackbeard fought ferociously but was eventually overwhelmed, sustaining an estimated five gunshot wounds and twenty sword cuts before falling. Maynard had Blackbeard’s head removed and hung from his ship’s bowsprit as proof of the pirate’s demise, while his decapitated body was reportedly thrown into the inlet.
Jesse Helms (1921-2008)
Jesse Helms was a towering and controversial figure in American politics for over 30 years. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, in 1921, Helms began his career as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 1970. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 and would serve five terms, becoming known as one of the most conservative members of Congress.
As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Helms wielded significant influence over U.S. foreign policy. He was a staunch anti-communist and opponent of foreign aid. Domestically, Helms was known for his opposition to civil rights legislation, abortion, and gay rights. His uncompromising conservatism earned him the nickname “Senator No.”
In his later years, Helms softened some of his positions, working with Bono on AIDS relief funding for Africa. He chose not to run for re-election in 2002 due to health issues. Helms passed away on July 4, 2008, at the age of 86 in Raleigh, North Carolina, after battling vascular dementia. Despite the controversy that often surrounded him, Helms left an indelible mark on American conservatism and North Carolina politics.
Charles R. Drew (1904-1950)
Charles R. Drew was a pioneering African-American surgeon and researcher who revolutionized the field of blood transfusions and storage. Born in Washington D.C. in 1904, Drew excelled academically and athletically, eventually earning his medical degree from McGill University in 1933.
Drew’s groundbreaking work focused on blood plasma preservation and storage. During World War II, he played a crucial role in developing large-scale blood banks, including the “Blood for Britain” program. He became the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank but resigned in protest over the organization’s policy of segregating blood by race.
Throughout his career, Drew broke racial barriers in medicine. He became the first African-American surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery and trained a generation of black physicians at Howard University College of Medicine.
Tragically, Drew’s life was cut short on April 1, 1950. While driving to a medical conference in Alabama, he was severely injured in a car accident near Burlington, North Carolina. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Drew succumbed to his injuries at the age of 45. Though his death sparked rumors of medical racism, these were later debunked. Drew’s contributions to medicine saved countless lives and his legacy as a pioneer in blood banking and transfusion medicine lives on.
Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951)
Oscar Micheaux was a pioneering African-American filmmaker and author active in the early 20th century. He is recognized as the first major African-American feature filmmaker, producing over 40 films between 1919 and 1948. Micheaux’s works often tackled complex themes of race and society, providing nuanced portrayals of African-American life at a time when mainstream cinema was rife with stereotypes. His most notable films include “Within Our Gates” (1920) and “Body and Soul” (1925).
Micheaux’s contributions to cinema and African-American culture were substantial, though often overlooked during his lifetime. He provided opportunities for black actors and technicians when they were largely excluded from Hollywood, and his independent productions challenged the racial prejudices of the era. In recent decades, Micheaux’s work has gained increasing recognition. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and scholars exploring the intersection of race and media in American society.
Willie Stargell (1940-2001)
Willie Stargell was a legendary baseball player who spent his entire 21-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his powerful hitting, Stargell led the National League in home runs twice and was a key player in the Pirates’ World Series victories in 1971 and 1979. His leadership both on and off the field earned him the nickname “Pops,” and he became famous for awarding “Stargell Stars” to teammates for outstanding plays, fostering team spirit.
Stargell’s impact extended beyond his playing career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988 and had his number 8 retired by the Pirates. His legacy includes not only his remarkable athletic achievements but also his character and community involvement. Stargell was active in raising awareness and funds for sickle cell anemia research through his foundation, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference off the field as well as on it.
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