Robert Ripley was a famous cartoonist, entrepreneur, and explorer who fascinated millions of people with his collection of oddities and curiosities from around the world. He created the popular Ripley’s Believe It or Not! franchise, which includes newspapers, books, radio shows, TV shows, and museums. He died on May 27, 1949, at the age of 58. The cause of death was a heart attack, which he suffered while filming his TV show.
A Life of Adventure and Discovery
Robert Ripley was born on December 25, 1890, in Santa Rosa, California. He had a passion for drawing and sports since his childhood. He dropped out of high school and moved to San Francisco to pursue a career as a sports cartoonist. He later moved to New York City and worked for various newspapers.
In 1918, he published his first Believe It or Not! cartoon, which featured unusual facts and feats from around the world. The cartoon became a hit and was syndicated by William Randolph Hearst in 1929. Ripley became a celebrity and a millionaire.
Ripley was also an avid traveler and adventurer. He visited more than 200 countries and collected thousands of artifacts and specimens from different cultures and civilizations. He displayed his collection in his museums, called Odditoriums, which attracted millions of visitors.
Ripley also ventured into other media, such as radio and film. He hosted his own radio show, where he narrated stories and interviewed guests. He also appeared in several short films and documentaries, showcasing his discoveries and adventures.
A Sudden Death on Television
In 1949, Ripley made his debut on television with his own show, called Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. The show featured live demonstrations of bizarre and amazing acts, such as sword swallowing, fire eating, contortionism, and human oddities.
On May 27, 1949, Ripley was filming the thirteenth episode of his show at the NBC studios in New York City. The theme of the episode was death rituals from different cultures. Ripley showed a replica of a Chinese coffin that was used to bury people alive. He also showed a Tibetan skull that was used as a drinking cup by monks.
As he was about to introduce the next segment, Ripley suddenly collapsed on the stage. He had suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was 58 years old.
His death shocked his fans and colleagues. His show was canceled after his death. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered over his Odditorium in San Francisco.
A Lasting Legacy
Robert Ripley was a pioneer and a legend in the field of entertainment and exploration. He inspired generations of people with his curiosity and creativity. He left behind a legacy of wonder and disbelief that continues to this day.
His franchise, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, is still alive and thriving. There are more than 100 Odditoriums around the world that display his collection of oddities and curiosities. There are also books, comics, games, podcasts, and TV shows that feature his stories and discoveries.
Robert Ripley was a man who lived by his motto: “Believe it or not!”. He challenged people to question their assumptions and expand their horizons. He showed them that the world is full of mysteries and marvels that are waiting to be explored.
