Robert Ettinger
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Known as the "father of cryonics," Robert Ettinger revolutionized the field with his pioneering efforts. In 1976, he established the Cryonics Institute, providing a facility for individuals seeking cryogenic preservation. Ettinger's groundbreaking book, "The Prospect of Immortality," published in 1964, laid the foundation for the concept of cryogenic preservation. It captured the public's imagination and sparked scientific discussions about the possibilities of extending human life. Ettinger's contributions propelled cryonics into the mainstream, shaping the field's development and inspiring further research into preserving and reviving life.
James Hiram Bedford
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James Hiram Bedford etched his name in history as the first person to undergo cryogenic freezing in 1967. His preservation at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation marked a pivotal moment in the field of cryonics, signaling the start of modern efforts to explore the possibilities of preserving life beyond death. Bedford's pioneering decision paved the way for further research and advancements in the cryonics industry. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and enthusiasts in their quest to unlock the secrets of cryogenic preservation and its potential implications for the future of humanity.
Larry King
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The late iconic talk show host Larry King, known for his interviews with celebrities and world leaders, openly revealed that he had signed up for cryonic preservation after his death. While he acknowledged the uncertainty of its success, his decision to explore this option highlighted people's curiosity and hope regarding the possibility of being revived in the distant future when advanced medical technologies might make it feasible. King's candidness about cryonics brought the topic to mainstream discussions about life, death, and the pursuit of immortality.
Walt Disney
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Despite being an enduring urban legend, the idea that Walt Disney's body was cryogenically frozen after his death in 1966 continues to captivate the public's imagination. However, official records have conclusively debunked these claims, revealing that Disney was, in fact, cremated rather than frozen. Nevertheless, the myth surrounding his cryogenic preservation persists in popular culture, inspiring speculation about the potential of his return in the future, much like the enchanting worlds he brought to life through his entertainment empire.
Britney Spears
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In an interview, the pop sensation Britney Spears once expressed her fascination with the concept of cryogenic freezing. While her remark did not imply any concrete plans for cryonic preservation, it ignited engaging discussions among her fans about the potential benefits and ethical implications of the procedure. Spears' openness about these speculative ideas highlights the influence that celebrities' thoughts can have on shaping public perceptions of cryonics and the prospects of life-extending technologies.
Stephen Hawking
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The brilliant mind of Stephen Hawking, renowned for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, frequently contemplated the frontiers of science and technology. Although no evidence suggests that he actively pursued cryogenic preservation, his curiosity about the future and extending human existence fueled discussions about the potential contributions that remarkable scientific minds of our time could make to future breakthroughs if granted the opportunity to continue their work beyond the boundaries of mortality.
Simon Cowell
Image Source: New York Post
As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Simon Cowell's interest in cryonics captured public attention, stirring speculation about the notion of freezing oneself to experience the future. While his contemplations on cryogenic preservation have been more playful than concrete plans, his remarks sparked debates about whether notable personalities might consider the procedure as a means to witness and participate in the world they helped shape within the entertainment landscape.
Ted Williams
Image Source: Reddit
One of the greatest baseball players of all time, Ted Williams, left explicit instructions to be cryogenically preserved after his death in 2002. Following the lead of his son John Henry Williams, he believed in the potential of cryonics to offer him a chance at life in the future. This decision ignited debates and discussions about the ethics surrounding cryonics, especially when it involves prominent public figures. Ted Williams' case became emblematic of the ethical dilemmas and philosophical considerations raised by cryogenic preservation.
Dick Clair
Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Renowned for his contributions to television, Dick Clair, a talented writer and producer, faced a challenging battle with HIV/AIDS. Confronted with the uncertainty of his health, he chose cryogenic preservation, seeking a chance at a future cure and continued creative pursuits. His decision sparked meaningful ethical and legal discussions surrounding the rights of individuals to seek cryonics for medical reasons. Clair's case highlighted the potential of cryonics to offer hope in the face of devastating diseases, extending the conversation beyond life extension to include quality of life considerations.
Kim Kardashian
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The prominent reality TV star Kim Kardashian has openly mentioned cryogenics, expressing her curiosity about the possibility of preserving her body for the future. Her remarks have garnered significant attention, spotlighting the subject and generating widespread discussions about the potential implications and motivations behind such a decision. While her thoughts on cryogenics may remain speculative, her openness has fueled the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology, celebrity, and the quest for immortality.
Larry Flynt
Image Source: Delco Times
The late publisher and entrepreneur Larry Flynt, widely known for his magazine Hustler, was rumored to have contemplated cryonic preservation, although concrete evidence confirming his interest remains elusive. Speculation ranged from the desire to preserve his legacy to a genuine belief in the potential of future medical advancements. Regardless of the truth, Flynt's association with cryogenics has contributed to its ongoing discourse, highlighting the intersections between fame, controversy, and the pursuit of life-extending technologies.
Simon Le Bon
Image Source: The US Sun
Simon Le Bon, the esteemed lead singer of the iconic band Duran Duran, has openly expressed his fascination with cryonics, delving into the idea of being cryogenically frozen to experience the future firsthand. Le Bon's musings on cryonic preservation have raised questions about the boundaries of human experience and the impact of time on artistic expression. Still, by exploring the possibilities of cryogenics, Le Bon has ignited thought-provoking conversations about the relationship between the past, present, and future and the role of individuals in shaping the cultural landscape.
Ann Coulter
Image Source: CBS News
The conservative political commentator Ann Coulter has referenced cryogenics in interviews, delving into the concept of preserving the human body for potential benefits from future medical advancements. Her exploration of cryogenics in the context of medical progress has invited speculation about the future possibilities of rejuvenation, extended lifespans, and the impact on society. Coulter has stimulated thought and debate on the boundaries of scientific advancements and the pursuit of longevity by connecting cryonics to the broader discourse on healthcare and human potential.
Larry Harvey
Image Source: Billboard
Larry Harvey, the visionary co-founder of the renowned Burning Man festival, expressed his interest in cryonics as a means to extend life and explore the future possibilities of art and culture. Harvey's contemplation of cryogenic preservation about the Burning Man ethos has sparked intriguing conversations about the interplay between creativity, technology, and the human desire for immortality. His thoughts on cryonics have prompted discussions on the role of art and cultural movements in shaping future societies while raising questions about technology's impact on personal identity and the preservation of artistic legacies.
Bono
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The celebrated U2 frontman, Bono, has touched upon cryogenic preservation in interviews, contemplating the idea of being revived in the future to continue his artistic pursuits. Bono's contemplation of cryonics has sparked reflection on the evolving nature of music and the enduring legacy of creative individuals. By considering the potential for cryonics to bridge the gap between past and future artistic expressions, Bono has inspired thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists in shaping culture and how technology may redefine artistic contributions.
Aubrey de Grey
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The distinguished biomedical gerontologist Aubrey de Grey, a prominent figure in aging research, has explored the concept of cryonics as a potential tool for extending human life and combating the process of aging. De Grey's consideration of cryogenic preservation reflects his relentless pursuit of radical longevity, and his dedicated research on the matter has added nuance to the ongoing discussions about aging, mortality, and the possibilities that cryonics may hold for the future of human existence.
Dora Kent
Image Source: Issuu
In 1987, Dora Kent made history by becoming the first woman to undergo cryogenic preservation. As a retired psychology professor, her decision to be cryopreserved highlighted the increasing interest in cryonics among diverse demographics. Kent's choice demonstrated that cryogenic preservation was not solely reserved for celebrities or wealthy individuals but was an option available to anyone who sought the chance to experience the future and potentially contribute to it. Her decision expanded the public perception of cryonics and its accessibility to a wider audience.
Kesha
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The singer-songwriter Kesha has displayed an interest in cryogenic preservation, contemplating the possibility of being cryogenically frozen and subsequently revived in the future. Her discussions about cryonics have centered around her desire to continue making music and exploring her creativity beyond the constraints of a single lifetime. Kesha's curiosity about cryogenics has ignited conversations about the role of art and personal expression in an ever-evolving world and the potential of technology to redefine the boundaries of human experience.
Halle Berry
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The Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry has openly expressed her fascination with the idea of cryogenic preservation. Berry has pondered the possibilities that cryonics may offer for the future, sparking discussions about the potential for extending life and the exploration of new horizons. As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Berry's interest in cryonics has garnered attention and generated conversations about the intersection of celebrity, technology, and the pursuit of longevity.
Hal Finney
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Hal Finney, an esteemed computer scientist and one of the early contributors to Bitcoin, embraced the idea of cryogenic preservation as an extension of his pioneering work. After his death in 2014, Finney's body was cryopreserved, with the hope that future technologies might revive him and allow him to witness the evolution of cryptocurrencies and continue his involvement in technological progress. Finney's decision exemplified the intersection of technological innovation, personal beliefs, and the quest for life beyond death.
Ray Kurzweil
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The renowned futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil, known for his predictions about singularity and future technologies, has openly discussed his plans for cryonic preservation. Kurzweil aims to be revived in the future, leveraging the possibilities that cryonics may offer. His thoughts on cryogenics have stimulated thought-provoking conversations about the limits of human life, the potential for merging human consciousness with advanced technology, and the implications of extending human existence beyond traditional boundaries.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
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The renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has mentioned cryogenics in interviews, highlighting its potential implications for space travel and human exploration. Tyson's discussions have revolved around the possibilities that cryonics might offer for preserving astronauts during long-duration space missions, ensuring their safe return to Earth. By pondering the potential benefits of cryonic preservation, Tyson has sparked conversations about the future of space exploration and the role of advanced technologies in safeguarding human life beyond our planet.
FM-2030
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FM-2030, formerly known as Fereidoun M. Esfandiary, was a visionary futurist who believed in the potential of technology to positively transform humanity's future. His name change to reflect the years 2000 to 2099 exemplified his hope for a better tomorrow. Following his optimistic vision, he arranged for cryopreservation upon his death in 2000, aspiring to be revived and experience the advancements he passionately envisioned. FM-2030's decision showcased the intertwining of futurism, technological optimism, and the pursuit of an extended human existence.
Jeff Bezos
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While not explicitly discussing personal plans, billionaire entrepreneur Jeff Bezos has mentioned cryonics in the context of future civilizations and the need to preserve humanity's knowledge and experience. Needless to say, the billionaire's remarks have spurred discussions about the ethical considerations, practical challenges, and broader implications of cryonic preservation as a means to safeguard our cultural heritage and the potential for future generations to benefit from the accumulated knowledge of previous civilizations.
Pamela Anderson
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The actress and model Pamela Anderson has openly spoken about her interest in cryonics, contemplating the potential for extending life and experiencing advancements in medical science. Anderson's discussions about cryonics have sparked conversations about the pursuit of longevity, the boundaries of medical advancements, and the human desire to defy the limitations of mortality. By expressing curiosity about cryogenic preservation, Anderson has contributed to the ongoing dialogue about the intersections of beauty, technology, and the quest for eternal youth.
Peter Eckersley
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As a prominent technologist and privacy advocate, Peter Eckersley explored the concept of cryogenic preservation from a unique perspective. He pondered the idea of preserving personal memories, experiences, and identities for future revival. Eckersley envisioned a future where advancements in neuroscience and technology would enable the restoration of preserved individuals, allowing them to continue their lives and reconnect with their past selves. His contemplation of cryonics involved the nature of personal identity, memory preservation, and the potential for transformative advancements in the field.
Timothy Leary
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The American psychologist Timothy Leary, renowned for his advocacy of psychedelic substances, expressed interest in cryonics as a means to continue exploring consciousness and the human mind. Leary's thoughts on cryonic preservation have provoked contemplation about the possibilities of extending the human experience beyond traditional boundaries, prompting conversations about the nature of consciousness, the limits of perception, the connections between consciousness, identity, and the eternal quest for understanding, and the potential for transformative exploration of the self.
Demi Lovato
Image Source: Austin Mooney - Medium
The singer and actress Demi Lovato has mentioned cryogenics in interviews, expressing curiosity about the potential benefits and possibilities it might offer. Lovato's discussions have sparked conversations about the intersection of art, technology, and personal transformation. We're all about the pursuit of self-discovery, the impact of advanced medical technologies on personal identity, and the potential for continued growth and artistic expression beyond the constraints of a single lifetime but involving mentally stable people.
Larry Ellison
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The co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, has reportedly discussed cryonics and the idea of freezing bodies to allow for future revival. Ellison's views have attracted attention and stimulated conversations about the feasibility and implications of cryogenic preservation. His contemplation of cryonics has sparked discussions about the interplay between technology, entrepreneurship, and the quest for immortality. Ellison's mentations have contributed to ongoing debates about the boundaries of human existence and the potential for future advancements to reshape the nature of life itself.
Courtney Love
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The musician Courtney Love has expressed interest in cryogenics, contemplating the prospect of being frozen to experience the future and potentially contribute to society again. Love's discussions about cryonics have inspired conversations about the intersections of art, culture, and the quest for personal and creative continuity. While many fans could never expect this from the singer, Love has provoked contemplation about the role of artists in shaping society, the endurance of artistic legacies, and the potential for future contributions beyond the constraints of a single lifetime.
Famous preserved bodies you can actually visit
image source: themirror.co.uk
And there have been some people not opting for the freezing option, and instead going with their deceased bodies perfectly preserved and put on display! Some famous figures around the world, including world leaders and rulers, have had their deceased bodies out on display for tourists to visit their final resting places - either out of respect, or a curiosity for the macabre! Here are some you can visit.
Vladimir Lenin
image source: alarabiya.com
It wasn't long after his death that Russian politician Vladimir Lenin had his body taken to the Red Square in order to be put on display there. The body has been lying, preserved, since his death in 1924, and the government even paid for the preservation efforts made to keep his body in perfect condition. It's now open to the public, but protected by an honor guard.
Tutankhamen
image source: discovermagazine.com
Tutankhamen is probably one of the most famous Kings of the world, and mostly because of the reputation around his tomb, his sarcophagus and his remains. The boy king's tomb was discovered in 1922, and his mummified body is now on display at the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, the famous burial site. You can even take a tour there which includes a visit to his tomb, and the pyramids.
Kim Jong-II
image source: abcnews.com
The funny thing about Lenin's preservation is that it was so well done, and became so famous for being so, that Russian scientists were actually called to help with the embalming of Kim Jong-II after his death in 2011. His body is preserved in a glass coffin so that visitors can perfectly see his embalmed remains, and serves as a huge tourist attraction.
Ho Chi Minh
image source: rt.com
Ho Chi Minh was the Vietnamese prime minister, and one of its most respected leaders, so it makes sense why people would want to go to such efforts to preserve his body and keep his memory alive. After his death, a huge mausoleum was built in his honor, and that's where his preserved body is now kept. Even now, the government works hard to make sure his reputation is a positive one.
Mao Zedong
image source: hindustantimes.com
The leader of the Communist Party of China Mao Zedong was somewhat of a controversial man while he was alive due to his political efforts - namely, the fact that he did help for a unified China, but did so through rather brutal methods. That being said, his body was still chosen to be put on display after his death. It was preserved to be seen for a week, before it was moved to a mausoleum.
Hugo Chavez
image source: nationalturk.com
The president of Venezuela Hugo Chavez passed away in 2013, and it was intended for him to be embalmed so that his followers could come and pay their respects. It was supposed to be a permanent thing, but unfortunately something went wrong with the embalming process and the body wasn't prepared on time. The hot temperatures in the country also didn't mean anything good for trying to preserve a corpse, but you can still visit his tomb.
Mummy Juanita
image source: wikipedia.org
This mysterious and tragic mummified 'Juanita' was found on the top of Mount Ampato, believed to have been a child sacrifice at the age of only 12 years. This theory was supported by the fact that the remains had an obvious head wound. Due to the location of her remains, the cold temperatures at the top of the mountain ending up preserving her body, which is now on display at a museum in Peru.
Napoleon Bonaparte
image source: wikipedia.org
Sometimes, famous people have tombs and gravestones erected in their honor, while their actual bodies are preserved and kept elsewhere. Napolean Bonaparte's tomb is actually the real deal, though, and after his death, the emperor of France had a cast taken of his head before his remains were placed in a coffin. The coffin was later placed in the sarcophagus you can visit today.
Ferdinand Marcos
image source: hawaiipublicradio.com
The Filipino president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos ruled from 1965 to 1986, until his death. Marcos actually died in exile, after a very controversial reign, and his body was then kept in a refrigerated mausoleum in Hawaii before it was transferred to the Philippines. The body was then put on display, but the reason for it being shown in a glass coffin is that his wife refused to have him buried without military honors, while some people protested him being buried there altogether!
St. Bernadette
image source: rhodeislandcatholic.com
St Bernadette was a girl from France who became known for her religious visions, including an apparition of Mary, mother of Jesus. After her death, it was also claimed another miracle had happened: that her body didn't appear to be decaying as it should. A wax cast was later made of her head and hands, and she was placed in a crystal coffin in France to remain on display.
Lady Dai
image source: amusingplanet.com
Also known as Xin Zhui, this woman was the wife of the Marquis of Dai during the Han Dynasty, and she became famous after he tomb was discovered 2000 years after her death, only to have her body found remarkably well-preserved! The skin was still present on her body and hadn't decayed away, and muscles and tendons could still be seen. Her remains are now on display at the Hunan Provincial Museum.
Rosalia Lombardo
image source: nbcnews.com
The reason Rosalia is so famous is because of how beautifully preserved her body is. Rosalia Lombardo was actually a young girl of only two years old when she passed away in Italy from pneumonia. Her father, distraught after her death, had her body preserved, and it remains so, now on display in the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily. Another reason her body is so famous is that looking into the glass often gives the illusion she's opening and closing her eyes.
Otzi the Iceman
image source: nbcnews.com
Otzi the Iceman is very famous as far as mummies go, and it's estimated he died around 3,300 BC. His mummified remains were discovered in the Otztal Alps (between Italy and Austria) and he remains the oldest body to have undergone natural mummification in the whole of Europe. You can visit his body on display at the South Tyrol Myseum of Archaeology.
Jeremy Bentham
image source: londonist.com
Jeremy Bentham was a famous English philosopher, known for his work in social issues such as gender equality, animal rights and economics. He actually had some specific requests about what should happen to his body after his death: that his body be used for a demonstration in dissection, and that his remains then be preserved. His body is now exactly that, on display at the University College of London, England.
Tollund Man
image source: nbcnews.com
Tollund Man is another famous mummified corpse, this one found in a peat bog in Denmark, Europe. The body is surprisingly well preserved, and said to date back as far as 2000 years ago. He was so well preserved that the people who found him thought he was a recently deceased body! Nobody really knows how he died, but scientists believe that he might have been a human sacrifice due to the fetal position of the body.
The Egyptian mummy collection
image source: britishmuseum.com
In the British Museum in London, there is actually a huge collection of mummified bodies you can visit. The mummies are fully wrapped with their identities unknown - so we won't know if they're as famous as King Tut or not - but the huge collection includes 120 human mummies, from Egypt and Sudan, as well as the mummified animal remains of cats, dogs and a crocodile!
Eva Peron
image source: dramaquarterly.com
Eva Peron was the First Lady of Argentina back in the 1940s and 1950s, until she sadly passed away from cancer. After her death, her body was embalmed, but that isn't where it ends. After her husband was overthrown, her body was secretly removed in order to protect it, and it was later taken to Italy. Eventually, it was returned to Argentina and given its proper resting place in the family mausoleum.
Lucy from Ethiopia
image source: wikipedia.org
'Lucy' is the name for a collection of bones that were found of a woman believed to be proof that all humans descended from Africa. The skeleton was found in the 70s, and she became famous around the world. While her real bones have now been kept safely, a replica was made of what she would look like, which is now on display for the public in Ethiopia!
Joseph Merrick: The Elephant Man
image source: inews.com
Most people know the tragic story of Joseph Merrick, nicknamed the Elephant Man due to the way he looked, with his bones and skin growing out of proportion on his face due to a disease he was suffering from. He died at only 27 years old after he lay down and ended up dislocating his neck. While his real skeleton is kept in the Royal London Medical School, you can see a replica on display at the Hospital Museum.