Charles Osborne (hiccups)

For the American folk musician, see Uncle Charlie Osborne.

Charles Osborne (c. 1893– May 1, 1991) hiccupped continuously for 68 years (1922-1990).

Osborne, from Anthon, Iowa, USA, was entered in Guinness World Records as the man with the Longest Attack of Hiccups. The hiccups started in 1922 at a rate of 40 times per minute, slowing to 20 and eventually stopping on June 5, 1990, after his daughter, Melissa, prayed for him (for which she earned a $10,000 reward) – a total of 68 years. His condition also led him to be a guest on Ripley's Believe It or Not! in 1936, ABC's That's Incredible! in 1980, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1983, and to be featured as a question in the board game Trivial Pursuit.

Osborne began hiccupping in 1922, while slaughtering a hog. Despite his condition, Osborne was able to lead a normal life, which included being married twice and having eight children.

Osborne died of complications from ulcers at Marian Health Center in Sioux City, Iowa on May 1, 1991 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Anthon, Iowa three days later.

It has been estimated that Osborne hiccupped 430 million times over the 68 year period.

References

• Survivor of 68-Year Hiccup Spell Dies. Omaha World - Herald, 05 May 1991, Sunrise Edition: 2.B.