Last Lecture Author Randy Pausch Dies at Age 47

Posted on July 25, 2008

Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon computer science professor who became a YouTube phenomenon with his "Last Lecture," has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. Pausch's lecture video made him famous as it was viewed millions of times. He also has a book called The Last Lecture that has sold over 3 million copies and remains on bestseller lists today.

Paush told the USA Today that his famous, inspiring "Last Lecture" was not really meant for the public but as a momento for his children.

Pausch told USA TODAY during an interview at his home in March that the now-famous lecture was never meant for public consumption, nor was it for his colleagues or students. It was for his two sons and daughter: Dylan, 6, Logan, 3, and Chloe, 2. "If people are finding inspiration, OK, but the book is for my kids," Pausch said.

"I knew what I was doing that day," he wrote in the introduction of his best-selling book, also titled The Last Lecture. "Under the ruse of giving an academic lecture, I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children."

Pausch's wife, Jai, said Friday, "I'd like to thank the millions of people who have offered their love, prayers and support. Randy was so happy and proud that the lecture and book inspired parents to revisit their priorities, particularly their relationships with their children. The outpouring of cards and emails really sustained him."

Here's the video from Carnegie Mellon of Pausch's last lecture. Pausch doesn't hide the disease from his audience. In his lecture he says, "If I don't seem as depressed or morose as I should be, sorry to disappoint you."