Gary Gilmore was born on April 12, 1940, in a small town in Texas. His parents, not wanting to abide by the law, lived under the fake name Coffman. Gilmore's father was a con man, and his mother struggled to make ends meet. Growing up in such a chaotic environment, Gilmore quickly learned to fend for himself.
At the age of fourteen, Gilmore dropped out of high school and turned to a life of crime. He began stealing cars and quickly gained a reputation as a troublemaker in his community.
In 1976, Gilmore's life took a dark turn when he brutally murdered Max Jensen and Bennie Bushnell. The killings shocked the small town where they occurred, and Gilmore was swiftly apprehended by authorities.
At his trial, Gilmore showed no remorse for his actions. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death by firing squad. His case gained national attention as he became the first person to be executed in the United States in a decade.
On the day of his execution, Gilmore's final words were, "let's do it." These words have since become infamous in popular culture, inspiring slogans and catchphrases. Some have even claimed that they influenced the creation of Nike's iconic "Just Do It" slogan.
Despite his heinous crimes, Gary Gilmore's story continues to captivate the public imagination. Tommy Lee Jones won an Emmy for his portrayal of Gilmore in the 1982 television movie "The Executioner's Song," further cementing his place in pop culture history.
Today, Gilmore is remembered as a symbol of violence and lawlessness. His life serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of unchecked rage and criminal behavior.
While some may view Gilmore as a monster, others see him as a tragic figure, a product of his upbringing and environment. Regardless of how he is perceived, one thing is certain: Gary Gilmore's name will forever be associated with death and destruction.