Freddie Mercury (1946–1991)

Born: September 5, 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Died: November 24, 1991 (age 45) in Kensington, London, England, UK

[speaking in 1974] I am as gay as a daffodil.

[on  Mary Austin, late 1970s interview] All my lovers asked me why they couldn’t replace Mary but it’s simply impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, thats enough for me. I couldn’t fall in love with a man the same way as I have with Mary.

[statement released on 23 November 1991] Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me in the fight against this terrible disease.