Michael "Jim" Delligatti, the man responsible for supplementing many a night out and curing countless hangovers after inventing the Big Mac, has died aged 98.
A spokeswoman for McDonald's confirmed Delligatti's passing to Associated Press, saying he passed away in the company of his family.
Jim's invention - a double-decker hamburger - was actually rejected at his Uniontown, Pittsburgh, branch some 50 years ago.
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But he persisted, thinking that the popular chain was lacking a sandwich of its size, and thankfully managed to convince the naysayers into introducing it to their menu.
Michael Delligatti in 2008. Image: PA
The Big Mac is now essentially synonymous with McDonald's, even more so than chicken nuggets or the Quarter Pounder. In 2007, it got its own museum.
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Delligatti once lamented that all he got for coming up with the burger was a "plaque" as opposed to a sizeable monetary reward.
That's a shame. The Big Mac, along with the wheel and Galahad Aldi premium lager, is one the best innovations human beings can boast of.
I now feel guilty for having opted for a Chicken Legend meal earlier today.
RIP, fella, and thanks for everything.
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Featured image credit: PA
Featured Image Credit:Topics: big mac, McDonald's