Donald Gorske’s lifelong devotion to McDonald’s Big Macs has earned him a Guinness World Record and gained worldwide attention.
Donald Gorske, a 71-year-old man from Wisconsin, has eaten a staggering 35,000 Big Macs, extending his Guinness World Record for the most Big Macs consumed in a lifetime. Since 1972, Gorske has made a habit of eating two Big Macs daily, a routine that has persisted for over five decades, despite ongoing health warnings about fast food consumption.
Remarkably, Gorske’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels have always remained within normal ranges, and he insists his commitment to eating Big Macs is not a disorder. He credits his longevity with the meal to his consistent daily consumption. His wife, Mary, has supported his habit, joking that she will never complain about her lack of cooking in return for his commitment to the Big Mac diet.
His devotion goes beyond simply eating the burgers; it is also reflected in his personal life. In fact, Gorske and his wife’s kitchen contains an unused electric stove that remains in place merely as a decoration, as Gorske’s diet eliminates the need for cooking. The couple also has a special booth at a McDonald’s restaurant near their home, where Gorske proposed to Mary, marking a significant place in his life.
Another notable feature of Gorske’s life is his extensive collection of Big Mac containers, which have been stacked in his attic and basement over the years. He views each container as a symbol of time, with every two cartons representing a day of his life. He cherishes two specific cartons, which hold the last Big Macs from the McDonald’s where he proposed to Mary. They are now stored in his freezer as a special memento.
Despite his extraordinary record, Gorske enjoys a fairly low-tech life, not owning a cell phone or a computer. Instead, he spends much of his time participating in local senior bowling leagues. His story has caught the public’s imagination, with many people aware of his Big Mac legacy.
In sharing his experience, Gorske cautions anyone interested in breaking his record: “It’s not easy. You have to really like Big Macs and stick to the routine for 50 years.” But for Gorske, it’s all part of a life-long passion, with no signs of slowing down.
