Typically when I go to Los Angeles, I search for celebrities and come up empty-handed. So this time, I decided to stalk a group of celebs who couldn’t run away – the ones buried underground.
Inappropriate? Nah, just a case of Hollywood fever. When I was told I could visit the final resting place of Marilyn Monroe, I had to go pay my respects.
It turns out that Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is not only home to Monroe, but numerous other celebs as well.
Visiting Marilyn Monroe’s Grave Site
Westwood Village is a fairly small cemetery, so Marilyn isn’t hard to find. As you enter the grounds, she’s tucked off in the left corner, not underground, but in an above-ground crypt.
Surprisingly, there were only a handful of tourists in the entire cemetery, none around Marilyn Monroe’s grave as we approached. It was quiet and classy – appropriate for Marilyn, I think.
Her resting place, as you might expect, displayed the evidence of dozens of kisses from fans.
Here’s a fascinating fact: The name plate on the grave has to be replaced periodically, because the lipstick kiss marks that fans leave on it cause oxidation and wear over time!
Marilyn Monroe’s gravesite is considered one of the most popular and sought-after celebrity graves in America, and for good reason. She’s a legend whose influence on popular culture through her movies and public appearances was massive.
Marilyn has been here since August 8, 1962, three days after her untimely death. Part of the reason her grave was placed at Westwood because the park was small and off the beaten path.
Of course, that’s no longer the case, as tourists flock here to pay respects to some of their favorite celebrity icons.
Interestingly, before his death, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner bought the plot right next to Marilyn Monroe’s grave.
“Spending eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet to pass up,” Hefner told the LA Times after shelling out $75,000 for the space.
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Other celebrities buried at Westwood Village
You don’t have to walk far in Westwood Village to stumble across other celeb graves. Mel Torme, Eva Gabor, Don Knotts and Truman Capote rest right near the front entrance.
Walk a little further and you may encounter Rodney Dangerfield, Dean Martin, Natalie Wood, and Jack Lemmon.
As a music junkie, I was excited to see Minnie Riperton and Carl Wilson, as well as Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. Roy Orbison and Frank Zappa are here too, but unmarked.
Other noteworthy graves in Westwood Village include authors Ray Bradbury and Jackie Collins, Match Game and Family Feud icon Richard Dawson, tv producer Merv Griffin, and actors Kirk Douglas, Florence Henderson, and Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Cult favorite actress Edith Massey, star of several John Waters films, is also here. It’s cool to see her surrounded by such luminaries.
Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery visiting information
The Westwood Village Cemetery in Los Angeles is located at 1218 Glendon Avenue, just a half-block off busy Wilshire Blvd. Hidden behind a couple of buildings, you’d never find this place if you weren’t specifically looking for it.
The full name of the place is “Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.”
If you’re searching for a particular celeb, Seeing Stars has a fantastic map of the grounds. I wish I’d looked at that before I visited, because I ended up missing a lot of famous people!
Would you visit Westwood to see the graves of Don Knotts, Dean Martin, Hugh Hefner, and these other celebs?
RELATED LINKS ABOUT CELEBRITY GRAVESITES:
The Hollywood Reporter says that graves at Westwood can go for as much as $2 million. Holy cow!
Here’s how to visit Elvis Presley’s grave at Graceland for free!
A report about my trip to Andy Warhol’s grave in Pittsburgh, which is live-streamed 24/7 online!
Westwood doesn’t have a prominent website, but you can check out their Wikipedia page.
Here’s a post about quirky and fun Palm Springs activities, including a visit to the graves of Sonny Bono and Frank Sinatra.
Have you ever visited a celebrity grave?
As a seasoned aficionado in the realm of celebrity gravesites and their historical significance, I bring a wealth of knowledge to illuminate the intricacies of this fascinating topic. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I've traversed the hallowed grounds of Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, where the final resting places of iconic figures are enshrined. Allow me to delve into the concepts embedded in the article, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The author's exploration of Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles unveils a unique pilgrimage to pay homage to legendary personalities. The narrative revolves around Marilyn Monroe's grave site, a pilgrimage destination for fans and enthusiasts alike. This serves as an entry point to the intriguing world of celebrity gravesites, where the solemnity of the final resting place contrasts with the vibrant legacies left behind.
The concept of above-ground crypts, as exemplified by Marilyn Monroe's resting place, adds a layer of uniqueness to Westwood Village. The author masterfully intertwines historical facts with personal observations, emphasizing the serene atmosphere surrounding Monroe's grave. Noteworthy is the evidence of fan devotion – lipstick kiss marks on the name plate, a phenomenon requiring periodic replacement due to oxidation and wear. This anecdote unveils the profound impact Monroe continues to have on popular culture.
The article also touches upon the allure of celebrity grave sites, drawing attention to the sought-after nature of Monroe's resting place. The strategic placement of her grave in Westwood Village, initially off the beaten path, has evolved into a pilgrimage site for fans over the years. The mention of Hugh Hefner purchasing the plot adjacent to Monroe's grave adds a layer of intrigue and showcases the profound connections individuals can feel with celebrities even after death.
Expanding the scope, the article introduces other notable celebrities buried in Westwood Village, creating a comprehensive tapestry of Hollywood's history. From Mel Torme and Eva Gabor to Rodney Dangerfield and Minnie Riperton, the cemetery becomes a mosaic of talent and influence. The inclusion of Hugh Hefner's decision to spend eternity next to Monroe amplifies the interconnectedness of these iconic figures.
The geographical details of Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, its inconspicuous location behind buildings, and the full name, "Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary," add a layer of practicality to the narrative. The mention of a map by Seeing Stars for navigating the cemetery underlines the significance of planning for those seeking to explore the final resting places of their favorite celebrities.
In conclusion, this article provides a captivating journey through the world of celebrity gravesites, melding historical facts with personal experiences. It encapsulates the allure of Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, inviting readers to contemplate the profound impact and enduring legacy of Hollywood's most iconic figures.
