Stargazing in L.A.- Cemeteries
Almost everybody who visits L.A. hopes to see a celebrity, but celebrities usually don’t cooperate. There is, however, an absolutely guaranteed method to approach within 6 feet of many famous stars. Cemeteries are the place for star (or headstone) gazing: The star is always available, and you’re going to get a lot more up close and personal than you probably would to anyone who’s actually alive. Here is a guide to the most fruitful cemeteries. If you’re looking for someone in particular, log on to www.findagrave.com. (There’s a website for everything.)
Hollywood Forever (formerly Hollywood Memorial Park)
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood (www.hollywoodforever.com).
The most notable tenant is Rudolph Valentino, who rests in an interior crypt. Outside are Tyrone Power, Jr.; Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.; Cecil B. DeMille (facing Paramount, his old studio); Carl “Alfalfa” Spritzer from The Little Rascals; Hearst mistress Marion Davies; John Huston; and a headstone for Jayne Mansfield (she’s buried in Pennsylvania with her family). In 2000, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., joined his dad at Hollywood Forever.
The Catholic Holy Cross Cemetery
5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City (tel. 310/836-5500)
In one area, within mere feet of each other, lie Bing Crosby, Bela Lugosi (buried in his Dracula cape), and Sharon Tate; not far away are Rita Hayworth and Jimmy Durante. Also here are “Tin Man” Jack Haley and “Scarecrow” Ray Bolger, Mary Astor, John Ford, and Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt. More recent arrivals include John Candy and Audrey Meadows.
Hillside Memorial Park
6001 Centinela Ave., Baldwin Hills (www.hillsidememorial.com)
This Jewish cemetery has a L.A. landmark: the behemoth tomb of Al Jolson. His rotunda, complete with a bronze reproduction of Jolson and a cascading fountain, is visible from I-405. Also on hand are Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Vic Morrow, and Michael Landon.
Westwood Village Memorial Park
1218 Glendon Ave., Westwood (tel. 310/474-1579)
Its most famous resident, Marilyn Monroe, is entombed in a simple wall crypt, number 24. It’s also got Truman Capote, Roy Orbison, John Cassavetes, Armand Hammer, Donna Reed, and Natalie Wood. Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon are buried here as well, a fitting ending for the Odd Couple.
Forest Lawn Glendale
1712 S. Glendale Ave. (www.forestlawn.com)
Contrary to urban legend, Walt Disney was not frozen and placed under Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland. His cremated remains are in a little garden to the left of the Freedom Mausoleum. Turn around, and just behind you are Errol Flynn and Spencer Tracy. In the Freedom Mausoleum itself are Nat “King” Cole, Chico Marx, Gummo Marx, and Gracie Allen — finally joined by George Burns. In a columbarium near the Mystery of Life is Humphrey Bogart. Some of the best celebrities — such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Jean Harlow — are in the Great Mausoleum, which you often can’t get into unless you’re visiting a relative.
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
6300 Forest Lawn Dr. (www.forestlawn.com)
On the right lawn, near the statue of George Washington, is Buster Keaton. In the Courts of Remembrance are Lucille Ball, Charles Laughton, and the not-quite-gaudy-enough tomb of Liberace. Outside, in a vault on the Ascension Road side, is Andy Gibb. Bette Davis’s sarcophagus is in front of the wall, to the left of the entrance to the Courts. Gene Autry is also buried here, almost within earshot of the museum that bears his name.
