Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Where Stardom Meets the Afterlife
Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s story is as captivating as the stars who rest here. Established in 1899 as Hollywood Cemetery, this 100-acre plot quickly became the final resting place for Hollywood’s elite. In the 1920s, a portion of the land was sold to Paramount Pictures and RKO Studios, cementing its ties to the film industry but reducing its size.
The cemetery fell into disrepair during the 1930s under the mismanagement of Jules Roth, whose racist policies and neglect left the grounds in a state of decay. By 1998, bankruptcy loomed until Tyler and Brent Cassity stepped in to restore its glory, renaming it Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Since 2000, the cemetery has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting film screenings, concerts, and the city’s largest Día de los Muertos celebration. In 2022, it earned its designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
Judy Garland: Over the Rainbow
Judy Garland’s final resting place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a tribute to her lasting legacy. Her remains were moved here in 2017 on what would have been her 95th birthday. The Judy Garland Pavilion, a semi-private mausoleum near the southwest corner of the cemetery, now houses her memorial.
The elegant crypt features a marble facade with Garland’s name, and a small rainbow at the entrance—a nod to her iconic role in The Wizard of Oz. Inside, the mausoleum is designed to eventually accommodate her family members, including her children, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft.
Fans frequently leave flowers at the entrance, continuing to honor the legendary performer. The pavilion’s quiet location provides a peaceful space for reflection, fitting for a star whose voice and talent still captivate generations.
Hollywood Forever is home to some truly unique monuments like the Toto statue. It's a touching tribute to Terry, the Cairn Terrier who played Toto.
Rudolph Valentino’s crypt, located inside the Cathedral Mausoleum, is one of the cemetery’s most visited spots. Though it was meant to be temporary, it became his permanent resting place after plans for a grand memorial fell through. The crypt, originally owned by his friend June Mathis, is relatively modest compared to Valentino’s glamorous life as a silent film star. Mathis is now buried next to him.
Valentino's legacy endures with an annual memorial on the anniversary of his death, inspired by the mysterious “Lady in Black” who began leaving a red rose at his crypt after his passing in 1926. Ditra Flame later revealed herself as the original Lady in Black, sharing that Valentino had visited her in the hospital as a child, inspiring her lifelong tribute.
Today, the tradition continues with multiple women in black, including Hollywood historian Karie Bible, who has carried on the Lady in Black role since 2002. This ongoing tribute ensures Valentino’s memory and legend live on for new generations of fans.
Don't be startled if you hear an otherworldly cry. It's probably just one of the cemetery's resident peacocks. These majestic birds strut freely among the graves, adding a touch of living beauty to the eternal rest around them. Some say they're the reincarnated spirits of Hollywood's most flamboyant stars. Who knows? Maybe that peacock eyeing you was once a silver screen diva.
Cecil B Demille
Cecil B. DeMille’s final resting place is as impressive as his legacy. His tomb, featuring two matching white granite sarcophagi, stands prominently near the street curb at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Its size and design make it easy to spot, symbolizing DeMille’s importance as a pioneering filmmaker behind classics like The Ten Commandments and Cleopatra, which shaped Hollywood’s golden age.
DeMille is buried alongside his wife, Constance Adams DeMille, in a family plot, reflecting their long partnership. The tomb features classical revival elements, common in the cemetery's architecture. It's also located near the grave of early Hollywood icon Janet Gaynor, the first-ever recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress.
DeMille’s memorial, with its size and historical significance, is a must-see for visitors to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Check out the Beth Olam section at Hollywood Forever. This section was established in the1920s specifically for Jewish burial practices. It's considered one of the oldest active Jewish cemeteries in California. This historic Jewish cemetery has become an integral part of Hollywood Forever.
The Ramones
Johnny Ramone’s memorial is an iconic tribute that’s impossible to miss. Located near the Cathedral Mausoleum, this striking 8-foot bronze statue captures the punk rock legend in his signature playing stance, forever strumming his guitar. The statue sits atop a base inscribed with his name and the years of his birth and death, facing east toward the peaceful Lake Hollywood.
Though the monument is impressive, it’s a cenotaph and not Johnny’s actual grave. The Ramones guitarist was cremated, but this memorial has become a beloved spot for fans to gather and honor his memory. Each year, the area comes alive during the Johnny Ramone Tribute, where punk rock enthusiasts celebrate his legacy with live music and film screenings.
Just a short distance away lies the grave of his bandmate Dee Dee Ramone, creating a special Ramones corner in this star-studded cemetery, where fans of the legendary band come to pay their respects.
Mel Blanc: The Man of a Thousand Voices
Mel Blanc’s headstone at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a fitting tribute to the legendary voice actor behind characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. Known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Blanc’s grave is inscribed with the iconic phrase, “That’s All Folks!,” Porky Pig’s famous sign-off, symbolizes both his humor and lasting impact on animation.
His epitaph, along with his name, dates, and a Star of David honoring his Jewish heritage, has made his grave a popular spot for fans to pay tribute to his immense contributions to entertainment.
Hattie McDaniel: The Trailblazing Actress
Hattie McDaniel’s cenotaph at Hollywood Forever Cemetery honors a trailblazing actress who made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award. McDaniel won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for her unforgettable role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind.
Her win was a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood, yet it also highlighted the racial barriers she faced throughout her career. Despite her immense talent, McDaniel was often limited to stereotypical roles, yet she brought dignity and depth to each performance, paving the way for future generations of Black actors.
While the cenotaph at Hollywood Forever serves as a tribute to her legacy, it is not where she is actually buried. McDaniel had expressed a desire to be interred at Hollywood Forever, but in 1952, when she passed away, the cemetery was segregated and did not allow African Americans to be buried there. Instead, she was laid to rest at Rosedale Cemetery (now Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery) in Los Angeles, which was one of the few cemeteries at the time that accepted people of color.
This racist slight even in death reflects the discrimination she faced, but Hollywood Forever (under new owners) finally corrected its exclusion in 1999 by erecting the cenotaph in her honor, ensuring that McDaniel’s legacy remains etched into the fabric of the Hollywood she helped shape.
The Abbey of Psalms
The cemetery is a treasure trove of architectural wonders like the Abbey of the Psalms Mausoleum which has an Egyptian-inspired facade. Its intricate lotus-topped columns and the sun disc with wings called a Behdety in early Egyptian religion may remind the viewer of the 1920s when Hollywood was obsessed with Egyptian culture. As you explore, you might feel like you've stepped back in time to Hollywood's golden age.
Fairbanks Garden
The Fairbanks Memorial honors both Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and his son, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Fairbanks Sr., a silent film icon known for adventure classics like The Mark of Zorro and Robin Hood, was a key figure in shaping early Hollywood and co-founded United Artists. His son, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., was also a successful actor and a decorated U.S. Navy officer during World War II. Together, their legacies are celebrated through this grand memorial, reflecting their impact on Hollywood and beyond.
The memorial, known as “Fairbanks Garden,” may be the most elaborate at the cemetery. Set at the end of a 120-foot reflecting pool, the marble sarcophagus rests on a white granite platform, surrounded by tall marble columns. A brass profile relief of Fairbanks, encircled by olive branches, stands behind it on a large white wall.
Crafted from White Georgia Marble, the structure features a bronze laurel wreath and a Shakespearean inscription: “Good Night, Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” At its construction, the memorial cost around $40,000, making it the most expensive in southern California at the time.
Paranormal Hotspots
Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn't just a resting place for the stars – it's a hotbed of supernatural activity. Let's explore some of the most haunted spots that'll make your hair stand on end.
The Cathedral Mausoleum is ground zero for ghostly encounters. As you step inside, the temperature drops several degrees. Visitors report seeing shadowy figures darting between the marble columns. Listen closely and you might hear whispers echoing off the walls. Are the residents getting restless?
During events at the Masonic Lodge, staff and guests have reported eerie encounters. You might feel an unexplainable presence or catch a glimpse of an apparition out of the corner of your eye. Some say it's the spirits of long-gone Freemasons, still attending their secret meetings.
Not all of Hollywood's brightest stars are resting peacefully in the Garden of Legends section. Visitors have reported seeing the ghostly figure of Rudolph Valentino near his crypt. Keep an eye out for mysterious women in black leaving roses at his tomb.
People have also reported seeing a weeping woman near the water's edge of the lake area. Is she mourning a lost love or her own tragic end?
At nightfall, the boundary between Paramount Studios and the cemetery becomes blurred. Security guards have reported seeing spectral figures strolling through the gates as if heading to a long-forgotten film shoot.
Some stars are too bright to fizzle out at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Keep your wits about you – you never know who (or what) you might encounter in this star-studded city of the dead.
More Than Just a Cemetery
Hollywood Forever is bursting with life, even after dark, and changing the way people think about cemeteries. They are no longer just for the dead. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a vibrant cultural hotspot where the living and the dead mingle in unexpected ways.
Cinespia Film Screenings take place on the Fairbanks Lawn regularly. You can lounge on a blanket under the stars, surrounded by silent tombs and hundreds of other living cinephiles while watching classic films next to the grave of your favorite actors.
The cemetery's Masonic Lodge hosts live music year-round. As the bands play, you might feel an otherworldly presence. Are the cemetery's permanent residents joining the audience? Will the dead wake up?
But the cemetery truly comes alive during its annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Colorful altars dot the grounds, the air thick with the scent of marigolds and copal incense. It's a day when the veil between worlds feels gossamer-thin, and the departed are honored in a riot of color and remembrance.
At Hollywood Forever, every visit is an adventure where history, culture, and the supernatural collide in the most fascinating ways.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Ready to explore Hollywood Forever Cemetery? Here are some tips to make your visit memorable.
First, timing is everything. The cemetery is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. For the best experience, arrive early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the atmosphere is extra eerie.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground. Bring water and sunscreen too, because the California sun can be unforgiving.
Want to find specific graves? Grab a map at the entrance or download one on your phone. But don't forget to wander – some of the best discoveries are off the beaten path.
Photography is allowed, but be respectful. No sitting or leaning on headstones, please. Remember, this is still an active cemetery.
Want to find specific graves? Grab a map at the entrance or download one on your phone. But don't forget to wander – some of the best discoveries are off the beaten path.
Maybe you prefer taking a tour and letting the tour guides entertain you with stories of some of the stars that were laid to rest at Hollywood Forever.
the Cemetery of the Stars Tours
The cemetery offers two regularly scheduled tours, one during the day and one at night. Both are two and a half hours long with the night tour being the spookier option. Check the cemetery's event page to see available dates.
As the sun sets on our ghostly tour of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, we hope you're feeling a mix of excitement and just a touch of spine-tingling anticipation. This star-studded necropolis is a vibrant celebration of life, art, and the enduring magic of Hollywood. Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just looking for a unique LA experience, Hollywood Forever has something for everyone.
So why not plan your visit and see for yourself? Who knows, you might just have your own ghostly encounter to share! Drop by our Facebook group or tag us on Instagram with your spooky stories and eerie snapshots.
