Only in Hollywood can a cemetery be a sacred resting space but also be a tourist attraction and a venue for cultural events.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which used to be known as Hollywood Memorial Park, is a functioning cemetery that is the final resting place of more of Hollywood’s founders than any other place in the world. It is also one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles.
The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. If you live in the Los Angeles area or plan a trip to Hollywood, a visit to Hollywood Forever Cemetery is unique to your itinerary.
The cemetery was founded in 1899 on 100 acres. Later, the cemetery sold off some land to Hollywood Paramount Studios, built in the back half of the original cemetery property.
A portion of the cemetery is set aside as the Beth Olam Cemetery, a dedicated Jewish burial ground, is the final resting place for Hollywood’s Jewish community.
This cemetery was famous with many of the founders of Hollywood’s largest studios and directors, performers, and writers. Hundreds of favorite early Hollywood stars are buried here, including Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, etc.
Cecil B. DeMille, the director of the Ten Commandments, is buried here, and his large tomb depicts two matching Egyptian-style sarcophagi. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel is buried in the mausoleum on the cemetery grounds near Paramount Studios.
Johnny Ramone, the guitar player for the Ramones, is buried here, with his grave marker featuring a statue of him, from the waist up, rocking out on a guitar; a fitting memorial for punk rock powerhouse.
There was a period when the cemetery fell into despair. However, it was purchased in the late 1990s by a family from Missouri. They renamed the cemetery and worked to restore and refurbish the place. Through their investments, the graveyard was revitalized, and people, once again, came to visit the final resting place of the stars.
People choose to visit the cemetery for a variety of reasons. Family members come to see the resting place of their loved ones, and fans and Hollywood buffs come to see the graves of the town’s stars and starlets. Others come just out of curiosity or to find a quiet space in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The cemetery includes large grassy areas, meandering roads, a pond feature, and several mausoleums. Some of the tombstones are dramatic, featuring ornate detail, pictures, etc.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Events
The cemetery hosts events, including summertime movie showings where movies are projected on the side of the white marble mausoleum. People bring blankets, lawn chairs, food, and drink and take in the show. Each movie draws an average of 3,000 people.
There are also Dia de Los Muertos festivities in late October/early November, where families artfully decorate the graves and tombs of their deceased relatives. The Masonic Hall is also at the cemetery, and hosts live musical events, often selling out.
Cemetery Ghost Stories
There are many stories of ghostly encounters for those of you who like ghost stories. One account is that the ghost of William Randolph Hearst is said to visit the grave of Marion Davies, his mistress.
Some are visiting the grave of Virginia Rappe, a silent film actress, and report hearing sounds of a woman sobbing, though no one is around that is crying. These are just a few stories of the paranormal activity occurring at the cemetery.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Parking
Parking is free in the cemetery (events are not), and there is a small shop to purchase flowers and gifts. Free street parking can be found nearby.
If you plan to visit Hollywood Forever, please remember that this is a cemetery, and you should politely carry yourself during your visit. Don’t horseplay, use loud voices, run or engage in activities that could damage gravesites or markers or disrupt other visitors.
Motion picture historian Karie Bible leads a walking tour through the cemetery, or you can wander around the graveyard for free. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket for weather changes, and some water. More information on the tours can be found here.
Where is Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Plan on spending about one hour at Hollywood Forever cemetery, leaving plenty of time for checking out the rest of Hollywood’s attractions.
Planning your Visit: Hollywood Forever is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, just west of N. Van Ness Avenue in Hollywood. From Highway 101, take the Santa Monica Blvd (SR-2) exit and proceed west. Cemetery hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.
Hello. I actually don’t do public tours on Wednesdays. People can find my tour schedule at http://www.cemeterytour.com
Thanks,
Karie
Hello Karie
I updated the article and added a link to the cemetery tour booking page.
Best
Gordon