Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park is some of the most exclusive real estate in Los Angeles. In fact, it can be said that major Hollywood stars are just dying to move in. Situated in the dead center of Westwood Village, it is the final resting place of some of Tinsel Town's brightest luminaries.
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| Not the least of which is Marilyn Monroe! |
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| Marilyn Monroe (Source) |
The best part about Westwood Village Memorial Park is that Marilyn and all of the stars are fairly easy to locate because the park itself is rather small. Actually the hardest thing to do is to find the park itself. It is nestled behind a library, a church, office buildings, and residences; it is like a secret garden and once inside, it is a celebrity seeker's dream come true.
"Hollywood Party"
Actors, singers, comedians, directors, studio executives, and authors all mingle together for an otherworldly Hollywood party.
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| See what I mean? Marilyn Monroe & Truman Capote (Source) |
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| Truman Capote (Source) |
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| The Velvet Fog |
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| Mel Torme (Source) |
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| This one is for my brother - a big Coburn fan. |
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| James Coburn (Source) |
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| Don Knotts (Source) |
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| This is not funny...but honestly, the area around her grave was waterlogged. |
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| Natalie Wood (Source) |
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| That voice! It's Bagheera! |
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| Sebastian Cabot (Source) |
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| Fanny Brice (Source) |
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| One of my favorites. I love Peggy Lee! |
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| Peggy Lee (Source) |
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| Even though they had divorced, Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour found rest right next to eachother - sweet! |
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| I've said it before, but it bears repeating; I LOVE The Parent Trap! Brian Keith and Maureen O'Hara had what the French call "chemistry." |
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| Brian Keith (Source) |
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| Les Brown and Dodo I had to include Les Brown as it was with his "Band of Renown" that Doris Day had her first major hit, "Sentimental Journey." (Source) |
"Sentimental Journey" - Les Brown & Doris Day
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| "There goes the neighborhood" Even in death, Dangerfield gets no respect... |
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| Rodney Dangerfield (Source) |
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| One of the best epitaphs ever! |
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| Jack Lemmon (Source) |
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| The epitaphs just keep getting better! |
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| Billy Wilder (Source) |
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| Walter Matthau (Source) |
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| Any surprise that Dean Martin rests in the Sanctuary of Love? |
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| Dean Martin (Source) |
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| He may not have been the biggest star, but Oscar Levant always added an acerbic charm to any movie in which he appeared. |
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| Oscar Levant (Source) |
"That's for Me"
Mary Martin & Oscar Levant in Rhythm on the River
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| Burt Lancaster (Source) |
I couldn't quite make out the epitaph so I had to ask, "Is that Shelley Winters or Judy Holliday." Neither, it's Eve Arden. I Love Lucy, anyone?
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| Eve Arden (Source) |
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| I'd probably lasso the moon for her too! |
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| Donna Reed (Source) |
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| Eddie & Eva - always searching for greener pastures and now residing on God's Green Acres (Source) |
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| Cornel Wilde (Source) |
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| Wordy much? |
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| Daryl F. Zanuck (Source) |
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| Um, hello....hello...Roy...are you there? After spending a major portion of our time searching out Roy Orbison's gravesite, we learned that his grave remains surprisingly unmarked. |
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| Roy Orbison (Source) |
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| When it is my time, I'm thinking the Sanctuary of Tenderness is the place for me. |
I really liked visiting PBWVMP because its quaint size and semi-hidden location made it feel like a secret adventure. Other big names that reside at Westwood Village Memorial Park include Bettie Page (yes, the Bettie Page), Farrah Fawcett, Merv Griffin, Sammy Cahn, Minnie Riperton, Carl Wilson, Jim Backus, Carol O'Connor, Ray Conniff, George C. Scott, and Ross Hunter.
As is the case with many of our expeditions into the world of wacky tacky, we stumbled upon unexpected opportunities to share our knowledge and interests. As we were leaving the park, we were stopped by Hannah, a field reporter for German public radio. She was on assignment to find out why people are drawn to graves, particularly celebrity graves. After addressing all of the creepy issues like obsession with death and asking if we believe that the spirits of the dead stars are roaming the park, we explained to Hannah that our interest is simple - a love of old Hollywood and wonderful music. After the interview was concluded (good thing I took German in High School) we chatted with Hannah about her experience in America. She likened her native Berlin to a big, cozy grandmother who nestled you in her bosom and fed you well. Los Angeles, on the other hand, was like a young, sexy woman with medically-enhanced assets who would use you for fun and then move on to the next thing. Trust me, it sounded very cool with a German accent! Unfortunately, I don't have the link to the interview but if I find it, I will be sure to pass it along.
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| Mary and Hannah |
Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park
1218 Glendon Ave
Los Angeles, CA
(310)474-1579
www.pbwvmortuary.com
As we bid adieu to these icons of Hollywood and to the year 2012, I want to say thanks for keeping the wacky tacky momentum alive. The pleasure I get from writing this blog is immense and second only to the great thrill I get from meeting you guys. I hope that you have a safe and crazy sane NYE and a healthy, prosperous 2013! I'm just sure that the new year is going to bring us all plenty of opportunities for wild and wonderful wacky tacky adventures!
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| Happy New Year!!! |
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
