Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It is a historic graveyard and cultural landmark located adjacent to the Paramount Pictures studio lot in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1899 as the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery, it is the final resting place for many of the most significant figures from the Golden Age of Hollywood and continues to be an active burial ground and a vibrant center for public events, blending remembrance with contemporary culture.

History

The site was established in 1899 by a group of Los Angeles businessmen, with early development influenced by pioneers like Isaac Van Nuys. It quickly became the preferred cemetery for the burgeoning film industry, with its proximity to major studios like RKO Pictures and Paramount Pictures being a key factor. The cemetery faced severe financial decline in the late 20th century, falling into disrepair until it was purchased in 1998 by Tyler Cassity and his brother, who initiated an extensive restoration and rebranding effort. This revitalization transformed it from a neglected property into a celebrated destination, integrating modern memorialization practices with its historic legacy.

Notable interments

The grounds contain an extraordinary concentration of entertainment industry luminaries, including iconic stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, and Douglas Fairbanks. Pioneering directors like Cecil B. DeMille and John Huston are buried here, alongside influential composers like Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer of *Our Gang* fame and songwriters such as Johnny Ramone of the Ramones. Other notable figures include horror film star Peter Lorre, actress Hattie McDaniel, and mobster Bugsy Siegel, making it a veritable who's who of 20th century American popular culture.

Cultural significance

It has evolved into a major cultural hub, famously hosting the popular Cinespia film screening series on its Fairbanks Lawn, which draws thousands of attendees. The annual Día de los Muertos celebration is a significant event that honors Mexican traditions with elaborate altars and processions. Its status is cemented by frequent appearances in films, television shows, and music videos, and it serves as a pilgrimage site for fans paying respects to entertainment legends, effectively functioning as an open-air museum of Hollywood history.

Grounds and features

The 62-acre property features a diverse landscape that includes traditional lawn sections, grand indoor mausoleums like the Cathedral Mausoleum, and distinctive private structures such as the Jayne Mansfield memorial. Notable architectural features include the elaborate William Andrews Clark Memorial Library-inspired tomb of William Clark and the serene Lake Hollywood on the eastern edge. The grounds are adorned with historic monuments, decorative statuary, and the iconic white marble Douglas Fairbanks Memorial Temple, contributing to its park-like atmosphere.

Management and operations

The cemetery is privately owned and operated by Tyler Cassity under the parent company Forever Enterprises, which manages several other historic cemeteries. Operations focus on a blend of traditional burial services, cremation options, and innovative programming like public events and multimedia memorialization. Its business model successfully leverages its unique historical assets to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining its role as an active, consecrated burial ground within the community of Los Angeles.

Category:Cemeteries in Los Angeles Category:Tourist attractions in Los Angeles Category:History of Hollywood