Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery

Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. It is a prominent burial ground located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Established in the early 20th century, the cemetery is renowned for its high density of notable interments, particularly from the entertainment industry, earning it the nickname "the Forest Lawn of the stars." Despite its relatively small size, it holds a significant place in the cultural and historical landscape of Southern California.

History

The cemetery was founded in 1905 by a group of local businessmen, originally serving the UCLA community and the burgeoning Westwood Village area. Its development coincided with the growth of Los Angeles as a major metropolitan center and the rise of the nearby Hollywood film industry. Over the decades, it transitioned from a local community cemetery to a sought-after final resting place for celebrities, a shift that accelerated in the post-World War II era. The cemetery has been owned since 1990 by Service Corporation International, one of the largest funeral service companies in North America.

Notable interments

The cemetery is famed for its concentration of celebrities from film, television, music, and literature. Legendary figures from the Golden Age of Hollywood interred here include Marilyn Monroe, whose crypt is one of the most visited, Frank Zappa, and Natalie Wood. Other iconic residents encompass musicians like Roy Orbison and Donna Summer, authors such as Ray Bradbury and Truman Capote, and television stars including Farrah Fawcett and Jack Lemmon. The roster also features influential directors like Billy Wilder, producers such as Darryl F. Zanuck, and noted intellectuals like Hugh Hefner and Armand Hammer.

Location and layout

Situated at 1218 Glendon Avenue in Westwood, the cemetery is nestled among high-rise buildings and is adjacent to the UCLA campus. Its compact, 10.5-acre layout is primarily above-ground, featuring a large indoor mausoleum, several outdoor garden crypt courts, and a small number of traditional burial plots. The design is park-like, with manicured lawns, flowering shrubs, and winding pathways. Its urban setting and limited space contribute to its exclusive nature and the high density of its notable memorials.

Cultural significance

Often referenced in popular culture, the cemetery is a frequent site for fan pilgrimages and has been featured in films, television shows, and songs. It serves as a tangible connection to the history of American cinema and the legacy of Hollywood, attracting tourists from around the world. The graves of figures like Marilyn Monroe have become cultural landmarks in their own right. Its role was further cemented by high-profile funerals, such as those for Rodney Dangerfield and Eva Gabor, which received extensive media coverage.

Management and operations

The cemetery is operated by Service Corporation International under the Dignity Memorial network. Management focuses on maintaining the historic grounds, accommodating visitor traffic, and overseeing interment services. Due to its fame and limited space, plots and crypts are extremely scarce and command premium prices. Operations must balance the needs of private mourning families with the realities of being a public tourist destination, requiring specific protocols for visitor conduct and floral tributes.

Category:Cemeteries in Los Angeles Category:1905 establishments in California Category:Cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places