Hollywood Forever Cemetery is an active cemetery and cultural venue at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, beside Paramount Studios. Founded in 1899, it is the burial place of Hollywood figures including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino and Johnny Ramone. Its landscaped grounds hold ornate tombs and mausoleums, and peacocks roam one section. In summer and fall, film screenings on Fairbanks Lawn bring a different kind of visit; the calendar also includes concerts and a Día de los Muertos gathering. Come to pay your respects, explore the memorials or attend an event.
A cemetery founded in 1899
Hollywood Forever Cemetery opened in 1899 and is among Los Angeles’s oldest cemeteries. It remains an active burial ground and funeral home, as well as a place for cultural events. The grounds are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its location on Santa Monica Boulevard places it beside Paramount Studios. Many people associated with Hollywood’s film history are buried here, along with musicians and other public figures. The memorials range from individual tombstones to large mausoleums, giving a walk through the cemetery plenty to notice beyond the names on the graves.
Finding notable graves
Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Rudolph Valentino and Johnny Ramone are among the cemetery’s well-known residents. Other memorials honor figures such as Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Rooney and Mel Blanc. The site also includes a memorial plaque for Hattie McDaniel, who had asked to be buried here but was barred at the time under California’s segregation laws.
If you have a particular grave in mind, look up its location before walking the grounds. Maps are available through the cemetery’s flower shop and website. One unusual stop is the memorial to Toto, the dog from The Wizard of Oz. Peacocks can be seen in one area of the grounds.
Films, music and seasonal events
Fairbanks Lawn becomes an outdoor cinema for screenings held in summer and fall. Films are projected in the cemetery grounds, giving the event a setting far removed from a conventional movie theatre. Bring a blanket for the lawn and check the event information before you go, including ticket guidance and any rules for the screening.
Concerts are another part of the calendar, with performances taking place on the grounds and at the Masonic Lodge. The cemetery also hosts a Día de los Muertos gathering, a celebration that honors ancestors. Its date and arrangements can vary, so consult the current event details when planning around it.
A considerate visit
The carefully tended lawns and varied monuments make the cemetery a place for quiet exploration, but it is still an active place of burial. Keep your visit respectful around graves and services. If you are coming for a particular person, planning your route in advance can help you spend less time searching and more time at the memorial.
There is limited shade, so take water and sun protection, especially if you expect to walk across the grounds. The cemetery has free and paid parking options, as well as free street parking. Weekdays may bring a quieter visit than weekends; event days have a different atmosphere and require checking the schedule in advance.
FAQ
Who is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery?
Notable people buried here include Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks and Johnny Ramone. The grounds also include a memorial plaque for Hattie McDaniel.
How can I find a specific grave?
Check the cemetery’s website or ask at its flower shop for grave-location maps before you visit.
Does Hollywood Forever Cemetery host events?
Yes. Events include outdoor film screenings on Fairbanks Lawn, concerts and a Día de los Muertos gathering. Check the cemetery’s current event information when planning.
Is Hollywood Forever Cemetery an active cemetery?
Yes. It is an active cemetery and funeral home, so visitors should be considerate around graves and any services taking place.
