You’re driving down Wilshire Boulevard, surrounded by high-rises and the relentless hum of West LA traffic, and you’d never know it was there. Seriously. It’s tucked behind an office building, practically invisible unless you’re looking for the small driveway that leads into one of the most concentrated pockets of fame on the planet. Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary isn't your typical sprawling cemetery. It’s tiny. It’s barely two and a half acres. But in the world of Hollywood history, size basically doesn’t matter here.
Walking in feels like hitting a mute button on the city.
The contrast is jarring. You go from the chaotic energy of the Hammer Museum and Glendon Avenue into this green, quiet square where the "Who’s Who" of the Golden Age—and the modern era—rest in surprisingly modest settings. It’s not like Forest Lawn where everything is massive and sweeping. This place is intimate. It’s dense. It feels like a private garden party that just happened to stop in time around 1960.
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The Marilyn Monroe Factor and the Wall of Fame
Most people come here for one reason initially. They want to see the Corridor of Memories. Specifically, they’re looking for Crypt 24. That’s where Marilyn Monroe is.
It’s easy to find because the marble is literally a different color than the surrounding vaults. Decades of fans leaning in to press lipstick-stained kisses against the stone have permanently stained and worn the surface. It’s a bit surreal to see. Joe DiMaggio famously had roses delivered to this spot three times a week for twenty years. That’s not a Hollywood myth; it’s a documented fact of his grief.
But here’s the thing that gets people: the "neighbor" situation.
Hugh Hefner famously purchased the crypt right next to Marilyn years before he died. He paid $75,000 for it back in 1992. People have feelings about that—some think it’s a poetic tribute to the woman who helped launch Playboy, others find it a little creepy. Regardless of your take, it makes that specific wall the most photographed piece of real estate in the cemetery.
It’s Not Just Marilyn
If you turn around from Marilyn’s crypt, you’re basically surrounded.
- Truman Capote is here.
- Farrah Fawcett has a beautiful, understated memorial.
- Dean Martin is tucked into a wall nearby.
The layout is almost claustrophobic if you’re used to the wide-open spaces of Hollywood Forever. But that’s the charm. It’s a "village" cemetery in the truest sense. You can stand in one spot and be within arm's reach of a legendary director, a punk rock icon, and a classic TV star.
Why the Location is So Weirdly Perfect
Most major cemeteries are on the outskirts. This one is in the heart of a major business district. It was originally established as Sunset Cemetery in 1904, long before the skyscrapers showed up. As the city grew around it, the park stayed put. This creates a weird visual where you see the tops of luxury condos and corporate headquarters looming over the headstones.
Honestly, it shouldn't work. It should feel industrial or cramped. Instead, it feels like a secret.
The Pierce Brothers firm took over in the 1920s, and since then, it has become the default choice for families who want privacy over pageantry. Because it’s so small, the staff can keep a tighter lid on things than the massive parks in the Valley. That’s why you see names like Natalie Wood here. Her headstone is simple, often covered in pennies or small stones left by visitors who still debate the mystery of her passing off Catalina Island.
The Mystery of the Unmarked and the Quiet Legends
There is a lot of "quiet" fame here. You have to look closely.
Take the case of Roy Orbison. For the longest time, his grave was completely unmarked. Fans would wander around frustrated, not realizing they were standing right over the "Pretty Woman" singer. Even today, some of the most famous residents prefer the anonymity of a simple grass marker.
Then there’s the tragic corner.
You’ll find Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke near each other. If you’re a horror fan, those names hit hard. Both were stars of the Poltergeist franchise, and both died incredibly young—Dunne under horrific circumstances and O’Rourke due to a sudden medical crisis. Seeing their photos on the markers in such a peaceful place is a heavy reminder of the "Poltergeist curse" rumors that have circulated for decades, though the reality is just two lives cut far too short.
The Writers and the Wit
It’s not all movie stars. The literary history here is deep.
Ray Bradbury is here. His headstone doesn't just have his name; it says "Author of Fahrenheit 451." It’s direct. It’s iconic.
Then there’s Jack Lemmon. His headstone is arguably the best one in the park. It simply says:
JACK LEMMON
in
That’s it. Like a movie credit. It’s the kind of humor you’d expect from the man who gave us The Odd Couple.
Visiting Without Being "That" Tourist
If you’re planning to go, remember this is a functioning mortuary. People are there mourning. It’s not a theme park.
- Parking is a nightmare. There are a few spots inside the gate, but they’re usually reserved for families. Your best bet is the paid parking structures in Westwood Village or finding a lucky meter on Glendon Avenue.
- The hours are strict. They usually close the gates around dusk. Don’t expect to sneak in for a "spooky" nighttime walk; the security is surprisingly tight for such a small plot.
- Be respectful with the camera. Taking a photo of Marilyn’s crypt is expected. Taking photos of a random family's burial service is a quick way to get kicked out.
The Reality of Westwood Village Memorial Park
Is it morbid to visit? Maybe a little. But in a city like Los Angeles that constantly tears down its history to build glass condos, Pierce Brothers Westwood Village is a rare place where the history is anchored. It’s a physical map of 20th-century culture.
You see the names and you remember the films, the songs, and the stories. You realize that for all the glitz of the Oscars and the red carpets, this is where it all levels out. A small patch of grass behind an office building.
It’s the most "Hollywood" place in Hollywood precisely because it isn't trying to be. There are no tour buses allowed inside. No gift shops. No holographic maps. Just stone, grass, and a lot of very famous ghosts.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Location: 1218 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
- Locate Specific Graves: Use the "Find A Grave" app before you go. The office doesn't always hand out maps to casual tourists, and the layout is dense enough that you’ll walk right past Frank Zappa (who is in an unmarked grave, by the way) if you aren't prepared.
- Combine the Trip: Since you're already in the Village, walk over to Diddy Riese for a cheap ice cream sandwich afterward. It’s a local tradition and helps lighten the mood after a morning of reflecting on mortality.
- Check the Weather: There isn't much shade in the central lawn area. If it’s a typical 90-degree LA day, you’ll want a hat. The "Corridor of Memories" (where Marilyn is) is shaded and stays relatively cool.
This park is a reminder that celebrity is fleeting, but a well-placed bench and a quiet garden are timeless. Whether you're a film buff or just someone looking for a moment of peace in the middle of the Westside, it's worth the turn off Wilshire.