Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park

Beneath the towering palms and amidst the quiet serenity, lies Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park. It’s a place where Hollywood’s brightest stars have found their final curtain call. This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s a tiny, 2.5-acre plot tucked away on Glendon Avenue, almost hidden amongst the bustling Westwood Village businesses. Established in the 1880s as a humble countryside graveyard, it was known simply as Sunset Cemetery. By 1905, it bore that official name. Then, in 1926, it was rechristened Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, eventually becoming the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary we know today. Don’t let its size fool you. This small patch of land holds a galaxy of stars. Beneath the surface lies a who’s who of Hollywood legends. Imagine strolling through the grounds and stumbling upon the final resting places of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, and Jack Lemmon. You might find yourself pausing at the grave of Ray Bradbury, the author of timeless classics like “Fahrenheit 451,” or paying respects to the author of “Psycho,” Robert Bloch, and Janet Leigh, the star of its iconic film adaptation. Did you know that even Don Knotts, the beloved comedic actor, rests here? Or that the cemetery holds the unmarked graves of musical giants like Roy Orbison, George C. Scott, and Frank Zappa? Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park is more than just a cemetery. It’s a microcosm of Hollywood history, a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of fame, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine, where the echoes of laughter and applause mingle with the quiet whispers of remembrance.