Adventures in Grave Hunting by Lisa Burks

Public Access to Whitney Houston's Grave Curtailed

2012-02-21T07:44:45-08:00

NBC New York was on scene at Fairview Cemetery yesteday and shot this b-roll of Whitney Houston's grave site, one day after she was buried there.

The news station also reported that fans began arriving to pay respects first thing yesterday morning. As the throngs grew, the cemetery closed off access due to concerns about the soft ground around the grave as well as the size of the crowds.

It looks like the cemetery is really working to try to accomodate the public, while taking necessary precautions as well as assuring that families of other interees get access to their loved ones' graves at this time. Not a small job. Kudos to them and Whitney's family for allowing this first attempt.

Descriptions state she was laid to rest next to her father, John Russell Houston, Jr., but it appears that she's actually one off, a space between them that is presumably reserved for Mr. Houston's widow, Whitney's stepmother. Here are before and after pictures (credit Rex Features and Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images respectively):

Unable to visit the Westfield, N.J., cemetery anytime in the near future? You can leave Whitney a virtual flower and note at her memorial page on Findagrave.com in the meantime.

Whitney Houston (1963-2012) Why Celebrity Deaths Matter

2012-02-17T19:31:13-08:00

Whitney Houston will be buried tomorrow on the other side of the country, so this post takes my topic of grave hunting a bit off the beaten path. Instead, I'm interested in examining why people like myself care, past basic curiosity, about watching her funeral before her family lays her to rest. Why do celebrity deaths matter so much?

By now it's common knowledge that Whitney died last Saturday in the bathroom of a fourth floor guest quarters at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, just hours before she was to make an appearance downstairs at mentor Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy Awards party.

Incredibly, the event was not cancelled. In a bizarre set of circumstances even by Hollywood standards, guests took time out to memorialize their troubled industry icon while her barely-cold body remained in the room with investigators. Davis, with the apparent blessing of her family, said Whitney would have wanted the show to go on.

When it came to Whitney, the show always did go on. Always spectacular, always attention-grabbing. In the beginning it was breathtaking to listen to her forceful voice, a true gift from God, belt out hit after hit. Fresh faced, gospel-raised, emotionally relatable.

Whitney didn't write the melodies or lyrics that made her world famous but she sang them with a world class conviction that mirrored what millions of listeners were feeling inside. Her versions of songs from "I Will Always Love You" to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and everything in between became a gateway into some of our deepest, personal places. They became anthems for some, musically marking life's highs and lows. People let Whitney in through their ears and her ability to express common human feelings in an uncommonly talented way unavoidably and irrevocably touched our hearts.

We watched when her career was sidelined with marital issues displayed in the tabloids and on reality television, and uncomfortable struggles with drug addiction. Didn't we almost have it all? The ride with you was worth the fall.... We watched and listened when, after several attempts at rehab, she got back into the recording studio, again expressing human frailty and inner strength to overcome, with songs like "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and "Try It On My Own" with a voice that had been damaged, but a spirit and feeling that was undeniable.

Like you and me, she was not immune to being kicked by some when she was down, albeit on a larger celebrity scale. Not everyone will always believe in you, superstar or average civilian. She lost the faith of some people who loved her during a time when she seemed to be superhuman. Those who loved the humanity in her remained loyal, and hoped that she would see truly brighter days personally and professionally.

So when people ask me why does the death of a celebrity matter, why all the fuss over someone most people never met and especially someone who seemed to have it all and equally seemed to throw it away (toxicology reports pending) my answer is this: Because at one point in your or my life they were a fellow human being who touched and inspired us. When they die, that part of us dies a little bit, too. If even they fail, then we might fail, too. Mortality reality check.

For some Whitney Houston is that celebrity. For others it may be a sports hero, an actor, a writer, a director, an artist, a comedian, a philosopher, a photographer...anyone who creatively or physically expresses what we feel and believe inside.

Why does their grave matter? Because it's the end of the story that you have followed. It's not always just a tourist attraction. You let that person into your world as if they were a friend or a family member. You cared while they were alive, maybe not every day of your life, but you did. And you need a place to say goodbye, and some need it to honestly grieve.

Graves are sacred places to give thanks to the departed, to remember them and honor them and to say goodbye. Celebrity graves are not so different from those of people you called family and friend. Not every celebrity grave will mean something to every person, but I guarantee that at least one out there will mean something to you if you give it half a thought.

Rest peacefully, Whitney. Thank you for sharing your gifts and your struggles. It all mattered.

According to Whitney's death certificate, she will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J. where her father, John Russell Houston, was buried in 2003.

Toto Memorial Will Be Dedicated At Hollywood Forever Cemetery On June 18

2011-06-10T02:18:01-07:00

Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bridge a little Cairn Terrier is surely wagging her tail with delight over a gorgeous and heartfelt cenotaph being created in her honor; one that will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday June 18 at 11:00 a.m.

I'm talking about...who else? Hollywood's A-List animal actress of yesteryear, Terry Spitz, beloved the world over for her feisty portrayal of Dorothy's dog Toto in the 1939 MGM film classic The Wizard of Oz.

Terry passed away 65 years ago at the age of 11-going-on-12. Her career ran 8 years and she appeared in over a dozen films with stars such as Judy Garland (of course), Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy and Virginia Weidler.

Terry got her start working with Shirley Temple, who coincidentally was MGM's
first choice to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
(Photo Courtesy Stacey Ash)

She was so identified with the Oz role - with fans of all ages coming out to the ranch and at public appearance to meet "Toto" - that it became her adopted name despite the fact that the canine character created by author L.Frank Baum was male. Versitile Terry!

Upon her death in late 1945, Terry's caretaker and trainer extraordinaire, Carl Spitz, opted to bury her at home alongside other animals on his Ventura Blvd. kennel ranch in North Hollywood (now Studio City) where he ran a famous dog training school.

Sadly, a decade later all the graves, including Terry's, were destroyed by progress, aka the construction of the mammoth Ventura Freeway project which ran right through the former Spitz property. Not that there would have been much left of her, but still...ugh.

With my graving bff Steve Goldstein at the site of the former Spitz Ranch

The internet has brought celebrity grave hunting to a whole new level in recent years, but finding the final resting places of animal actors is still challenging. Some have public burial places but those are few and far between, a topic my longtime graving amigo Steve Goldstein, author of LA's Graveside Companion: Where The V.I.P.s R.I.P., addressed with Huell Howser on California's Gold in 2007. (Check it out here.)

In 2010 J.P. Myers, who had just spearheaded a grave marker campaign for "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" songwriter Jack Norworth, learned of the fate of Toto's grave site. Then after seeing Steve's television appearance, reached out to team up on creating a public memorial where fans could remember and pay homage to Terry and Toto, who they both felt represented a very special part of American culture.

They launched their idea, soliciting ideas and funds, on Facebook in October 2010 with the Toto Canine Movie Star Memorial Marker page and quickly learned that fans agreed with their assessment. Donations to pay for the marker and a plot to put it on rolled in.

In March of this year our gallant friend Tyler Cassity donated a choice plot at Hollywood Forever outside the Cathedral Mausoleum (above), deeding it to FixNation who will protect and care for the marker. FixNation is a non-profit organization that is the first of its kind in Los Angeles to offer free spay and neuter services for feral cats, including those who call Hollywood Forever home.

The Cairn Terrier Club of Southern California provided models for the statue portion of the memorial. I've been told that the cement base of the memorial has already been set. (Update 6/10: it's true, click here to see photo courtesy of J.P.) Here's a sneak peek at the work in progress:

Sculptor Roman Gal, with his model for the lifesize bronze Toto statue,
sketches ideas for the memorial's marble base to be created
by Arsen Oganesyan. (Photo Courtesy J.P. Myers)

"I think that my father would be very pleased by this," Carl Spitz Jr. told me when we spoke on the phone a few months ago after he read Chris Epting's breaking article about the initiative on AOL News. He was so pleased that he sent in a donation. He also spoke with Steve about Terry; read about that conversation here.

Donations are still being accepted. For more information, and exclusive updates, "like" the Facebook page at Toto Canine Movie Star Memorial Marker.

Hope to see everyone out at Hollywood Forever on June 18th - it's a free, family event, with plenty of free on-site parking. Festivities run 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. Children and pets are welcome!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90038. [Map]

Dame Elizabeth Taylor ~ A Towering Angel For Eternity

2011-03-25T04:11:27-07:00

The world lost not only a legendary screen talent but an unstoppable humanitarian and all-around Hollywood goddess when Dame Elizabeth Taylor passed away this week. Her family and those who knew her personally lost much more: a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend.

Amid the tears, this one-of-a-kind Dame had the last laugh. She not only arranged to show up late to her own funeral, she kept media hounds and grave hunters guessing as to her final resting place until the very end.

Despite persisent rumors that a "major star" (did we really need three guesses?) had engaged the services of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale after being impressed with their handling of Michael Jackson's 2009 funeral, TMZ initially and erroneousy reported she'd be buried in a crypt beside her beloved parents Francis and Sara at Westwood Memorial Park as if it were a done deal before discovering the real story.

Thus, most everyone was caught off guard when her funeral came together within 24 hours of her death (in keeping with Jewish burial rites) at the Memorial Terrace of Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum, the eternal resting place of her dear friend Michael who rests in the Sanctuary of Ascension at the GM's Holly Terrace.

Tough luck for the hideous Westboro gnats who had neither the time nor a prayer to mobilize. God really does work in mysterious ways.

My first hunch was that perhaps she had purchased a seemingly empty family room at the end of the Sanctuary of Bendiction across from MGM Boy Wonder Irving Thalberg, but I was wrong.

After all was said and done, and Dame Elizabeth was laid to rest in a very private ceremony, Los Angeles sister news stations KCAL9 and KCBS2 reported that she was entombed beneath the statue of an angel (or in its base), also described as a "soaring Michelangelo angel." (Original source re: beneath the statue was Dame Elizabeth's publicist, Sally Morrison.)

The only angel I know of that would be Dame worthy on Memorial Terrace and anywhere else inside the GM is the mighty "In Memoria" - located in the Hall of Memory, facing down Cathedral Corridor where she's been greeting visitors on their way to the infamous Last Supper Stained Glass Window since 1931.

Standing 15 feet tall on its base (the statue itself is a tad over 10 feet high) "In Memoria" is mesmerizing, just like Dame Elizabeth. I have to admit that in all the years I've studied the GM, I never once thought of it as being an entombment spot, and most every seasoned grave hunter I've spoken to couldn't figure it out either when we first heard the news tonight. But as we've come to realize, the GM holds many twists, turns and surprises within her immortal walls.

"She gives the promise of a new day which shall know no night; she offers the pledge that no name shall perish; she does not offer death, but eternity and a life remembered. She is the Angel of Memory." ~ excerpt from Art Guide of Forest Lawn (1941)

At first glance the setting behind this amazing creation, sculpted from Porracci marble by Italian sculptor Professor Ermenegildo Luppi (not Michelangelo), appears to be just a wall. But if you look closer, there appears to be two crypt fronts on either side of the base. Architecture-wise, there's room behind the wall for entombments.

Will Dame Elizabeth's name and epitaph eventually appear on one of them or on the base? I'm guessing yes. Time will tell. It is interesting to note that she chose a location that is accessible to the public. Back in the day when Memorial Terrace was first opened, you had to get tickets to see the Last Supper window show because it was so popular. Don't be surprised if its popularity rises again.

3/28/2011 Update: See post-funeral photo of "In Memoria" surrounded with flowers at Findagrave.com.

Thank you, Dame Elizabeth, for not only choosing a place where your fans can pay respects (unless something changes policy-wise) but for also exposing everyone, by default, to the amazing array of art and cultural history that this area of the Great Mausoleum has to offer.

Map of the Great Mausoleum showing Holly & Memorial Terrace Locations
(Original Image Source: Reuters)

According to every Michael Jackson fan I talked to (or read online) their sorrow for the loss of his unquestionably best friend was comforted by the fact that the two will now rest together forever in immortality in the same structure, albiet on different terraces. His fans continue to show their devotion with pilgrimmage to Forest Lawn and from what I've heard Dame Elizabeth will get from them the same royal treatment and respect.

Rest well, Dame Elizabeth. Thank you for every good deed you did for others, for caring for and loving people with AIDS at a time when the world shunned them, for fighting the good fight through your foundation and for being one of Hollywood's authentic, fascinating stars with a capital S-T-A-R.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

"In Memoria" images were donated by Cemetery Historians Anonymous and are not for media reproduction without permission/linkback, please and thank you. Thank you to the Hollywood Underground for your assistance on this story.

Teena Marie ~ Heavenly Songbird

2011-01-10T20:16:18-08:00

Hello Friends & Happy New Year!

I've been offline for a while, traveling to see my family and working on various projects, but as you know the Death never takes a holiday so we have some catching up to do.

This blog was never intended to be celebrity-driven but living in Los Angeles, that news sometimes takes center stage. For those who sent me messages asking for updates on Brittany Murphy and Michael Jackson, yes, I will continue to cover relevant news on the final resting places of these two sweet souls in 2011 - and other fascinating civilian finds along the way.

But I can't start the new year off without paying tribute to the legendary Ivory Queen of Soul© Teena Marie, who passed away at the age of 54 the day after Christmas, in her sleep, of apparent natural causes.

Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas

Her memorial service was held today at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, at 1pm in the Hall of Liberty. It was strictly private so I did not go to the cemetery, but you can read details from this Associated Press report and a report from Yahoo! Music.

Sources in the know confirmed that Teena was cremated and that her cremated remains were divided up, not once or even twice, but 25 times. They were placed in mini-urns and classified as "take homes" - a first for Forest Lawn, I'm told. I don't know whose idea it was, but I think it was brilliant. Sharing Teena = sharing the love.

Here's Teena performing one of my personal favorites (it's impossible to choose one song) Cassanova Brown live on BET, courtesy of 26Craig90.

I thought this video of Teena being honored by the R&B Foundation with its 2008 Pioneer Award might provide insight into her career for readers whether you're familiar with her work or not. And get out your kleenex at 4:30 in when Teena expresses gratitude for the blessings in her life.

RIP Lady Tee, gone too soon. Condolences to your daughter, family and all who love you.

Want to leave a message or flower on Teena's Findagrave memorial page? Go here.

Brittany Murphy Fans Plan Birthday Memorial at FLHH

2010-11-08T20:23:42-08:00

"Gone But Never Forgotten" is the rallying cry coming from devoted fans of the lovely Brittany Murphy who would have turned 33 this week.

They plan to remember their fallen idol on Wednesday, Nov. 10th, the actress' first birthday since her death last December, by visiting and decorating her grave at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

Image courtesy BrittanyMurphys.com

I spoke with two fans, Wendy & Lisa, who have visited Brittany's grave, decorating it with flowers, glitter and other tokens of love, regularly since December as a way to cope with the loss of the young lady they admire.

"Her death was unnecessary and we miss her so much, it's just so painful," Wendy told me.

The ladies have mounted an online awareness campaign to get other fans involved in remember Brittany's special day by creating a dedicated Facebook page and a Twitter account @Brittany33Bday.

There, they're asking other fans to bring flowers, balloons "or whatever your heart desires" to her grave that day. Fans who can't make it in person are being encouraged to order floral tributes from the Forest Lawn Flower Shop.

They plan to photograph the tributes and share details of their day at Forest Lawn online afterward.

"We've followed what's happened to items being left for Michael Jackson by his fans at Forest Lawn Glendale," Wendy said, referring to reports that gifts were being trashed.

"We're going to document the items and then take things that might be in danger of being thrown out home with us and make sure they go to the family," she added.

Brittany marker decorated by fans (Image courtesy of Lisa & Wendy)

The family she's been referring too, who has been in contact with grieving fans to share their sorrow, is Brittany's father, Angelo Bertollotti, who has relocated from Florida to Los Angeles so that he can visit her grave, too.

After Brittany's funeral and burial, which Angelo was not invited to attend by Brittany's mother and husband, he visited Forest Lawn but was denied information about where here grave was located.

He said he was told that his name wasn't on the approved guest list and only immediate family could be given information. His name as her father was left off her death certificate, adding further insult to injury. It's an error he has since worked to correct.

He was finally able to visit for the first time in February 2009 after fans forwarded him directions provided by AGH and bringing Inside Edition along to document any further trouble. There was none and he has since had no issue visiting his daughter's grave.

"I'm very grateful for the devotion of her fans and the idea to remember her birthday is very touching," Angelo told me during a recent telephone conversation.

"It means so much to me, that she's remembered. I want her fans to know how much I appreciate all they have done at the cemetery in the past year." he added, noting that he's run into a few of her fans at the cemetery when he visits, including a lady who traveled from Ireland.

"I'm still not over [her death] and I probably never will be, but the love her fans show her is very comforting," he said.

Angelo told me that he has not been in contact with his ex-wife, Brittany's mom, Sharon Murphy. "I don't know where she is, or if she is even in Los Angeles," he said. Nor did he speak with Britany's husband, Simon Monjack, who died in May and is buried next to Brittany.