Marilyn Monroe, one of the most enduring and iconic figures in Hollywood history, rests in peace at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. This cemetery, tucked away in a quiet and unassuming part of the city, has become a pilgrimage site for fans of Monroe and classic cinema. Her grave remains a powerful symbol of her life, her legacy, and the tragic circumstances surrounding her untimely death. However, there are two interesting story that surround Marilyn Monroe’s grave…

The Cemetery and Location

Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is a small, tranquil place in comparison to the grandeur of many other celebrity resting places. Surrounded by tall buildings and located close to UCLA, this cemetery is often described as hidden, with many visitors unaware of its existence until they stumble upon it.

Monroe’s grave is situated in Corridor of Memories, a small mausoleum located in the heart of the cemetery. Unlike many elaborate celebrity memorials, her crypt is modest, marked simply with the inscription, Marilyn Monroe 1926 – 1962. The simplicity of her resting place stands in stark contrast to the glamorous and complicated life she led.

Monroe’s Death and Burial

Marilyn Monroe tragically passed away on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36, in what was ruled as a probable suicide by overdose. Her sudden death shocked the world and added to the mythology of her status as a cultural icon. At the time of her death, Monroe was at the peak of her fame, having starred in numerous critically acclaimed films such as Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch.

Monroe’s ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, took charge of her funeral arrangements. Despite their turbulent marriage, DiMaggio is known to have remained deeply devoted to her, even after their divorce. He chose Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery as her final resting place, arranging a private funeral attended by close friends and family. DiMaggio reportedly sent red roses to her grave every week for over 20 years following her death.

The Unique Neighbourhood of Stars

Over the years, Monroe’s grave has become a prominent site at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, and many other famous personalities are buried nearby. Some of the notable names include:

• Dean Martin – Legendary singer and member of the Rat Pack.
• Natalie Wood – Famed actress and star of West Side Story.
• Hugh Hefner – The Playboy founder, who famously purchased the crypt next to Monroe for $75,000 in 1992.
• Jack Lemmon – Oscar-winning actor and co-star of Some Like It Hot.

Hugh Hefner’s decision to purchase the plot next to Monroe sparked some controversy, with critics debating whether it was a move driven by his admiration for Monroe or for the publicity it garnered. Nevertheless, Hefner himself expressed in interviews that his affection for Monroe was genuine, given that she had appeared on the cover of the first-ever Playboy magazine.

Marilyn Monroe’s grave has not only attracted countless admirers, but also some who wished to remain in eternal proximity to the star. A particularly obsessed fan, Richard Poncher, purchased the crypt directly above Monroe’s at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Poncher, a wealthy businessman, reportedly instructed that his body be laid to rest face down in the crypt, so he could, in his words, “spend eternity on top of her.” This eccentric and somewhat unsettling request has contributed to the unusual lore surrounding Monroe’s final resting place.

Visiting Marilyn Monroe’s Grave

Monroe’s grave continues to draw thousands of visitors from around the world every year, with fans often leaving flowers, letters, and lipstick kisses on her crypt in tribute. Many visitors note the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery, contrasting with the often chaotic public life Monroe led. Unlike many other celebrity gravesites, Monroe’s final resting place remains relatively accessible to the public, adding to its appeal for those who wish to pay their respects.

Over time, the marble front of her crypt has been replaced due to the high volume of visitors. Fans leaving marks or kissing the stone has worn down its surface, with cemetery management having to clean or replace it several times.

Legacy of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe’s grave, simple yet significant, reflects the enduring legacy she left behind. Her beauty, talent, and persona have remained part of the cultural landscape, with her image continuing to captivate new generations. However, her resting place also serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures of fame and the fragility of life. Her untimely death solidified her as a tragic figure, forever frozen in time as the ultimate symbol of glamour and vulnerability.

Visiting Marilyn Monroe’s grave offers fans and admirers a chance to connect with a piece of Hollywood history. Though she may have departed from this world over half a century ago, her influence and stardom remain undiminished. Her final resting place at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is a testament to a life that, while filled with turmoil and hardship, has left an indelible mark on the world.