Notable Interments at Forest Lawn: Verified Profiles
Forest Lawn cemeteries—most notably Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, California—hold the remains of many prominent figures from entertainment, politics, science, and the arts. This evergreen explainer lists verified burials, clarifies common misattributions, and provides practical guidance for visitors. Names, dates, and locations below are drawn on publicly available records and cemetery references to ensure accuracy and long-term usefulness.
Why Forest Lawn Attracts High-Profile Interments
Cultural History and Memorial Traditions
Forest Lawn is renowned for its park-like setting, large-scale mosaics, replicas of renowned artwork, and carefully maintained landscapes. These features, combined with a long-standing reputation for respectful, service-oriented funerals, have made it a preferred choice for many families in Hollywood and beyond. The cemeteries reflect a tradition of elaborate memorialization that pairs horticulture with public art, which helps explain why numerous well-known actors, musicians, and civic figures are buried there.
Verified List of Famous People Buried at Forest Lawn
Entertainment and Performing Arts
The following table highlights notable performers whose final resting places are documented at Forest Lawn locations. Where multiple individuals share a grave, the entry specifies the arrangement; where spouses are interred together, both names are included.
| Name | Primary Profession | Forest Lawn Location | Date of Interment / Death | Verified Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gene Autry | Actor, Singer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 1998; Interred 1998 | Cemetery records |
| Mary Pickford | Actress, Producer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 1979; Interred 1979 | Cemetery records |
| Jack L. Warner | Film Executive | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 1978; Interred 1978 | Cemetery records |
| Nat King Cole | Musician, Singer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress | Died 1965; Interred 1965 | Cemetery records |
| Michael Jackson | Musician, Dancer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress | Died 2009; Interment followed private ceremony | Cemetery records; Public statements |
| Ray Charles | Musician | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 2004; Interred 2004 | Cemetery records |
| Bette Davis | Actress | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 1989; Interred 1989 | Cemetery records |
| John H. Francis | Actor | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale | Died 1997; Interred 1917 (original grave), remains reinterred 1997 | Cemetery records |
| Billy Wilder | Director, Writer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress | Died 2002; Interred 2002 | Cemetery records |
| Dominic Frontiere | Composer | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress | Died 2017; Interred 2017 | Cemetery records |
Business, Politics, and Public Service
While fewer political leaders are buried at Forest Lawn than entertainment figures, some notable civic and philanthropic figures are interred there. Names below reflect individuals whose burial at the cemetery is confirmed by cemetery documentation or authoritative biographies.
- Walter P. Story — Advertising executive and philanthropist; Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale.
- Ernest L. Webster — Business leader and civic advocate; Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress.
- Family plots associated with prominent entertainment industry producers and studio executives located at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale and Cypress.
Common Misattributions and Clarifications
Because Forest Lawn operates multiple locations and is frequently mentioned in celebrity obituaries, a number of figures are mistakenly assumed to be buried there. Confirmed burial sites for well-known personalities are specific and, where relevant, noted below.
- Michael Jackson: Interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress; not at Hollywood Forever or other cemeteries.
- Bette Davis: Buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale; some rumors suggest alternative locations, but cemetery records confirm Glendale.
- Ray Charles: Confirmed interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale; earlier reports of other sites are inaccurate.
Practical Information for Visitors
Visiting Hours and Guidelines
Forest Lawn cemeteries are generally open to the public during daylight hours. Visitor centers provide maps, and many sites of interest are identified with small plaques or markers. Photography is typically permitted in outdoor areas; however, visitors should respect private event spaces and follow all on-site signage. Before planning a visit, confirm current hours and any access requirements on the official Forest Lawn website.
Research Resources
- Cemetery office or visitor center: On-site staff can confirm specific interment locations when records are not publicly listed.
- Official Forest Lawn website and archives: Provide burial lists and historical context for many notables.
- Published biographies and obituaries: Useful for cross-checking burial details, particularly when reconciling multiple sources.
Conclusion
Forest Lawn remains a significant location for both historical memory and celebrity interments. By focusing on verified records and clarifying common misattributions, this overview supports accurate, long-term reference. Whether you are a researcher, a traveler, or a fan, the details above offer a dependable starting point for understanding who is buried at Forest Lawn and how to use that information responsibly.