Hollywood Forever
Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a diverse history. Originally called Hollywood Cemetery it is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1899 on 100 acres. In 1920 the expansion of Hollywood led part of the cemetery to be sold to Paramount Studios. An old saying states, stars enter through Paramount and never leave, as the cemetery is just outside the Paramount doors. Many security guards have heard strange noises near the cemetery.
Beth Olam Cemetery is a dedicated Jewish burial ground where local Jewish communities members were buried.
In 1939, Jules Roth, a convicted felon and millionaire, bought 51% stake in the cemetery. He used the money to pay for his lavish lifestyle while the cemetery fell into complete disrepair. Roth, a profound racist, refused Hattie McDaniel to be burried in the cemetery, despite it being her last wish. (Though on the 47th anniversary of her death, the cemetery's current owner dedicated a cenotaph in her honor south of Sylvan Lake.
Roth's refusal to care for the cemetery came to a head when in July, 1974, the crematory was closed after bricks fell onto the body of sing Cass Elliot. The cemetery's condition was so poor that by the 1980s families began moving their famous relative. Max Factor's family moved him out of the family mausoleum. Around this time Roth began selling more land (what is today mini malls and other stores) and offered parking for Paramount. Roth died in 1998.
New owners, Tyler and Brent Cassidy purchased the now 62-acre property as it was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1998 for $375,000. The Cassidy's changed the name to Hollywood Forever and restored the cemetery. Today, Hollywood Forever is a place for culturel gatherings, film showings and even concerts.
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Famous film and stage actor is rumored to haunt Abbey of the Psalms Mausoleum.
Silent film star, famous only for her death, may still be sobbing at her grave.
The Lady in Black is still mourning the loss of the dreamy Valentino.
Thank you to Ellie Woffinden for her contributions to this page.