Celebrity Tombstones That Are As Touching As They Are Creative And Funny
Graveyards are full of headstones that are all kind of the same. A traditional headstone includes the name of the deceased, their date of birth, date of death, and sometimes an epitaph. So how can you make your headstone stand out from the crowd? Well, these celebrities seem to have found the answer.
These famous folks touched so many people's lives while they were alive, and now their tombstones are continuing to inspire people even after their passing.
Jack Lemmon Is In The Ground
Jack Lemmon was an actor who won two Academy Awards and was nominated for eight more. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Lemmon acted in Save the Tiger, Mister Roberts, The Apartment, The Great Race, and Some Like It Hot. He was well known for his comedy and quick wits.
Lemmon continued his wit even in death. His tombstone is formatted like a title screen: JACK LEMMON in," suggesting that he's literally in the ground.
Mel Blanc Went Out In Style
Mel Blanc is the man behind most of your favorite Looney Toons characters. He was known as The Man of a Thousand Voices and he lent his voice to the likes of Tweety Bird, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat, Marvin the Martian, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, the Tasmanian Devil, and Porky Pig.
His tombstone very appropriately reads, "That's All Folks," which is somehow clever and heartbreaking all at the same time. We miss you, Mel!
A Perfectly Placed Song Lyric
It looks like Frank Sinatra continued promoting his music after he died. His tombstone reads, "the best is yet to come," which is a reference to one of his songs. Sinatra managed to repurpose one of his greatest lyrics as an optimistic message of the continuation of all living things, even after death.
Frank Sinatra was one of the best crooners and musicians this country has ever seen. He won the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and eleven Grammy Awards.
Leslie Nielson Never Stopped Joking
Canadian actor and comedian Leslie Nielson made us laugh in films such as Airplane!, The Naked Gun series, and the Police Squad! TV show. This man was always making people laugh and he always appreciated a good fart joke. On set, he often pranked his coworkers with a hand-controlled fart machine.
Sadly, Nielsen passed away in 2010, but his epigraph pays tribute to his love of flatulence humor. He's no longer with us, but somehow he's still making us laugh.
Ed Wynn Has A Message For His Maker
Ed Wynn was a popular comedian in the 1930s. He is most noted for his Perfect Fool character that he played on radio shows. He died in 1966 due to throat cancer. Modern audiences may recognize his voice, since Alan Tudyk imitated it for King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph.
Wynn's grave resides in the Forest Memorial Park alongside his son, Keenan Wynn. His bronze grave marker reflects his sense of humor: "Dear God: Thanks...Ed Wynn."
Dee Dee Ramone's Just Had To Go
Douglas Glenn Colvin founded the punk rock band the Ramones. He was also the band's more prolific writer, although he played the base instead of sang. After the band, he embarked on a short-lived career as a hip hop singer, Dee Dee Ramone.
In 2002, Ramone died of a heroin overdose. He was buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery near his bandmate, Johnny Ramone. His epitaph simply says, "O.K...I gotta go now," proving that he was witty until the end.
Rodney Dangerfield Included His Favorite One-Liner
Rodney Dangerfield was a popular comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer, and author. You might recognize him from comedies such as Back to School and Caddyshack. Above all, Dangerfield became famous for his one-liners and his catchphrase, "I get no respect!"
In 2004, Dangerfield died after several weeks in a coma. He was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park, and his gravestone listed his final one-liner: "Rodney Dangerfield...There goes the neighborhood."
Doc Holliday Died In Bed
Doc Holliday is one of the most recognizable Old West outlaws. During his life, he was nationally famous for being a trigger-happy gunman, even though he only got into one or two gunfights. Today, Western film makers still use Holliday as inspiration for their plots and characters.
So how did he die? In the midst of blazing gunfire? According to his tombstone, "He died in bed." Yeah, Holliday died from tuberculosis, not a gun wound.
Robert Frost Never Stopped Being A Poet
Robert Frost was an American poet who wrote famous poems such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening." This man won four Pulitzer Prizes for his work.
His tombstone says, "I had a lover's quarrel with the world." This line came from one of his lesser-known poems titled, "A Lesson for Today." Robert Frost may have gone down fighting, but his words will always be remembered by people who loved his work.
Jackie Gleason Has Gone Away
Best known for his verbal and visual comedy, Jackie Gleason brought the world to tears with his stand-up and acting jokes. His show, The Jackie Gleason Show, maintained high ratings for decades. He also acted in films and produced incredibly popular "mood music."
In 1987, Gleason died in his Florida home from multiple illnesses. He ended his life with the same sendoff that he gave during every Jackie Gleason Show episode, which is also his catchphrase: "And away we go!"
Rick James Knows That It's All About Love
Rick James was a musician most well-known for his hits, "Give It To Me Baby" and "Super Freak." He's buried in Buffalo, New York where he was raised, and his tombstone weighs two tons, so it won't be stolen.
It reads, "I've had it all, I've done it all, I've seen it all, it's all about love... God is love." Fans stop by and leave empty liquor bottles as a tribute to James.
Don Knotts Changed People's Lives
The iconic comedic actor Don Knotts, best known for his roles in Three's Company and The Andy Griffith Show, died in 2006. He was originally given a plain headstone but it was later replaced with this more ornate one which depicts him in scenes from throughout his life and career.
The inscription reads, "He saw the poignancy in people's pride and pain and turned it into something hilarious and endearing." Knotts' final resting place is in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Brentwood, California.
Buck Sleeps At Buck's Place
Country music star Buck Owens died in his sleep on March 25, 2006, just hours after performing. He's interred in his family's Bakersfield, California mausoleum, which his loved ones had inscribed with "Buck's Place" after his death. The term is what many use to refer to Owens' music hall, officially called "Buck Owens Crystal Palace."
During his illustrious career, Owens and his band the Buckaroos had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts. Along with Roy Clark, he also co-hosted the beloved television variety show Hee Haw.
Don Rickles Will Always Be Remembered
When comedian and actor Don Rickles passed away in 2017, he left behind a large family to mourn his loss. They honored the Emmy-award winner with a touching headstone reading, "Beloved dad, husband, pop pop, brother-in-law, and friend."
"The world was a brighter and better place while you were here. You will be remembered forever and ever." Rickles' final resting place is at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in California.
Merv Griffin Will Not Be Right Back After This Message
Merv Griffin was an American radio host, band singer, Broadway actor, and television host. Most people know him for creating the game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! which still run today. He also hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show.
In August of 2007, Griffin passed away from prostate cancer. His gravestone in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery states, "I will not be right back after this message."
Dean Martin Loved Somebody Sometime
Dean Martin, appropriately nicknamed "The King of Cool," was a comedian, actor, and singer. Along with hosting shows such as The Dean Martin Show and Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, he also performed several hit singles such as "Sway," "Memories Are Made of This," And "Everybody Loves Somebody."
A heavy smoker, Martin died of acute respiratory failure in 1995. In crypt in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery says, "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime." Those are lyrics from his hit song, in which he also sings, "My sometime is now."
Johnny Cash And June Carter Were Dedicated To Their Music
Johnny Cash may have had a tough life, but whatever he went through led him to create the beautiful music that we know and love today. People are still listening to Johnny Cash's music even though he died in 2003. His tombstone includes his lyric and song title "I Walk the Line."
He shares his tomb with his wife, June Carter, who passed away just four months before Johnny did. June Carter placed the name of her final album on her grave: "Wildwood Flower."
Winston Churchill Accepted His Fate
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill led his country through the second world war. He was hugely influential in establishing the European Union, and his speeches are some of the most quotable speeches that have ever been delivered.
Churchill died in 1965 after suffering a fatal stroke. He obviously didn't fear death as his tombstone reads: "I am ready to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another question."
Jimi Hendrix Was Exhumed And Reburied
Jimi Hendrix made the most of his rock and roll lifestyle before passing away in 1970. At the time, he was buried in Greenwood Cemetary in Washington under a simple headstone. Jimi's remains didn't stay in that cemetery, though. On November 26, 2002, the day before he would have turned 60 years old, his body moved to this elaborate memorial pictured above.
Originally, the memorial was going to include a purple fountain, but that hasn't happened yet.
Comedian And Ballerina, Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner was a comedy icon. She first entered show business as a ver well-loved cast member on Saturday Night Live. On the sketch show, she played a geeky character called Roseanne Roseannadanna. She was married to legendary actor Gene Wilder. Sadly, Radner passed away after a tough battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 42.
Her tombstone claims that she was a comedienne and a ballerina. Not many people can claim both of those titles, but Gilda could.
Billy Wilder Isn't Perfect
For over 50 years, Billy Wilder wrote, produced, and directed over 60 movies. He became the first person to win Academy Awards as a director, producer, and screenwriter all at the same time. After defining the '30s and '50s with his films, Wilder passed away in 2002.
Wilder is buried at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, near his Beverly Hills home. His gravestone says, "I'm a writer, but then nobody's perfect." It's the perfect exit for an influential man remaining humble.
Edgar Allan Poe's Most Famous Line Of Poetry
It's almost as if Edgar Allan Poe knew he was writing his own epitaph when he wrote his most famous poem, "The Raven." Poe wrote tons of broody, gothic poems and short stories, but something about the repetitive nature of "The Raven" really stuck with readers.
Poe died in October of 1849 and then he was buried in his family grave in Baltimore, Maryland. On top of the stone, a half-moon depiction of a raven says, "Quoth the Raven: Nevermore."
HP Lovecraft Died As He Lived: Creepily
HP Lovecraft was an American writer known for his horror and science fiction writings. He is best known for writing several short stories about the fictional cosmic entity he calls Cthulhu. Lovecraft was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and he also died in Providence, Rhode Island.
His tombstone reads, "I am Providence," which is a reference to a letter he sent to Lillian D. Clark in 1926. He literally is Providence now because his body is decomposing in Providence soil.
Jesse James Was Murdered By A Traitor
Jesse James gained celebrity status in 19th-century America through being an outlaw. Despite robbing trains and banks across the Midwest, he garnered national fame and sympathy. In 1882, he was killed by a new gang recruit who wanted to collect amnesty for his crimes. After his death, James became a legendary figure of the Wild West.
James's mother, Zerelda Samual, wrote his epitaph for him. "In Loving Memory of my Beloved Son," it reads, "Murdered by a Traitor and Coward Whose Name is no Worthy to Appear Here." Ouch.
Bette Davis Never Took The Easy Way Out
Bette Davis is considered one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. From the 1930s to the 1980s, she acted in historical films, horrors, comedies, and most famously, romantic dramas. However, her career didn't come without a fight. She often fought against studios who were pushing her into constraining contracts.
In 1989, Davis died from breast cancer. Her friend, director Joe Mankiewicz, suggested an inscription that fit Davis's character: "She did it the hard way."
John Wayne Didn't Choose His Epitaph
John Wayne is one of the most famous Western movie directors of all time. He was a top office draw for three decades and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. His gravestone, in Pacific View Memorial Park Cemetery, is solemn. But it wasn't what Wayne initally wanted.
According to his son, Wayne wanted his tombstone to read "Feo, Fuerte y Formal," which translates to "Ugly, Strong, and Dignified." Despite his request, others chose a quote that came from his 1971 interview with Playboy.
Jim Morrison's Grave Was Stolen
The lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison passed away at the age of 27 in Paris. He was buried in Division 6 in Père Lachaise cemetery on July 7, 1971. His grave didn't have a headstone until ten years after his death. Then, it was stolen.
Fans from around the world visit his gravesite and often deface it. Fans also add "love locks" which are padlocks that have two peoples' names on them, locked to a fence or gate as a symbol that they'll be together forever.
Fans Leave Soup Cans At Andy Warhol's Grave
Pop art legend Andy Warhol is buried in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. In 1985, Warhol said, "I always thought I'd like my own tombstone to be blank. No epitaph and no name. Well, actually, I’d like it to say 'figment.'"
That's not what ended up happening, however. He was buried alongside his parents and the Andy Warhol Museum streams live video of his gravesite on its website so fans can see it whenever they please!
Elvis Presley's Gravestone Has A Spelling Mistake
Elvis Presley was an icon of rock and roll, and fans were devastated when he passed away in 1977. His health was declining in the years leading up to his death, but it was still shocking to hear that the King of Rock and Roll had died of cardiac arrest in his Graceland home at the age of 42.
He was laid to rest at Graceland. Unfortunately, his middle name on his tombstone is misspelled. "Aaron" should be "Aron".
Kisses On Marilyn Monroe's Headstone
Although Marilyn Monroe's funeral service was private, hundreds of mourning fans gathered outside of the cemetery gates at Westwood Village Memorial Park. Monroe was later entombed at Crypt No. 24 at the Corridor of Memories, where fans visit and kiss her tomb, wearing red lipstick.
News of her passing made front-page news in the United States and Europe. At just 36-years-old, there were also many conspiracy theories surrounding her death. When Hugh Hefner died, he was entombed next to her.
Jayne Mansfield Wasn't Actually Born In 1938
Actress Jayne Mansfield tragically died in a car accident at the age of 34. Her funeral took place on July 3, 1967, in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, and she was buried next to her father.
However, a cenotaph, pictured here, was placed in the Hollywood Forever Ceremony by her fan club. Mansfield had a reputation for lying about her age, and the confusion carried on even after her death. Her fans incorrectly listed her birth year as 1938, when in fact, it was 1933.
John Belushi May Be Gone, But Rock And Roll Lives On
Comedian and Saturday Night Live star John Belushi was taken from us too early in life. Following his drug overdose, Belushi's tombstone was placed deep inside Abel's Hill Cemetery located in Chilmark, Massachusetts.
This tombstone is actually the second for the actor and serves as a memorial near the cemetery entrance. The tombstone reads "I may be gone, but Rock and Roll lives on." Visitors often leave tokens of their appreciation including half-smoked marijuana cigarettes, bottle caps, flowers, and more
Sam Kinison Was A Prophet
Comedian Sam Kinison had an enormous stage presence, including his trademark scream. He used to be a preacher, but ironically, his brother Bill Kinison said that Sam "had no stage presence" as a preacher and so he abandoned that career to give comedy a try.
Sam was buried in the family grave plot in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His tombstone includes the quote, "In another time and place he would have been called prophet."
Joe Mafela's Tombstone Is A Whole Living Room Set
Joe Mafela did it all. The South African became a successful actor in his 20s and grew his career to include directing, producing, and even singing, too. Mafela's tombstone is pretty interesting. Weighing in at five tons, the tombstone was designed to be a marble replica of a living room, including a TV, dining table, chairs, and a book.
The tombstone had to be removed once after it was initially set because they found that it weighed too much and was sinking into the soil.
Oscar Wilde's Tombstone Is Full Of Love
Similar to Marilyn Monroe's tomb, when women visit poet and playwright Oscar Wilde's grave, they don red lipstick and kiss it, leaving behind lip prints. Wilde's tomb receives thousands of visitors each year and women would not stop kissing the tomb.
In order to prevent people from kissing it, a glass barrier was erected in 2011, an attempt at making the tomb "kiss-proof". Wilde passed away in 1900 in Paris.
Karl Marx's Giant Stone Head
Although he was living stateless and exiled from Germany upon his death, Karl Marx is buried in London. Whoever chose his tombstone elected to create a bust to sit on top. It's very unique and rather jarring to walk through a cemetery and spot a larger-than-life head carved of stone, but it was his mind that made him famous.
A philosopher, economist, historian, and one of the most influential people in history, Marx died shortly after his wife Jenny, at the age of 64, in 1883.
William Shakespeare Has A Warning For Graverobbers
Who wouldn't want to visit William Shakespeare's gravesite? One of the most legendary figures to have ever lived, Shakespeare threw some words of fire at the world when he passed away. The playwright's gravesite in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, warns everyone not to touch his bones or be cursed.
People believe it's a warning to grave robbers not to dig up his grave in an attempt try to rob him of his valuables.
Too Many Pennies Cracked The Headstone
One of the most famous of the United States' founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin was known for 'coining' the popular expressing "a penny saved, is a penny earned." He might regret that now, as admirers and history lovers from around the world toss pennies onto his grave when they visit.
In fact, the coin tossing led to a crack in his headstone. Franklin is buried next to his wife Deborah at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Vinnie Paul And Dimebag Darrell's KISS Caskets
After Pantera and Damageplan guitarist Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott was killed onstage by a deranged fan in 2004, he received a proper rock star sendoff. He was interred next to his mother at Moore Memorial Gardens cemetery in Arlington, Texas. KISS frontman Gene Simmons donated a Kiss Kasket to the family, and Abbott was buried with one of Eddie Van Halen's guitars.
Sadly, Dimebag's brother and bandmate Vinnie Paul died unexpectedly in 2018. He was also buried in a KISS Kasket and rests next to his mother and brother.
W.B. Yeats Cast A Cold Eye On Death
The celebrated Irish poet William Butler Yeats died in 1939, at the age of 73. He was first buried in France but later moved to the churchyard of St Columba's Church, Drumcliff, Ireland.
The epitaph on his tombstone, "Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by," was from his poem Under Ben Bulben, which was published just a year before he died. He also left behind instructions that his grave should consist of "no marble, no conventional phrase."