On Saturday October 5th, I’d been in the Los Angeles area for five days. With the 2013 L.A. Gravecation approaching on the horizon of coming to an end. There was still much to see, and do. On this particular day I made plans to visit Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, and attend the final night of the 2013 Dearly Departed Death Hag Weekend.

The History: Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery

Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, nestled on 65-acres of historic cemetery real estate. It was founded in 1884. Originally christened Rosedale Cemetery. In 1993 the cemetery became known as Angelus-Rosedale when nearby funeral home Angelus Funeral Home, bought the cemetery from the previous owners.

Some of the more illustrious movers, shakers, & politicians in early Los Angeles history who are buried, or interred in Angelus-Rosedale include many former mayors of Los Angeles who call this cemetery their final home. Angelus-Rosedale is considered to be one of the first cemeteries west of the Rocky Mountains to incorporate the design features usually seen in garden cemeteries. This style of cemetery/memorial park is a popular landscaping feature in cemeteries/memorial parks around the country. Some of the key highlights of a garden cemetery include beautiful and decorative tree plantings, shrub varietals, flowers, natural scenery and works of monumental art. If you’re interested in learning more about the rural/garden cemetery movement, feel free to visit Wikipedia. Take it from me if you visit a garden cemetery in your region, be ready for an overabundance of photo opportunities. One of the things I find interesting about Angelus-Rosedale cemetery is that it was the first cemetery in Los Angeles to offer burial services to people from different ethnic backgrounds. Not only that, in 1887 the cemetery became the second in the United States (the first west of the Rocky Mountains) to perform on site cremations. If you’re interested in learning more about this small yet tranquil historic Los Angeles burial ground, you should definitely visit the Wikipedia or Find A Grave pages.

The Tour: Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery

Upon my arrival at Angelus-Rosedale, I had a game plan set in motion to whose graves I wanted to find at this historic cemetery. However, unbeknownst to me, as I’d quickly found out when I arrived at the cemetery, I discovered that the cemetery office was closed for the day. So with this in mind and knowing I wouldn’t be able to get a much needed cemetery map. As this was the first time I’d been to Angelus-Rosedale. I had to start thinking rather quickly on how I’d go about finding the three other graves I wanted to find, (aside from the one I found in the mausoleum) who were buried on the cemetery grounds.

Before the unsuccessful trek around the cemetery, I made my way towards the Angelus-Rosedale Mausoleum & Columbarium. Inside this very cool building, I felt an aura of a Gothic atmosphere, due to the dimmed lighting and overall decrepit nature of the building. I made a leisurely stroll inside while admiring the creepy ambiance of the mausoleum until I came upon the “Eternal Light” hallway. It was in here, where after strolling about for several minutes, that I came upon the cremains niche of prolific horror film director Tod Browning.

Tod Browning

(July 12, 1880 – October 6, 1962)

Located roughly halfway down the hallway on the right side of the corridor wall, in niche 20648 isprolific actor, director, & screenwriter Tod Browning. He was born in 1880, and spent his youth in Kentucky. He grew tired of home life in the Blue Grass State, and yearned for adventure. He became fascinated at a young age by the glitz and glamor of circus life and the sideshows that went along with the atmosphere. He eventually ran away from home at the age of 16 to follow his dreams of joining the circus.

After leaving the circus, Browning would work odd jobs eventually landing a job at a New York theater. While working at the theater. He had a chance encounter with prolific director D.W. Griffith. Griffith was impressed with his acting abilities, and offered him a job with the New York based Biograph Company. In 1913 Griffith severed his affiliation with The Biograph, and decided to head west. In his wake Browning followed Griffith to California, and continued to act in his films.

In 1917, Browning made his film début as director with the silent era film Jim Bludso (1917). After the positive response of this film, he hightailed it back to New York for a year to work on other motion pictures. In 1918, he beelined it back to California and produced a few films for Metro.

Out of the sixty-two motion picture director credits Browning has to his name, a couple of his more prolific films include Dracula (1931), which starred Bela Lugosi & Freaks (1932), which is a motion picture featuring grotesque sideshow freaks in various forms.

In October of 1962 while residing in Santa Monica at the home of some friends, Browning, who was a lifelong smoker succumbed to complications of cancer. At the time of his death, he was 82 years old. If you’re interested in learning more about his fascinating life feel free to cruise over to Wikipedia, or Find A Grave, also the book “Dark Carnival: The Secret World of Tod Browning Hollywood’s Master of The Macabre” by David Skal is probably a good choice to read if you’d like to get into the mindset of Tod Browning’s cinematic work. And finally if you’d like to see his full film credits listing, IMDb is the place to be.

After I was finished photographing the graveside niche of film director Tod Browning, I decided to make an attempt to find the graves of the three celebrities buried in the cemetery who I had locations for. There was just one miniscule problem. Besides not having a cemetery map due to the office being closed, pretty much all the markings where the section letter/number would be throughout the various sections on the curb were illegible. So it was hard to determine which section was which. Keep in mind I had the section and lot numbers for the three people I was looking for but gave up trying to find them.

The three people buried in the cemetery who I had no luck finding werelandowner and the namesake for Burbank, CA, David Burbank, Silent era actress Louise Glaum, and Marshall Neilan who was a silent era actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. After I was finished doing what I do best at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, It was time to cruise up to Altadena, California to Mountain View cemetery to partake in night two of The 2013 Dearly Departed Death Hag Weekend insanity.

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Death Hag Weekend: Night Two – Mountain View Cemetery Dinner Party

Before I get started with this section. I want to take a moment to explain what a “Death Hag” is. Simply put a “Death Hag” is someone who’s fascinated by any and all accounts of death. In particular the deaths of famous, or notable people. The brainchild behind the “Death Hag” phenomenon is my friend Scott Michaels. Scott pretty much carved out his own sort of cult following as the owner of the Los Angeles based Dearly Departed Tours, which is a boutique sightseeing tour venue in Hollywood. Dearly Departed Tours showcases the locations where celebrities have met their untimely demise, or some tabloid worthy incident, or scandal took place. Scott also owns/maintains the highly informative website Find A Death, which chronicles the last moments of celebrities in biographical form. Hence the name “Dearly Departed Death Hag Weekend”. The weekend event is an annual gathering in Los Angeles, of like-minded people who share the same interest when it comes to celebrities or notable people dropping dead.

Despite the morbid nature of the annual weekend, the primary goal of the gathering which has now taken place for the past two years, is to raise money to mark the grave of an unmarked celebrity burial site, or cremain’s niche. It’s a way to honor the celebrity because even the most beloved or obscure celebrities who don’t have a grave marker for whatever reason, should be remembered. This year, the donations raised from the raffle giveaway, and other raised proceeds at The 2nd Annual Dearly Departed Death Hag Weekend went towards paying for the beautiful grave marker for beloved actor Jonathan Hale, who’s best remembered for acting in the “Blondie” movies, and several episodes of “Superman”. Hale committed suicide while living out the remainder of his days at The Motion Picture Country Home on February 28th 1966.

Some of the key highlights of the Saturday night gathering inside the Pasadena Mausoleum, on the grounds of Mountain View cemetery included a fascinating, and extremely well researched presentation by Mark Masek. The presentation related to the Lamb Funeral Home scandal which also involved Mountain View cemetery. If you’re interested there’s a true crime book which chronicles the scandal in detail. The book is titled “Chop Shop” and is written by Kathy Braidhill. From what I’m told by friends who’ve read the book is that it’s a page turning fascinating tome.

Another key highlight of the Saturday night revelry inside the Pasadena Mausoleum was the thought-provoking presentation given by noted actor, and author John Gilmore. Gilmore, along with his various acting roles, wrote a handful of books related to L.A. noir, true crime, and fiction. He presented some of his personal theories into the infamous Black Dahlia murder, and other crimes that took place in L.A. history. I found his theories to be really intriguing. After Gilmore was finished with his highly informative presentation. I mingled among the 100+ party goers before the night commencedand The 2nd Annual Dearly Departed Death Hag Weekend came to a close.

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On Sunday October 6th, I realized I had two days left of cemetery grave hunting in Los Angeles before hopping on a plane at LAX, and heading home on Tuesday October 8th. In situations like this, it’s customary for me to kick things up a notch. So what did I do? I hightailed it to Eden Memorial Park.

The History: Eden Memorial Park

Situated at the northern edge of the bustling San Fernando Valley, 15 miles to the northwest of Hollywood. In an area surrounded by beautiful mountainous ranges, is where you will find Eden Memorial Park.

Opening in 1954. Eden Memorial Park by all means, isn’t one of Los Angeles oldest Jewish burial grounds. Nor is it one of the more well known memorial parks compared to the other three Jewish cemeteries used primarily for Los Angeles residents who happen to be Jewish. However due to the rather serene placidity, you will encounter strolling around this beautiful memorial park, with the steeply inclined hillside slopes. Make this cemetery a true hidden gem for seasoned grave hunters alike. 

As you make a leisurely stroll around Eden Memorial Park, take note of the key points of interest. One of the beautiful exhibits you definitely should checkout which is a key feature of Eden Memorial Park. Is the well-known mural titled “The Twelve Tribes of Israel” by Joseph Young. Completed in 1959, this large mosaic is depicted in the center of the cemetery, on the garden mausoleum wall. This particular painting is a masterful work of art that spans 18-feet above the ground. “The Twelve Tribes of Israel” mosaic is a breathtaking pre-cast Byzantine bas-relief.

Keep in mind if you plan to visit Eden, due to the cemetery is surrounded by tall shrub plantings, along the bordering streets. This factor alone was put in place to keep the cemetery hidden from the average person discovering the tranquil oasis from the road. With this in mind your going to need a GPS device to pinpoint the location of the cemetery.

The Tour:

Upon my arrival at Eden Memorial Park. I eased my vehicle to a stop inside the cemetery. So I could pinpoint my game plan. Being that I had no desire to get a cemetery map which usually does come in handy. I had a better tool at my disposal. In the form of two L.A. grave hunting books. Most notably “L.A.’s Graveside Companion Where The VIP’s RIP” by Steve Goldstein, & “Hollywood Remains To Be Seen: A Guide To The Movie Stars Final Homes” by Mark Masek. Both Mark, and Steve are personal friends of mine, who I’ve had the utmost honor tograve hunt the days away during past L.A. Gravecations.

Being that there aren’t an “insane” amount of celebrities who are buried, or interred in Eden Memorial Park. The cemetery does have a nice dose of well-known celebs buried/interred here. If your interested to checkout the who’s who list of celebrities, and other Hollywood personalities buried in Eden Memorial Park. Checkout Find A Grave, or Wikipedia. As you’ll see, during my visit to Eden Memorial Park, I only found a few celebrities. The first on the list was prolific comedic actor Harvey Lembeck.

Harvey Lembeck

April 15th 1923 – January 5th 1982

Located in the NE corner of Mount Jerusalem a few steps below the Court of David section is where you will find prolific actor Harvey Lembeck. Lembeck was born in April 1923, a Brooklynite since birth, Lembeck got his official start in showbiz after graduating from New York University in 1947. At the time he was one half of the dancing duo “The Dancing Carrolls”. As time went on Lembeck’s prominence and virtuoso abilities on New York’s Broadway stages, the silver screen, and lets not forget to grace the TV sets in the homes of families across America. When it comes to television Lembeck is mostly known for his character roles on The Phil Silvers Show (1955), Stalag 17 (1953) and Ensign O’Toole (1962). As for the silver screen Lembeck usually portrayed the tough guy biker bad ass, or greaser gang leader, in the beach party movies of the 1950s, and 60s.

Moving along as the 1980s were on the horizon. Lembeck’s acting career was very much in full swing. In 1982 while performing in an episode taping of the TV show “Mork & Mindy” Lembeck collapsed from a heart attack and died on the spot. If you’re interested in seeing a more detailed biographical overview of Harvey Lembeck’s life, and acting career. Feel free to visit Wikipedia, or IMDb. After photographing the graveside of Harvey Lembeck. I then made a leisurely stroll a few steps away to the graveside of another Brooklyn born actor/comedian & that being Phil Foster.

Phil Foster

March 29th 1913 – July 8th 1985

Located In Front Of The Mount Jerusalem Mausoleum in lot 318H and a few leisurely steps away from Harvey Lembeck is where you will find Phil Foster. Born on March 29th, 1913 in Brooklyn. Foster began his ascent into showbiz when he started singing and dancing in front of movie theaters. As time went on Foster would compete in talent competitions. As the Great Depression was rolling on, Foster started partaking in the dramatic form of acting. Due to the fact that theaters weren’t operating he began performing in halls, backrooms, and other venues. In the late 1930s while living in Chicago. Foster began performing  as a stand-up comedian. As time went on his popularity as a stand-up comedian grew. Nationally Foster was in constant demand to perform at top-notch comedy clubs.

During WWII, Foster enlisted in the United States Army. After serving the country during the war. He returned to New York. Due to the stories he’d elaborate on from his youth, Foster became a variety show regular. In the 1950s Foster appeared in the science fiction movie The Conquest of Space (1955). Other TV appearances included: Games People Play, The Ed Sullivan Show and Toast of the Town along with This Is Show Business, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Love Boat, and The Patty Duke Show. Out of all the TV appearances Foster was involved with. He’s most fondly remembered as Frank DeFazio on Laverne & Shirley.

Foster was a highly versatile actor & comedian who recorded multiple stand-up comedy albums, on top of being a playwright, and finishing a few story outlines. In July 1985, at the age of 72, while living in Rancho Mirage, CA. Foster passed away from a heart attack. If you’re interested in checking out Foster’s film/tv credits feel free to cruise over to his IMDb page.

After photographing the graves of actors Harvey Lembeck, and Phil Foster. I casually drove around the cemetery planning my next move. I then cruised over to the Court of Abraham North section where actor and stuntman Michael Gilden rests alongside some family members.

Michael Gilden

September 22nd 1962 – December 5th 2006

Located in The Court of Abraham North section in lot 2133 is actor and stuntman Michael Gilden. Gilden who was a native of Los Angeles was one of many actors who were born with a form of dwarfism. Gilden did stunt work for several episodic TV series, and motion pictures. Some of the TV shows he performed in include: Charmed, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Family Law, Cybill, and NCIS. Moving along some of the motion pictures Gilden was involved with include: “Star Wars: Episode VI-Return Of the Jedi (1983), “Freaked” (1993), “Once Upon A Christmas” (2000), “Snow White” (2001), “Nudity Required” (2003), “Southland Tales” (2006), “Against Types” (2006). In 2006 while living in the Los Angeles area with his wife Meredith Eaton-Gilden another actor with dwarfism. Gilden took his own life.

One of the things I wanted to point out on Gilden’s untimely passing. Is that when I visited his graveside in Eden Memorial Park. His father who’s also buried a few steps away. Passed away a few days before Michael took his own life. So I came to the conclusion that perhaps he couldn’t deal with his father passing away. If you’d like to see Gilden’s full film/tv credits checkout his IMDb page.

Groucho Marx

October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977

Rounding out the tour at Eden Memorial Park. No visit to the cemetery would be complete without visiting the cremains niche, and paying homage to Julius Henry Marx. Who’s fondly remembered as comedian Groucho Marx.

Groucho Marx cremains niche is in a small room located within the garden mausoleum in the center of the cemetery. This small room is located roughly 200ft from the western edge of the outdoor mausoleum. It’s kinda hidden so look for it. Once you find the hidden room, open the door (hopefully it’s not locked) and canvas the back facing wall of the room. Located roughly in the center of the wall and eye level is his cremains niche.

Known as the master of the quick wit, Groucho along with his brothers Chico, and Harpo was the  sibling trio of the Marx Brothers comedy troupe. Marx, along with his brothers grew up on Manhattan’s upper eastside. Getting their start in showbiz by doing acts on the vaudeville circuit. The family would eventually head west to Hollywood.

In all Groucho Marx made 26 movies, 13 of them were with his brothers Chico, and Harpo. Of the 13 films Marx made with his brothers The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup, and A Night at the Opera were probably their more popular. In June 1977 Marx was hospitalized at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from complications of pneumonia. Two months later on August 19th Marx succumbed to the disease. If your interested in reading a detailed online biography on Groucho Marx, feel free to visit Wikipedia, or IMDb for his film credits.

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So that pretty much concludes the “2013 L.A. Gravecation Day 5 & 6” article. Stay tuned for the Day 7 finale where I trekked to Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Glendale. If your interested to see the photos from the Day 5 & 6 insanity. Feel free to check them out below.

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