Jimmy Stewart

Posted in Forest Lawn Glendale with tags , on February 20, 2013 by Cade

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May 20, 1908 – July 02, 1997

By all accounts, Jimmy Stewart was a pretty remarkable human being.

A talented and distinctive actor, he was often described by anyone who knew him with words like “kind” and “generous” and so on and so forth.  Even Joan Crawford liked him.  And she hardly liked anybody. Beyond his Hollywood persona – which garnered him countless legendary roles, 5 Oscar nominations, and Lifetime Achievement awards from just about every organization imaginable – Jimmy was also a decorated military officer and a prolific philanthropist.

They don’t make them like that anymore. Continue reading →

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Marilyn Monroe

Posted in Westwood Memorial Park with tags , , , on February 19, 2013 by Cade

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June 01, 1926 – August 05, 1962

I mean, it’s Marilyn. How much do I have to say here?

She was perhaps the biggest sex symbol in 20th century America.  She was romantically linked to baseball players, playwrights and presidents.  She was the ultimate rags to riches story.  She liked to party.   One night, at the age of 36, she took too much Nembutal – maybe by her own choice, maybe by someone else’s – and Elton John wrote a song about her.

Goodbye, Norma Jean. Continue reading →

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Judy Garland

Posted in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hollywood Forever Cemetery with tags , , , , on February 19, 2013 by Cade

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June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969

I grew up in Kansas.  I’ve heard every “Wizard of Oz” joke 17,000 times (you’re not original, people. Please stop.) I should hate the movie.  I should hate everything about it. But, I don’t.  I actually love it.

Judy Garland was born Frances Gumm in Grand Rapids, MN and was an entertainer from the start. Her family were vaudevillians and she and her sisters performed as The Gumm Sisters in a number of short films as girls. At some point – for any number of reasons depending on who you ask – they changed the name of their act to The Garland Sisters. Good move. And after that, the legendary name of Judy Garland would stick.

Judy starred in more than 40 films including the classics Meet Me in St. Louis, In the Good Old Summertime and, of course, The Wizard of Oz. She became an icon and had worldwide fame.

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Dean Martin

Posted in Westwood Memorial Park with tags , , , on February 19, 2013 by Cade

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June 07, 1917 – December 25, 1995

Dino Paul Crocetti, better known as Dean Martin, was an American singer, actor and television host. Martin’s earliest success saw him team up with comedian, Jerry Lewis. The duo enjoyed a decade of stage acts, radio programs and television appearances as well as 17 films.  After a popular solo career, he found his iconic place in entertainment history as a member – along with fellow crooners Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. – of the fabled Rat Pack.  Known for his laid-back1 onstage persona  and comedic prowess, Martin enjoyed a lengthy career despite ever-changing musical landscapes and personal tragedies.

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