I was saddened and absolutely shocked today to learn of Heath Ledger‘s untimely death. I still can’t quite believe it. My heart goes out to his family and his poor daughter.

In honor of his death, I thought I’d post about a Hollywood area cemetery where many of the stars are buried – The Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park and Mortuary. It is fitting that this place of rest is called a “park” and not a “cemetery”, as it really doesn’t have a cemetery feel to it. It is a very peaceful, almost uplifting place, with tall trees and rose bushes and fountains everywhere. I can see why the stars would want to be buried there.

The Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park is the final resting place of many stars, including Dean Martin, Jack Lemmon, Heather O’Rourke, Carroll O’Connor, Natalie Wood, Eva Gabor, Donna Reed, Billy Wilder, Truman Capote (although legend has it that his ashes were removed and brought to New York) and -perhaps most famous of all – Marilyn Monroe. Keep your eyes open for the lipstick marks on Marilyn’s crypt left by her many visitors. An interesting bit of trivia – Hugh Hefner purchased the crypt directly next to Marilyn’s for himself. He wants to be forever interred next to the woman who graced the cover of the very first Playboy Magazine.

Stalk It:The Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery is located at 1218 Glendon Avenue in Westwood. It is situated directly behind the Avco Center Cinemas located at 10840 Wilshire Blvd. Marilyn Monroe’s crypt can be found in the North -Eastern corner of the cemetery. Pierce Brothers Park is, surprisingly, a nice place to walk around during a sunny afternoon.