Deathstyles of the Rich and Famous

Deathstyles of the Rich and Famous



HOLLYWOOD (Wireless Flash) – For decades, the Hollywood Forever cemetery has been the final resting place of celebrities like Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks. But now, anyone who wants to be buried there can experience the “deathstyles of the rich and famous” thanks to owner Tyler Cassity and his staff. Cassity – who’s a dead ringer for Josh Hartnett – has started a program to create slick multimedia biographies for his clients, similar to the tributes given to late celebrities. The “life stories” are shown at the memorial service for the deceased and are perpetually available on kiosks at the park or on the internet – giving the dead their own sort of eternal fame. Cassity says his park’s philosophy is “celebrity for everyone” and estimates 80 percent of services held at Hollywood Forever feature some sort of media tribute. He elaborates on the program in the upcoming HBO America Undercover documentary The Young And the Dead, which airs May 19.

Mon 05-06-02