Celebrity funerals are often lavish affairs, with thousands of mourners, celebrity guests, and extravagant displays of wealth. Some celebrity funerals are also notable for their unusual or unique elements.
Some of the most famous celebrity funerals in history include Princess Diana: When Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997, her funeral was watched by over 2.5 billion people around the world. The funeral was held at Westminster Abbey in London and was attended by members of the British royal family, heads of state from around the world, and celebrities such as Elton John and Tom Cruise.
Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson’s funeral in 2009 was another highly publicized event. The funeral was held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and was attended by over 200 people, including Jackson’s family, friends, and celebrity colleagues. The funeral was also televised live.
Elizabeth Taylor: Elizabeth Taylor’s funeral in 2011 was a more intimate affair, with only close family and friends attending. The funeral was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and Taylor was buried next to her husband, Richard Burton.
Whitney Houston: Whitney Houston’s funeral in 2012 was a star-studded event, with celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys performing at the service. The funeral was held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, and was attended by over 1,500 people.
Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant’s funeral in 2020 was a private ceremony held for his family and friends. However, the public was able to watch a live stream of the funeral. Bryant was buried in a private cemetery in Pacific Palisades, California.
Some of the most expensive celebrity funerals in history include:
Michael Jackson’s funeral is estimated to have cost over $7 million. The funeral included a private viewing of Jackson’s body at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a public memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and a private burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Princess Diana’s funeral is estimated to have cost over $5 million. The funeral included a public procession of Diana’s coffin from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey, a funeral service at Westminster Abbey, and a private burial at Althorp Park, Diana’s family estate.
Elizabeth Taylor’s funeral is estimated to have cost over $3 million. The funeral included a private viewing of Taylor’s body at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a funeral service at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, and a private burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Whitney Houston’s funeral is estimated to have cost over $2 million. The funeral included a public viewing of Houston’s body at the New Hope Baptist Church, a funeral service at the New Hope Baptist Church, and a private burial at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.
Kobe Bryant’s funeral is estimated to have cost over $1 million. The funeral included a private viewing of Bryant’s body at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a private burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, and a public memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The Most Unusual Celebrity Funerals Some of the most unusual celebrity funerals in history include:
Hunter S. Thompson, the author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, had a very unusual funeral. His ashes were shot out of a cannon shaped like a giant fist at a private ceremony at his home.
Fred Baur, the inventor of Pringles, was buried in a Pringles can. Carrie Fisher, the actress who played Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, was buried in a Prozac-shaped urn.
Tupac Shakur’s ashes were reportedly smoked by members of his old group, Outlawz.
Luke Perry, the actor who starred in Beverly Hills, 90210, and Riverdale, was buried in an eco-friendly mushroom burial suit.
Conclusion
Celebrity funerals can be elaborate, expensive, and unusual. However, they all serve the same purpose: to honor the life of the deceased and to provide comfort and closure to their loved ones.