Death is an inevitable part of life, and as much as it’s a somber occasion, it can also be a time to remember the joys and laughter that the deceased brought into our lives. Tombstones are often a way for us to honor and remember those who have passed, but some celebrity tombstones are so unique and unconventional that they’re hard not to laugh at.
From humorous epitaphs to unconventional designs, these tombstones showcase the quirky personalities of the celebrities they represent. In this video, we’ll take a look at some of the most hilarious celebrity tombstones that will surely put a smile on your face.
But before we dive in, a word of caution: we mean no disrespect to the deceased or their families. We simply want to celebrate the humor and unique personalities of these celebrities in a way that we hope will make you laugh and appreciate the lighter side of life.
So, grab a snack and your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let’s take a tour of some of the most amusing celebrity tombstones that are hard not to laugh at.
Billy Wilder – I’m A Writer But Then Nobody’s Perfect
Billy Wilder is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood history, having directed and co-written a string of iconic films, including Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, Some Like It Hot, and The Apartment. Wilder, an Austrian-American, began his career as a journalist in Vienna, but fled to America in 1933 after the Nazi party rose to power.
Known for his sharp wit and dark humor, Wilder’s films often tackled taboo subjects, such as alcoholism, prostitution, and murder, helping to usher in a new era of modern cinema. His work was recognized with multiple Academy Awards and nominations throughout his career.
On his headstone, Wilder’s self-deprecating humor shines through with the inscription “I’m a writer, but then nobody’s perfect.” The playful quip pokes fun at both his own profession and the notion that artists and creatives are often seen as flawed or eccentric. It serves as a fitting final tribute to the legendary filmmaker and writer.
John Belushi – I May be Gone But Rock And Roll Lives On
John Belushi, one of the original cast members of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, enjoyed a successful career, frequently collaborating with Dan Aykroyd. However, his professional life was overshadowed by drug abuse, and he passed away at the young age of 33 due to an overdose. The epitaph on his tombstone reflects his wild and unconventional lifestyle.
Unfortunately, fans paid their respects by littering his grave with empty bottles, prompting the removal of Belushi’s remains.
Mel Blanc – That’s All Folks
Mel Blanc, a renowned voiceover artist who brought to life beloved cartoon characters including Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Pie, Sylvester, and more, was also responsible for the iconic sign-off of Looney Tunes, “The-the-the-that’s all folks.” When Blanc passed away in 1989, his family ensured that his tombstone would serve as a reminder of his famous contribution to the world of entertainment for generations to come.
Jack Lemmon – In
Jack Lemmon was a renowned American actor and musician who appeared in more than sixty films and earned eight Academy Award nominations, winning twice for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor.
At his funeral, which was private, many stars such as Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones paid their respects.
Given his passion for acting, it’s fitting that Lemmon’s gravestone features an epitaph reminiscent of the opening titles of a film starring him.
Penn & Teller – Is this Your Card?
One of the oddest tombstones featured in this video belongs to the comedic duo Penn & Teller, who have commissioned their tombstone in advance of their demise. The pair has been entertaining audiences for over 45 years, starting out by performing on Philadelphia street corners before achieving stardom with shows on Broadway. Penn & Teller have been nominated for multiple awards and have made guest appearances on hit shows like The Simpsons, Friends, and more recently, Modern Family. The words inscribed on their epitaph, “Is this your card?”, pay tribute to their expertise in magic and illusion. It’s a shame that the duo can’t foresee the day of their own passing; now that would be a truly magical feat!
Merv Griffen – I Will Not Be Right Back After This Message
Merv Griffin, the host of the Merv Griffin Show and the creator of popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, was the man responsible for sparking all of our obsessions with trying to answer the trickiest clues on Jeopardy! Just don’t forget to present your answers in the form of a question! The phrase that Griffin wished to be etched on his tombstone was a joke he often made during his show. As a final tribute to his humor, the phrase was actually inscribed on his tombstone, reminding us all that sometimes you get what you ask for.
Jackie Gleason – And Away We Go!
Jackie Gleason, nicknamed “The Great One” in the entertainment industry, is best remembered for his CBS sitcom, The Honeymooners. He would end the sponsorship section of the show’s introduction with the phrase, “And away we go!”, which later became closely associated with him. As a tribute to his legacy, the phrase was engraved on the steps leading up to his mausoleum.
Rodney Dangerfield – There Goes The Neighborhood
Rodney Dangerfield, born in 1921 in New York, was a comedian who had to struggle for years before achieving fame as a stand-up comic. His famous catchphrase, “I don’t get no respect!” became a part of his trademark humor. He became a staple on late-night talk shows and had a string of highly successful films in the 1980s, including Caddyshack, Easy Money, and Back to School.
Despite his success, Dangerfield never forgot his humble beginnings, and he remained committed to making people laugh throughout his career. When he passed away in 2004, his legacy was cemented with a fitting epitaph: “There goes the neighborhood.” The line was a nod to his status as a comedy legend, and it implied that even in death, he was causing trouble and shaking things up.
Dangerfield’s humor was always rooted in his ability to poke fun at himself and the world around him, and his tombstone is a testament to his unshakeable sense of humor. Even in death, he continues to make people smile and laugh, proving that his wit and comedic talent will always be remembered.
Leslie Nielsen – Let ‘er Rip
Leslie Nielsen, a beloved comedian, was initially recognized for his dramatic roles in films like Forbidden Planet and The Poseidon Adventure before transitioning into comedy. He gained fame after his appearance in Airplane! and continued to appear in movies like Dracula: Dead and Loving It as well as the Scary Movie series. Known for his irreverent sense of humor, it is a fitting tribute that his tombstone bears the inscription “Let ‘er rip,” in honor of his talent for slapstick comedy.
Joan Hackett – Go Away – I’m Asleep
Joan Hackett was a talented actress, best known for her role in the 1981 film Only When I Laugh. She was a high school dropout who later became one of the most celebrated theater actresses of her generation, catching the attention of Hollywood. Hackett also appeared on numerous television shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Defenders, and The Love Boat.
Unfortunately, Hackett’s life was cut short by ovarian cancer, and she passed away at the age of 49. She was interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where her tombstone bears the fitting inscription, “Go away – I’m asleep.” This humorous message serves as a testament to her playful spirit and sense of humor, even in the face of adversity. Despite her untimely passing, Hackett left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and actresses to this day.
Terence Allan “Spike” Milligan – I Told You I Was Ill
Terence Allan “Spike” Milligan was a multi-talented figure in British-Irish entertainment, known for his work as an actor, comedian, writer, musician, and poet. One of his most notable contributions was his role as the co-creator, writer, and cast member of the beloved British radio program, The Goon Show.
Milligan’s gravestone features an inscription in Irish, with the most well-known part being a phrase that translates roughly to: “I told you I was ill.” This epitaph perfectly encapsulates his unique brand of humor, characterized by a clever and often self-deprecating wit.
Bette Davis – She Did It The Hard Way
Bette Davis, born in 1908 and died in 1989, was a remarkable actress and a true icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for her fiercely independent spirit and commitment to realism in her performances, she was hailed as one of the greatest actresses of her time. Born in Massachusetts, Davis began her career in the theater before making her way to Hollywood, where she quickly became a star.
Davis was known for her powerful performances and her refusal to conform to Hollywood’s standards of beauty. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for her roles in Jezebel and Dangerous, and was nominated for numerous others. She also appeared in some of the most iconic films of the era, including All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Despite her many accomplishments, Davis was known to be a difficult and demanding performer, and her insistence on perfection sometimes created tension on set. Her co-star in the Broadway play Night of the Iguana, for example, reportedly tried to strangle her in frustration. However, this drive for excellence was also a key part of what made her performances so powerful and unforgettable.
Davis’s legacy is summed up by the words on her gravestone: “She did it the hard way.” These words speak to her tenacity, her willingness to go against the grain, and her unwavering commitment to her craft. Even after her death, Bette Davis remains an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour and excellence.
Well, that about wraps up this video. After seeing the witty one-liners featured on the celebrity tombstones we just covered, have you given any thought to what you might want to inscribe on yours?
Which celebrity tombstone stands out to you as being the funniest? Let us know in the comments section down below. And as always, thanks for watching!
