Hollywood Tour Guide Uncovers Final resting Place of ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ Star Elsa Lanchester
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – A Hollywood tour guide’s curiosity has led to the rediscovery of the final resting place of Elsa Lanchester, the iconic actress best known for her haunting portrayal of the Bride of Frankenstein. for decades, it was widely believed Lanchester’s ashes had been scattered, but a recent examination revealed she was interred at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.
Tour guide Scott Michaels stumbled upon the information while researching Lanchester’s life. “She was, after all, basically the only female star of the Universal Horror cast,” Michaels explained. He noted her memorable seven-minute, dialog-free performance alongside Boris Karloff in the 1935 classic.Beyond the Bride, Michaels also highlighted Lanchester’s earlier role in the same film as Mary Shelley, recounting the story of frankenstein to poets Shelley and Byron.
Interest in Lanchester’s legacy was renewed earlier this year with the 90th anniversary of Bride of Frankenstein, prompting Universal Studios to release commemorative merchandise and special editions of the film.A blue plaque was also unveiled in July at Lanchester’s childhood home in Battersea, London, recognizing her and her mother, Edith, a socialist, feminist, and suffragette.
Michaels’ revelation came when he learned that Lanchester’s agent, Herschel Green, had arranged for her burial at Valhalla. “It was a surprise,” he said. “Maybe she didn’t really care much about what happened after she was gone,” he speculated.
Driven to properly honor the horror legend, Michaels launched a crowdfunding campaign that quickly surpassed its goal in under 36 hours. The funds will be used for a formal wall marker at Valhalla Memorial Park. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for October 28th – Lanchester’s 123rd birthday.
“I wanted to celebrate on her 123rd birthday,” Michaels said, “and honestly I forgot that it was just a few days before Halloween.”
