California trip pt. 3 - Dearly Departed Tour

The second tour we took on Friday was the Dearly Departed Tour, which had been recommended by a friend. This trek ventures to the dark side of Hollywood, visiting locations where famous celebrities died or were murdered. This tour took about three hours but was wildly fascinating and the tour guide was wonderfully entertaining. Unfortunately, I forgot to take notes and as I was going through my photos, I realized that I had forgotten what some of the places were. Here are some I do recall:

First up, this famous house in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles was designed by Lloyd Wright (eldest son of Frank Lloyd Wright). Known for its striking facade, which resembles a Mayan temple or the mouth of a gaping shark, it is also known as the "Jaws house". From 1945 to 1951, it was owned by Dr. George Hodel, a physician who was a suspect in the Black Dahlia murder case.

The Chateau Marmont again, popular hangout for celebrities and where John Belushi died of an overdose in 1982. Greta Garbo stayed here often.

The Scientology headquarters - former home built for a film producer's mistress (I can't remember the details). The tour guide told some amusing stories about the tight security there.

Bela Lugosi died in the apartment on the upper left

El Coyote restaurant, where Sharon Tate and friends dined the night they were murdered.

Former home of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe

The Menendez murders happened in this house

Lana Turner's boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, was killed in this house by
Cheryl Crane, Turner's daughter.

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Mae West lived in Ravenswood, a historic apartment building in Hollywood. She lived there from the time of her arrival in Hollywood in 1932 until her death in 1980.
It is said to be haunted by her ghost.

And some of other interesting sites along the way -

Contests on their way to film "Let's Make a Deal" -

Halloween decorations at a home in Beverly Hills

Beautiful architecture and a murder happened here as well (I don't remember the details)

The fire escape where the final scene of "Pretty Woman" was filmed

Apartment where Joe Gillis (William Holden) lived at the beginning of "Sunset Blvd."

Restroom where George Michael was arrested

Some more interesting buildings we saw on our way back -

My next post will be all about my visit to the Norton Simon Museum!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy