James Arness gravesite location and memorial details
James Arness is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, where his grave marker confirms his name, birth date (May 26, 1923), death date (June 3, 2011), and service as a United States Marine. This verified location addresses common fan inquiries about where his remains are interred and clarifies visitation expectations at the private, managed memorial site.
Why the gravesite matters to fans and researchers
Because Arness portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on the long-running television series Gunsmoke, his gravesite is a point of enduring interest for classic television fans, historians, and visitors wishing to pay respects at a recognized Hollywood memorial. Understanding the exact location, access policies, and memorial status supports respectful visitation and accurate information sharing.
Confirmed burial location and site information
Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) is a well-established, privately maintained cemetery and mausoleum known for landscaped grounds and public memorial areas. Burial records and onsite signage list James Arness with standard memorial details, and the site is maintained by Forest Lawn’s staff in accordance with their long-term care policies.
Memorial specifics and verified attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | James Arness | Memorial inscription |
| Birth date | May 26, 1923 | Grave marker |
| Death date | June 3, 2011 | Grave marker |
| Location | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California | Cemetery records |
| Service | United States Marine | Grave marker and biographical summaries |
How to find the gravesite and what to expect
Visitors should contact Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in advance to review visitation guidelines, photography policies, and any memorial event schedules. The cemetery provides maps and directions to specific grave locations; staff can confirm general visiting hours and request respectful behavior in accordance with site regulations.
Common questions about James Arness’s final resting place
- Is the gravesite publicly accessible? — Access is typically available through the cemetery’s public areas, but prior confirmation of visiting hours and policies is recommended.
- Can fans leave mementos? — Items that are small, non-permanent, and respectful are usually acceptable; consult Forest Lawn staff for current rules.
- Are there ceremonies at the gravesite? — Occasional commemorative events may occur; these are coordinated by the memorial management and announced in advance when publicized.
Key comparisons for context
| Name | Cemetery | City | Interment type |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Arness | Forest Lawn Memorial Park | Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA | In-ground burial/memorial |
| Example: comparable veteran actor | Forest Lawn Memorial Park | Glendale, CA | In-ground burial/memorial |
Relationship to Gunsmoke legacy
As the actor who embodied Marshal Matt Dillon across 20 seasons, Arness’s gravesite serves as a quiet, permanent point of connection for the show’s legacy. Memorial practices and preservation efforts at Forest Lawn help ensure that this connection remains clear and accessible for researchers, fans, and future generations interested in classic television history.
Reliable resources for further information
For the most current guidance on visiting, events, or memorial details, contact Forest Lawn Memorial Park — Hollywood Hills directly through their official channels. Biographies, obituaries, and entertainment reference works consistently list the same burial location, reinforcing the accuracy of this information.