The life of a celebrity is often larger than life, something that follows many famous and notable figures to their graves. Their funerals are often large, luxurious, and well attended (sometimes by unexpected mourners!).
From a silent film star to modern royalty, here are five celebrity funerals that won’t soon be forgotten.
Rudolph Valentino
When silent film star Rudolph Valentino died unexpectedly in 1926, fans responded in dramatic fashion. Inconsolable admirers reportedly committed suicide at the news, and a riot erupted as people tried to get into the funeral home to view his body. Valentino was later laid to rest at the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery (now the Hollywood Forever Cemetery), the final resting place of many Silver Screen stars.
Jonah Lomu
When All Blacks wing and International Rugby Hall of Famer Jonah Lomu died of a heart attack at the age of 40, he left a hole in the rugby union community. Lomu was honoured in two public memorial services, including one at Eden Park. This service was especially moving, opening with a traditional haka performed by indigenous Maori, ex-All Blacks players, and students from Wesley College, Lomu’s alma matter.
The haka is well known to rugby fans as an intimidating war dance. However, indigenous Maori also used it to welcome guests and mark moments of great occasion, including funerals. No doubt Lomu would have loved this heartfelt tribute.
Andrew Jackson
Many people leave behind a beloved pet upon their death, but few are as vocal as American President Andrew Jackson’s parrot. The parrot had been taught to swear by his notoriously quick tempered owner, and chose to show off his colourful vocabulary at Jackson’s funeral. Mourners were so disturbed that the parrot had to be removed from the house for the remainder of the service.
Manfred von Richthofen, a.k.a. the “Red Baron”
You may be familiar with the Red Baron as Snoopy’s imagined nemesis in the Peanuts comic strip, but the real Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, was no less of a flying ace. He is credited with 80 air combat victories for Germany during WWI.
Whilst Richthofen was feared by Allied pilots, his flying skills were also greatly respected. When he was shot down in 1918, his remains were recovered by the No. 3 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps and given a full military funeral. Allied regiments stationed nearby presented memorial wreaths, one even reading, “To Our Gallant and Worthy Foe.”
Diana, Princess of Wales
Few people are as popular or leave as lasting an impact on the world as Diana, Princess of Wales. “The People’s Princess” was laid to rest after a memorial service befitting of her official title. Though not a state funeral, her ceremony included much royal pageantry. More than one million people lined London’s streets to honour Diana, as her body was driven from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey. Princess Diana’s funeral was one of the most viewed television events in history, with over two billion people watching worldwide.
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About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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