Mortician to the STARS! Celebrity Funeral Director Reveals All
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
- Funeral Director to Stars (GQ Magazine) Mike Steen has been in the death care industry for 58 years.
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Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote, Natalie Wood, John Belushi, Dorothy Stratten, Fred Astaire, Bob Crane, Paul Newman, Mary Tyler Moore. Robert Stack
The Los Angeles Times says, "Scott Michaels knows where the bodies are buried!"
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Scott Michaels - the owner of Dearly Departed Tours in Hollywood and the original "Celebrity Death Guy." Originally behind the helm of the infamous Grave Line Tours, I owned and operated Dearly Departed Tours on the streets of Hollywood for 16 years.
I coined the term Death Hag on my webpage, www.Findadeath... has entertained people for almost 30 years. My collection of one-of-a-kind death related (Tragical) Artifacts include the legendary Jayne Mansfield Death Car and Mae West's teeth. Yes.
On top of providing content here, I also the Dearly Departed Podcast with Mike Dorsey:
www.DearlyDepar...
Mailing address:
Dearly Departed Tours
1717 E. Vista Chino A7-619
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Available to purchase: Authentic Artifacts! Pieces of historic locations, documents etc: dearly-departe...
CAMEO - I'll make you a personal video message: www.cameo.com/...
#dearlydepartedtours #nataliewood #fredastaire #dorothystratten #johnbelushi #trumancapote #trumancapoteswans #marilynmonroe
Being a funeral director isn’t for everyone . But I’m glad this man chose it . He is so diplomatic and professional , and truly cares about the families and their deceased loved ones .
Thank you Scott for this great interview . You’ve got a good hearted neighbour and friend .
Totally AGREE
My family is in the funeral business and you get to see how sick some people are. I’ve seen people that were killed by 2 young men just because they wanted to see what it felt like to kill somebody.
God Bless u
I dated a funeral director for a year and by her own admission, they're a different bunch for sure. 😆
55:35 This was a very informative video very well done by both of them
The story about Minnie Riperton was very touching. It got me when he mentioned it was similar to what he picked for his own mother.
So, Matthau and Lemmon are buried in the same cemetery. That's great.
They were both terrific actors
That certain is true
Odd couple
@@llamamama2910A great movie by two fantastic Actors Which are I miss very much Odd Couple is one of my favorite B&W movies
That cemetery is FULL of huge stars. Burt Lancaster is just one of them. Plus it is absolutely beautiful. It is fairly small and easy to navigate. And so peaceful.
Sad about Sebastián Cabott only having 16 people at his funeral. I liked him back in the day. Great video!
French was Forgotten.😮
That's most likely 16 more then i will have no doubt! I know there will probly only be 5 or less at mine!!! Not soundn morbid or depressing but its a sad fact that my so called "family" wont be attending at all but idgaf! 😐
Same here I may have 15-20 people I doubt it tho but in the end it doesn't really matter I Don't guess
you certainly won't since you will be dead.......@@TinaLouise73
@@TinaLouise73Same for me.
As a daughter of a funeral director I'm always fascinated by these stories. My dad had some good ones too. My mom, also loved to visit celebrity cemeteries and one year we visited friends in L.A. and they took us to Westwood as well as Forest Lawn and Hollywood Forever. We took your tour Scott, fun to find you now on YT.
My late father was a funeral director/embalmer. There were cases that stuck with him and made him cry til the day he died and so many other interesting stories.
I'm so sorry, prayers for him now as we carry our trauma into Heaven, or next plane, I like Heaven. Love to you
My uncle was the last in a long line of gravediggers. He's shared a few fascinating stories over the years.
@@ttintagel How lucky you were! I hope you've penned some of his stories so they can be passed on to his family and friends(others he worked with).
A wonderful gentleman , full of empathy compassion for all his clients !!!!!🇬🇧
Three generations of funeral directors in my family. It is definitely an art form and a calling. This man is so dignified with his responses.
What a great interview! My husband and I are in our late 60s and both have health problems. We've already told the kids of the cremations and that our remains are to be put together, stirred together, so we will always be there, touching. I hope we have such a nice man like Mike Steen to handle this for our kids.
Ozzie, Davis and Ruby Dee are in the same urn together with the caption “We’re in this thing together “ I love your idea!
OMG. That's cute. Hope you have many more years!!!
What A Very Nice Man. God Bless Him For The Comfort He Provided For So Many Equally.
Coming from a Funeral Director this was fantastic ❤
Scott, Mike is an amazing person. I believe even if you weren't a star he would give you the star treatment. He had pride in his job.
I was a Licensed Embalmer in the state of Georgia, back in the 80's and due to a back injury had to "retire" from the business, but I attended the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, in Atlanta, Ga and graduated in 1980, I wish I could have stayed in the business cause I loved it, it was my calling, nothing has changed, but I'm now an old man soon to be a part of some cemetery, and so it goes!
Had a friend that attended mortuary school in Atlanta in the late 1990s. Also another in Newnan, GA.
Thank you for your service.
This gentleman sounds so kind and calm. I think he was well suited for his profession..
I definitely agree..Very informative video
Two fine gentlemen. This was one of the best interviews. Thank you!!!
What a lovely, respectful chap. Thanks all 🇬🇧
John Belushi is buried on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. He was moved from his original grave to an unmarked grave in a different part of the same cemetery because of all of the disruption, trash and visitors the grave created.
Rest in Peace really should be a "thing".
What a shame that they had to move his remains to an unmarked grave! People should be more respectful of the resting places of the dead.
Originally, he was under a boulder that had a simple inscription "Belushi". People trampled the adjacent graves, so they took a space at the end of the row, erecting a new memorial. People leave things, like beer, and the neighbors aren't trampled. I half suspect they just removed the boulder and re-sodded it and he is in fact in the original site, now unadorned.
@@jeffnewman9735 I hope so. I disgusts me how people disrespect cemeteries like they’re theme parks.
I hope he can rest now. Ppl can be so disrespected
My Mom bought her "condo" (as she called it) in the Sanctuary of Devotion at Westwood in 1981. We laid her to rest there in 2006. My Dad still has roses delivered to my Mom every week. I love visiting.
My Mother called hers and My StepDads "The Penthouse Suite". They're in a mausoleum here in Gardendale , Alabama, on the Top floor. Poppa passed in 2007. Mother in 2022.
(When they bought it Poppa said "now, Anna, you're scared of heights, soooo"...she said "WAIT! you're right!, but,.... hey, I'm gonna need a little excitement then". 😂 They were so crazy!
Your Dad sounds like an Amazing man!
Your Dad is so sweet! I’m sure she appreciates it!
This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched. Interesting, informative and engaging. Some people find the business of death disturbing, but I find it interesting. Personally, I have all of my arrangements made so that the family doesn't have to think twice.
Thanks for your kind words. I thought it came out quite well. Your family will appreciate your preplanning, only on the day that it necessary and then they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
2:30 @@MikeSteen-uw4rr what is the name are the books name? I would love to buy the books.
I must have watched 'Six Feet Under' five, or six times. Showed a lot of the politics involved in the funeral bussines. Such a great show. Hope you're well, Scott.
Scott, You mentioned Pete Duel when looking through the one death certificate book and Pete Duel is a forgotten actor from the series "Alias Smith and Jones (1971-1973). It weird to hear his name mentioned. He would be a great subject for a video on his life and death at 31 in 1971. I'm a fan of his.
I agree, though I think he’s buried back where his family were from, not in California so I don’t know if Scott could visit him? Though maybe his house
I adored him! I was 13 when he died and me and my group of friends were devastated 😥
@@ilanarhian Yeah he's buried in Penfield New York.
@@pamelaJoyce384 I was 5 months old when he died but me and my dad used to watch the reruns
@@Leola-yk4oq I’ve always wanted to go back and watch again. My 13 year old heart was so broken when he died that I’ve never tried to look for reruns.
1st day of my retirement, my friend, and I can't think of a better way to start it off than listening to this. I have always wanted to go to Palm Springs (I'm from Canada). You and I would get on like a house on fire, I just know it.
Congratulations on your retirement--enjoy every minute of it!
Great Show💛💟💛
Enjoy your retirement
Rock on! Enjoy your time, lady of leisure!
Palms Springs is wonderful. I spent some time there to see a friend. When I was there, they had a giant Marilyn Monroe statue.
I was fascinated by this piece, and I’m especially glad that you mentioned Minnie Riperton. Very few people mention her and I am grateful that you did❤
What a beautiful voice Ms Ripperton had.
She is remembered for shattering people's ear drums..
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. It takes somebody special to do this job well, with kindness, grace and compassion, this describes you.
Thank you, Scott, you are always so respectful!
💐
Thank you Scott for sharing Mr. Steen's stories, what a fabulous neighbor to have. I could sit and listen to these all day...
Mr. White is a man with class! Thank you for handling our loved ones with integrity and grace...loved what you said about your handling of Minnie Ripperton.💜🙏🏾
I love how he keeps all the details private and doesn't exploit the Deceased or Their Family. I know for sure Dorothy Stratton was horrible abused before he used a shotgun. May they all rest in peace
Excellent Scott! Please, please do a part 2!!
FANTASTIC INTERVIEW, MIKE SEEMS A LOVELY, COMPASSIONATE AND CARING MAN,👍👍
Scott this was fascinating!! I could have listened to hours of you and Mr. Steen talking! I hope you'll do another video with him in the future. Thank you and wonderful job!
wow , fascinating interview! What a lovely man he is! Apart from the celebrity information, I was most touched by his comment that he has helped make loved ones look like themselves again. After my mom passed away in hospice a few years ago, she looked terrible, but a wonderful funeral director made her look absolutely beautiful and even a bit glamorous! I never forgot that, so people who do this for a living, whether for celebrities or for us "everyday" people are truly blessed by God to be in the profession of helping the grieving loved ones during such difficult times. One of your best interviews on the channel!
FABULOUS!! Thanks very much, Mike....and thank you, too, Scott...!! 😃
I love going to Westwood every time I visit LA. The many LA cemeteries make me feel like I'm getting to know all my fave golden age celebs
Poor Marilyn! Nothing but disrespectful men around her even in death 💔🥲
So glad I'm not the only one who had this thought process.
Was thinking the same way
Me, too. 💔
Yep very DISRESPECTFUL
Agreed. I think it was awful that his family allowed that - Marilyn deserves dignity in her final resting place.
What a lovely man, thank you Scott for a great video
What a find. Thanx so much. Paying my respects to my favorite director, John Cassavetes, has been on my bucket list for years and I finally got to do it last summer. I was hoping you’d talk about his service. Thanx again, fascinating interview.
Mike is so lovely and so professional. What a gent
This interview was beyond wonderful. Loved the stories and you asked all the questions I would have! (Well, if I knew to ask them!)
This man is a gift! Having such a caring soul to guide you through the process is a priceless blessing. I'm sure Mike served every family he worked with with kindness and care when they needed it most. ❤
Thank you for doing this interview! You're the best Scott!
I could listen to both of you talk for hours. Great storytellers! Thank you! 💙
What a professional kind and gentle man. This was another interesting video Scott that you do so well. I had visited Westwood when myself and my family went to California. Your right when you say people do like to visit and see where Marilyn is buried. When we were in LA we went for the old Hollywood places, lunch at the Chateau Marmont , dinner and lunch at Musso's and of course a tour of the Paramount Studio. We even stayed at a 1930's Airbnb in West Hollywood. What a great time it was and I will never forget it.
Can you take me?
Scott you make interviewing look easy, but considering all the awkward interviews I’ve seen and/or heard, I’ve decided it must be a skill. Very well done. Kudos to both of you. Would love a part 2!
Wow! I absolutely loved this interview! The stories he could tell - kind of wish I could sit down and just listen. Thanks for sharing, Scott ❤️
Scott, this was such a lovely interview to listen to. Thank you for taking time to interview Mr. Steen. Hearing the trust that people had with him and his discretion was so heartwarming.
Hey Scott! Love what you do. The quote on D Stratton’s grave is Ernest Hemingway. @dearlydeparted
Just WOW! This conversation was fascinating. So we'll done. Mr. Steen is so down to earth, HONEST and real. I hope you do another with him. Well done!
Roy Orbison is also buried in an unmarked grave, not too far from Don Knotts (if memory serves me right)
Makes my heart break not having a maker for Roy Orbison!!! Such a magnificant singer, and wonderful and kind human being!!!
His second wife had no respect for his grave that makes me so sad.HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY NUMBER 1 SINGER OF ALL TIME.MAY HE RIP.LOVE HIS VOICE SO MUCH.🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜😇😇😭😭
@sharonstephenson I don't know why he doesn't have a marker. I know some celebrities prefer to be buried in anonymity as they sure had none while they were alive. That said, he has a son and other family and I'm sure if they wanted to they could have one done. Maybe it was in Roy's Will or made known to the family he didn't want one or wanted it to be delayed. Sometimes, when the family doesn't agree on a stone, that delays a marker as well. I don't know the circumstances but at least we can all honor him through his music and memory. He had a voice like butter. I also just LOVE the solo tribute KD Lang did to him of Cryin'. It is moving and outstanding. The lines he would have sung when they did it as a duet the year he died, she sang just slightly late. A perfect tribute in my humble opinion. If you haven't heard it, it is worth looking it up.
Fascinating interview with Mr. Steen and what a fascinating career he had. Enjoyed this very much! Thank you to you both! 💜
What a lovely gentleman and a great video! Thank you, Scott. ❤
Fascinating interview, thanks Scott
This was an interesting interview. Mr. Steen is a gentleman the way he discussed working with various high profile people, and handling their loved one's funeral arrangements. He is a handsome man as well! Scott you are a class act in everything that you do! Thank you for your super videos! They are always very fascinating, and every time I get a chance to watch your videos, I'm always glued to my computer to listening to you! Best to you!
What a great video! Cool to know that he was from Nebraska as I was also born and raised there. 👏💙
Where from neb I'm Omaha neb
@@TamiJohnson-pt9fy I was born in Lincoln but raised in North Platte. 💜
This was a great interview. Enjoyed it very much.
Fellow Detroiter, now in San Diego, blah blah blah. Worked my way through college and medical studies by way of funeral home and Wayne County medical examiner work etc. So many memories of so many people places discussions and things by way of this video. Love you, and your channel. This episode was exceptional. Cheers and all the best.
Can you embalm me?
I didn't recognize my own mother at her funeral. The funeral home must have done one of those 40 minute embalming. 😢
Scott, please consider a deep dive about William Schneid PHD. That would be very interesting
Oh no. Now, I really understand your comment. So sorry 😞
When I walked in to see my grandma, I about walked back out. I did not think it was her. Somebody decided they'd make her look like a circus clown(make-up). I never saw make-up on her face, except for lipstick. I was floored. It was traumatic!
Scatter my ashes, l have no personal need for a permanent marker, etc., but your stories are so damn entertaining! Great interview, Scott!
Same here.
CHEAPER!@@lonrgrrl59
I could definitely watch a three hour video of this guy. He’s very interesting.
With all the BIG NAME people who he has helped in the sorrows of life. To be as humble as he is, to only help and provide a closing in life. Yes, without a doubt, this is his calling in life. What a great man. Thank you, I truly appreciated and enjoyed this.
Thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Mike. Thanks Scott for all you and Troy do.
This was awesome Scott!! Thank you!!😊
As a UCLA student in the early '70s, I didn't know of this cemetery until , while in line to see "Star Wars" in 1977, I overheard some ladies behind me mention that "Marilyn Monroe's buried around here somewhere." When I eventually located Westwood Village Memorial Park, it became one of my favorite places to visit over the years (Taking flowers to Dorothy Stratten's grave on her 50th birth date in 2010, etc.) I took my niece to visit before I moved to Arizona in 2021. She was so fascinated with the history of the people buried there, including one of my art professors, William Brice (son of Fanny Brice). In conclusion, the grave marker of comedian Rodney Dangerfield reads "There Goes the Neighborhood!" ("I tell ya, I get no respect!"-R.D.)
Scott you always do the very best interviews. You have an amazing gift for this. I only wish they each were twice as long and didn't ever have to end. Great job once again Scott!
Superb interview!! What a stellar conversation between two witty, wise gents. Thank you - & bravo!
I very much enjoyed this talk. Thank you!
This was a revealing and unexpected treat. Great interview and Mike is a sweetheart.
Lovely interview thank you for sharing ❤
Amazing video thankyou Scott I oould listen to you all day long,Scott I wanted to ask him out of all the celebrity funerals he dealt with which one stood out the most to him ❤❤
I was in LA in 1995. Drove by Westwood. If you blink you will miss it. Did not have time to stop. I always feel like I have been there thanks to you Scott and also thanks to Jordan the Lion too. Mike was really an interesting guy. Great stories.I am going to rewatch the Marilyn video.
I love Westwood Cemetery, but the first time visiting I circled the block several times before I figured out how to get in. Great video!
Same here! And then, I saw the gate.
Same!!
That tiny sign! @@Calinicus72
There's also a sign out front.
Another great video! Obviously, Mike has the demeanor to serve families during very difficult times. His sincerity definitely comes across.
Marilyn Monroe got little respect when alive and respecting the dying wishes of the man buried above her is more disrespect. If I were her close relative, I'd have her moved.
See my comment above about horrid Hugh Hefner: he’s just as disgusting!
At the cost of the cemetery. This should not have been allowed. She was a beautiful lady that deserved respect.
And, what is puzzling to me is his wife was okay with that!! It is creepy and so disrespectful, in my opinion.
@@melaniemansfield3319allowed not aloud.
move the other guy. she was there first and should not have to move because of the other family.
I really enjoyed listening and watching your video. RIP to all the beautiful people who have passed. Some gone too soon!
What a great guy... thanks for this Scott!
I lived with someone for a short period while she was attending mortuary school in college and have been fascinated since. We worked together at the time and she said I was the only person we worked with that was fascinated instead of weirded out when she told them about her choice for her future profession. She has been in the funeral industry for almost 20 years and does an amazing job.
Wow Scott, you never cease to amaze. Such a nice man and a great interview. Another great interview by a great Interviewer. A great cemetery to wander. Thanks Scott and hi to Troy.
Glad you enjoyed it! We're fortunate to have such an interesting friend!
@@DearlyDepartedTours you have so many interesting friends. I’m in awe of your repertoire. Thanks for sharing your friends with us.
I really appreciate how tasteful and respectful this interview is.
Enjoyed this video. I visited the Westwood cemetery 10 years ago to visit dearly departed celebrities and a few of them I had met prior to their death with whom I had some light conversation. Thanks for this great video it brings back memories.
Robert Wagner lived on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills at the time of Natalie's death. I just happened to be driving by as the Beverly Hills Police closed the street, and Robert Wagner and his daughters came out of the house and got into a light blue Cadillac limo and left.
OMG, Natalie was one of my favourites. Just so sad, she was finally finding happiness and it was taken away.
Wow I remember it well, Canon Drive it was, now he hides away in Colorado
Oh you must be rich driving around Beverly hills you say?
@tur74d56 RJ isn't doing that well, m mobility issues and possibly the early stages of Dementia?? Lives on the lower level of a modest sized condo, not in B. H., but close.
@ericbryant-dz8mj Back then L. A. was very affordable, I lived in Van Nuys by the airport, and they changed the name of the area to Lake Balboa. I lived in a $300. A month apartment and got half off for collecting the rent. I was going to the landlord for a check for a repair. I was driving a 79 Ford Thunderbird. Carroll O'Connor and Patrick O'Neal Co owned a nice restaurant/pub in Beverly Hills called The Gingerbread Man. You could have a nice meal for under $10, leaving a 30% tip, and usually, Carroll would drop by to see if everything was okay. If that's living large to you, I was living large. Robert Wagners house was close to the street, I'm told things were very open in Beverly Hills until the Tate-Labianca murders in 69' when many people put up gates, got guard dogs and many men started carrying guns. When Robert left Canon, Dr
his next home was much more secure.
The dude buried facing down on top of Monroe is absolutely disgusting.
Why? He’s in his own spot. What does that have to do with anybody else?
But that is no to us!
Oh Judy, it’s outrageous and disgusting.
Filthy! Filthy!! Filthy!!!
Outrageous smut!!!
LOL
@@judythreeeyes8489 It's completely tasteless and disrespectful. If you have to ask why then I'm not sure what sort of person that makes you.
Great interview! I slid a photo of myself into a small gap above Marilyn’s faceplate back in 1989. Sad to know it isn’t there anymore but I understand them needing to clean up her grave once in a while.
Good!! I'm glad that it's gone. You had no right to do that.
Ohhh, Mr. Michael's!
This entire presentation is fascinating and so neatly produced. Your guest, Mike Steen, had so many interesting anecdotes about a wonderful bygone era in Hollywood. Such a respectful, humble spirit. He would be a delightful guest to enjoy a game of Spades or Hearts with. Thank you both for giving us your time and talent. 24:27 His story about Truman Capote and Joanna Carson is to die for!
This was awesome. Such a in-depth overview of so many superstars. I was glued to my screen the entire time. Thank you so much for this presentation, in fact I saved this to my favorites and will watch this again. Blessings.
My Dad was a Funeral Director in Hollywood decades ago...Before Hollywood Forever was nameed that ...I worked in the TV/motion pic distribution biz in the 70's & 80's... I know I have a book...♡☆ Wild was the funeral biz ...I dobated my body to science & Mom joined tge Neptune Society...Made me wonder as a kid about the 60's movie "The Loved One"...😮
Yes, please write a book!
This piece was most informing. Thank you.
Fantastic chat!
What a fascinating career Mr. Steen had.
One thing about LA is the historical cemeteries. Each one is super fascinating in its own right.
Westwood Cemetery is near where I live; once a month I take a stroll there... love the place.
Thank you Scott.
Always pure joy to watch your videos.
💪❤
As always Scott, great job and thanks to Mike for sharing his professional knowledge.
How wonderful---please do a part 2 !!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Scott!
Thank you for sharing this. It was fascinating.
He seems like a very nice and caring man. I sure he could share a lot more interesting stories and events he experienced in his career. More than I am sure he had time to discuss with you.
What an interesting interview. Such a caring, compassionate man. We should all be so lucky to have someone like him to help in a such a vulnerable time of need. We need more people like him.
Wow, such an interesting interview. Your guest is such a classy man, hope most funeral directors are like him.
What a wonderful interview, thank you so much. Now do a part two please!
You need to come to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond Virginia. You will see a lot of famous people in there.
That's an awesome cemetery!
Well done. I think he was very diplomatic in what he shared.
Wonderful interview. Fascinating stories. Thank you both.
Thank you for continuing to bring this fascinating content to us, sir. Been subscribed for awhile. Appreciate you!
Very respectfully done. I thank you both for a wonderful discussion and memorializing these departed lives. Something we just all deal with. Makes me think of some things that I need to get in order for my own passing. I have a tendency to procrastinate and we know not the day or hour.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was very important. I always wanted to know what they did with your organs if you had an autopsy. I enjoyed it and saw a lot of famous people. Keep up the good work.
Well done, Scott. Mike is a class act.
So fascinating. Thanks for the great video
MTM's son Ritchie died one month AFTER Ordinary People opened in theaters....
Loved this conversation! What a lovely man Mike Steen is; amazing career.
Thank you!