Celebrities Increasing Public Popular Opinion of Cremations

Many people these days are choosing cremation as the means to put the dead to rest. Cremations are now chosen over burials for over 45 percent of deaths in the United States. This is in part due to the removal of most religious stigma against cremation. Only a couple of decades ago, cremation was barely considered, but after the Catholic Church removed their ban on cremation in the 60s, the number of cremations began to increase.

One other reason for the surging interest in cremation may be the result of celebrities who wished to be cremated after they died. Some of the following celebrities stand out above others with their influence in life and in death:

Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was cremated after he died in 1955. His remains were scattered in a river, but his brain was removed and kept for scientific study. It is still preserved to this day.

Amy Winehouse
One of the more recent celebrities today, and a beloved singer/songwriter, Amy Winehouse died in 2011 of heart failure from drug usage. Her music impacted many of fans, and her death and cremation probably impacted fans as well.

Walt Disney
An urban legend surrounding the famous cartoonists death suggests that his body was cryogenically frozen, so it could be brought back to life in the future when the technology is available. The truth, however, is that Walt Disney was cremated according to his wishes.

George Harrison
A member of one of the world’s most famous bands, The Beatles, George Harrison’s death was mourned by many. He chose to be cremated and scattered in the Ganges River in India in accordance with Hindu traditions.

Sigmund Freud
The famous early 20th century psychoanalyst died in 1939 and chose to be cremated. One of his clients, Marie Bonaparte, the great-grandneice of Napoleon Bonoparte, gave him an ancient Grecian urn as a gift. His urn–still containing his ashes–was a popular attraction in a north London crematorium until it was smashed by thieves in 2014.

Gene Roddenberry
The creator of the hit TV series Star Trek passed away in October 1991. He chose to be cremated, and his family memorialized his ashes by having them shot into space. This was a suiting departure for such an avid lover of space and exploration.

Hunter S. Thompson
The famous gonzo journalist died in 2005. His wish was to be cremated and have his ashes blown up in a rocket. His friends and family were able to accommodate his wishes, and his ashes were memorialized by an explosive night sky above his ranch in Aspen, Colorado.

These celebrities and many others have focused the public spotlight on cremation as a viable choice after death, especially because of the special memorial options it can give to your friends and family.

Are you interested in cremation instead of traditional burial methods? Heartland Cremation can help provide you with the guidance and planning you need for arranging the cremation of your loved one. Family-owned and operated, Heartland Cremation serves the Kansas City area, including the communities of Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lenexa, and Olathe. Please contact us to discuss your cremation needs today.