Episodes

6d ago

Send us a text From streetwalking to a pseudo housewife life, this episode is a journey in and of itself. Holly sold her body, slept on the subway, and even suffered from "streetwalking pneumonia". But she survived. She also met her future Warhol Factory counterparts, Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis, and found herself in a very serious relationship with a straight man who made the mistake of gifting her a Macy's credit card. This isn't a tidy origin story. In fact, it's wildly messy and kind of terrifying. But it is in this episode that Holly steps into her own and finds her zone. You don't wanna miss this. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Nov 23

Send us a text A lightning strike beside a soda machine. A pair of freshly shaved legs in a roadside motel. A runaway from Miami who would become the source of the first verse of Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side . She was a Warhol Superstar, trans icon, and hilarious writer as exemplified in her autobiography, A Lowlife in High Heels . This is the origin story of Holly Woodlawn—born in Puerto Rico, raised between San Juan, New York, and Miami Beach—and this episode traces how glamour became both her shield and her signature. Holly is the heavy hitter of the season, and this episode is the first in several more to come. Get ready for a wild first chapter of a trans trailblazer that will steal your heart. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Nov 4

Send us a text We're back, baby! Season 2 of Dead and Kind of Famous is here for you so that you can continue to joyfully think about graveyards even though Halloween has passed. And catch up with Marissa and Courtney about how they're adjusting to living across the country from one another. But today, we're talking about Carroll Righter, "reader to the stars" and astrological legend who made horoscopes mainstream. Although he had many a celebrity client, he could never remember their names and often would refer to people as "Mr. Taurus" or "Ms. Libra". With mentions of Robert Mitchum, Marlene Deitrich, Maya Angelou and Ronald Reagan, the mashup of Hollywood stars and celestial stars in this episode is NOT to be missed. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

May 9

Send us a text Today we bid adieu to Season 1! Join us as we visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to pay tribute to Season 1's final featured individuals (Tomata du Plenty and Maila Nurmi) and share some significant personal news as Courtney announces her upcoming move to Minnesota. To see our other grave offerings for Season 1, check out our instagram or substack ! In short order, we do all of the following in this episode: • Record from a bench in Hollywood Forever Cemetery on a cloudy day surrounded by peacocks • Announce that the podcast will continue remotely despite Courtney's upcoming relocation to Minnesota • Visit Vampira's grave where fans have left lipstick kisses, makeup, flowers, and trinkets • Explore unexpected graves including one for a woman described as an "occasional wife" • Color a peacock-themed page as an offering to Tomato DiPlenty • Share the origin story of our friendship and creative partnership • Reflect on how graves and memorials represent the importance of chosen family THANK YOU so much for listening this season and also showing us so much love. It means the world and we will see you for Season 2 in the fall! If you liked what you heard, or if you have any feedback at all—the good, the bad, the ugly, the dead, the alive—please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and let us know what you think. Love, Courtney and Marissa <3 Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Apr 14

Send us a text Spoiler alert!!! - Tomata keeps doin' stuff in this episode. Our deep dive into his life reveals an artist who refused to be defined by any single medium, constantly evolving from drag performer to punk rock icon to folk artist without ever losing his authenticity. When a broken leg temporarily halted Tomata's performance career in 1983, he discovered a children's paint kit in an alley and began creating art. That same year, he received an HIV diagnosis – a death sentence in the 1980s. Yet instead of despair, he saw synchronicity and opportunity, launching an artistic career that would sustain him for the rest of his life. His approach was refreshingly unpretentious: "I always have lots of $20 pieces in the show because I think people should have art." Even in his final interview, just months before his death from AIDS-related cancer, his optimism and self-deprecating humor remained undimmed. For those seeking permission to reinvent themselves creatively, Tomata's story offers not just inspiration, but liberation. Have you been limiting your own creative expression? Perhaps it's time to follow Tomata's lead and simply create without overthinking. Episode Links: Population 1: https://youtu.be/B3QpxnCRtVY?si=b5OZfMaKce75kaNC Eva Braun - https://youtu.be/gIdlqWcGn_s?si=OpAI7nSRrS8bRSxZ Visual Art journey - https://sandraschulman.medium.com/tomata-du-plenty-from-screamer-to-artist-b5648dd369d Jack Rabid Interview - https://bynwr.com/posts/the-screamers-tomata-du-plenty https://www.ebay.com/itm/315411162470 https://art-for-a-change.com/Punk/psketch5.htm Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Mar 27

Send us a text At the intersection of drag theater, punk rock innovation, and fearless artistic evolution stands David Xavier Harrigan - better known to those in-the-know as Tomato DePlenty. From his early days with the revolutionary Cockettes (described by John Waters as "insane hippie drag queens" creating "complete sexual anarchy"), to founding Ze Whiz Kidz in Seattle, to pioneering synthesizer-based punk with The Screamers, Tomato consistently positioned himself at the cutting edge of artistic movements. What makes Tomato's story so compelling isn't just his artistic versatility - it's his uncanny ability to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. He embodied his personal philosophy: "Let's do things" and "Do plenty." Listen in as we uncover the first chapter in the fascinating life of this punk pioneer, theatrical innovator, and boundary-breaking artist who helped shape multiple movements while remaining just outside the spotlight. Links From This Episode: Tomata's Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18803/tomata-du_plenty The Tupperware's at the TMT show recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyezrW9SNP0 The Screamers Target Studios Promo Video: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18803/tomata-du_plenty Gary Panter's famous rendering of Tomata: https://obeygiant.com/gary-panter-a-provocateur-print-available-now/ The Cockettes Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gPxQvN0f1c Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Feb 27

Send us a text Well, here it is. The final installment of our four part series on Maila Nurmi. Maila didn’t get all she deserved in her life and she never really reaped the benefits of her creations. But the life she lived was full of adventure, fascination, excitement and in many ways, love. In this particular episode, we explore her final romances, alleged marriages and marriages of convenience. We also dig into her lasting friendships (including Marlon Brando) and her counterculture grandmother relationship to the punk musicians of the late 70s and 80s. We all need someone to love and care for us, and Maila always found her community, even in her old age. This serves as some consolation for the loss of her intellectual property and her legal battles against her unwelcomed predecessor, Elvira. There's a lot of dirt to dig into here and we DIG. Thank you for listening to this one, and please leave us comments with any tributes or words you’d like to pass along for when we visit Maila’s grave. Links for this episode: Maila and Satan’s Cheerleaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2duQNeim6k Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Feb 13

Send us a text Just when Maila’s career was starting to run out of steam, some luck with Liberace kept her in the spotlight for a time. But this was quickly followed by bad decisions, bad boys and a very bad movie called Plan 9 from Outer Space. Pop in those ear buds, friend. You don’t want to miss this. Links from the show: https://youtu.be/alPPXVJA4Kw?si=K0PQr8H7zHZCKA1x https://youtu.be/wtPgPYwtBhs https://youtu.be/qsb74pW7goU?si=BdDQ_BQEM72T2pkU Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Jan 16

Send us a text This podcast is all about making sure that the stories of Hollywood’s dead never die, and after this absolutely horrific week, we need to do just that in our own small way. Thank you to all of the firefighters, volunteers, loving citizens of Los Angeles, and people helping from afar. Humanity is the only thing that can save us in these dark times. Below you’ll find the links to the Los Angeles Times article that we referenced and used as a source for this episode in addition to links to various charities who are doing great work. Thank you so much for listening. We love you, Los Angeles <3 The LA Fire Victims: Who they Were Dalyce Curry's Funeral Services GoFundMe Charities The American Red Cross Baby2Baby California Community Foundation California Fire Foundation Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Pasadena Humane Society World Central Kitchen Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Jan 2

Send us a text As we unravel the layers of Vampira's gothic charm, we celebrate her unique blend of dark humor and magnetic persona that captivated 1950s audiences. Picture her cruising Sunset Boulevard in full vampire regalia, her chilling scream echoing through the night—a scene that marked her groundbreaking show, Nightmare Attic. We reminisce about her vibrant friendships with Hollywood's misfits, including the infamous James Dean, and explore how their shared fascination with the macabre defined an unforgettable era in Hollywood's history. But beyond the allure and glamour lies a story of personal and professional challenges. Discover how Maila's defiance against network constraints led to the controversial end of her show, and how her tumultuous friendship with James Dean unraveled amidst public pressures. From media sensationalism to personal betrayals, Maila's resilience shines through. Join us as we uncover the complexities of Maila's journey—a narrative filled with haunting setbacks, unexpected friendships, and a relentless spirit that continues to inspire. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Nov 28, 2024

Send us a text Get ready to unravel the journey of a remarkable woman who bucked the expectations of her time at every turn. Maila Nurmi (better known as Vampira) was really and truly the original mistress of the night. As we take a look at her early years, we can see that dichotomy was always present for her. Her father was a teetotaler, while her mother was an alcoholic. She loved beauty, but she also gravitated towards darkness. Maila's path was anything but conventional, and through her trials and triumphs, we highlight a narrative packed with resilience, creativity, and a touch of eccentricity. This story also features NOTABLE run-ins with Orson Welles and Marlon Brando. Tune in to discover how one woman's bold spirit changed the landscape of horror hosting forever. Links from this episode: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23914415/maila-nurmi https://www.amazon.com/Vampira-Me-Maila-Nurmi-aka/dp/B01GF6970Q https://www.amazon.com/Glamour-Ghoul-Passions-Vampira-Maila/dp/1627311009 Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Nov 14, 2024

Send us a text Did you know that Toto was a lil lady pup named Terry who used to pee on the rug? Well in this episode, Toto tells ALL. And she tells it in first person! Our main source for this episode was an adorable book called I, Toto, which was written by Willard Caroll after he discovered a scrapbook that shed light on Terry's life and featured her favorite cheddar biscuit recipes. Happenstance led to Toto becoming the family dog of famed dog trainer, Carl Spitz, who taught Toto every trick in the book and took her on auditions where Terry rubbed paws with stars like Shirley Temple and Clarke Gable until she landed her famous role as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Join us for this adorable episode where Marissa voices Toto to PERFECTION with a voice that sounds like a 1930's Cindy Lauper. It's adorable, it's hilarious, and it's a tearjerker. After our last to episodes, this one should be a lovable breath of fresh air mixed with dog breath :) As promised, here's the recipe for Toto's favorite cheddar biscuits: 2 cups flous 1 tbs salt 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (see more details on instagram @deadandkindoffamous) Sources and links on Substack :) Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Oct 31, 2024

Send us a text Today, we return to the complex story of Christopher Jones and explore his final "lost years" after he turned his back on Hollywood in the height of his fame. We unwind the tangled web of his life, from his alleged romance with Sharon Tate amidst Italian film sets, to his eerie ties with the infamous Cielo Drive. As we reflect on Jones' troubled final years, we ponder the profound impact of personal tragedies, such as the deaths of Sharon Tate and Jim Morrison, on his mental health and eventual withdrawal from public life. The missed chance to play Zed in "Pulp Fiction" adds another layer to his cryptic legacy. By examining his erratic later years through insights from Daryl Haney's "Death Valley Superstars," we uncover the complexities of living like a ghost in Hollywood. Join us as we follow Christopher Jones from the limelight into the shadows of obscurity on this final chapter of his saga. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Oct 17, 2024

Send us a text What if the ghost of James Dean haunted an actor's career? Christopher Jones, a man forever overshadowed by his uncanny resemblance to the rebel icon, lived a life that was as electrifying as it was cursed. Jones's journey through the swinging '60s is a cocktail of passion and paranoia, particularly in his tumultuous relationship with Susan Strasberg. Throughout the episode, we navigate Jones's on-screen triumphs and setbacks, from his role in the cult classic "Wild in the Streets" to the challenging production of "Ryan's Daughter," which saw director David Lean both frustrated and fascinated by Jones's enigmatic presence. Despite the controversies that hounded him, Jones’s unique charisma left a lasting impression, one that still echoes in the halls of Hollywood lore. Tune in for an exploration not just of a man, but of a myth in the making, a tale of ambition, love, and the spectral shadow of a legend. Links from this episode: Find a Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/124440739/christopher-jones National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=domestic_violence Wild in the Streets on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fozufGZubYc NY Times Obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/movies/christopher-jones-actor-who-quit-field-dies-at-72.html For a full list of sources for this episode, please visit our Substack at https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Oct 3, 2024

Send us a text Have you ever strolled through a graveyard and felt a sudden wave of curiosity about the people resting beneath the headstones? Especially the one’s featuring a mysteriously unrecognizable yet glamorous headshot? If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles’s most iconic cemetery, Hollywood Forever, then you know the type. And on their new podcast, Dead and Kind of Famous, hosts Courtney Blomquist and Marissa Rivera will be focusing on the graves of the, well… dead and kind of famous folks that are laid to rest there. A seasoned actress who’s been in at least half the commercials that flash across your tv, Marissa herself is kind of famous and brings a current industry perspective. Courtney, on the other hand, brings an endless curiosity about Old Hollywood and dead people and the perspective of a complete nobody. Get to know them and their impressive (Marissa) and wildly eclectic (Courtney) backgrounds in this brief episode. Hopefully they’ll be your new best friends and guides to making sure that the stories of Hollywood’s dead never die. And if you (like Courtney) aren’t famous, just remember… you’re also not dead yet. Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!

Oct 3, 2024

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to be dubbed a Hollywood bon vivant? Join us as we kick off "Dead and Kind of Famous" with the eccentric and flamboyant life of Baron Clement von Frankenstein. We'll take you through our amusing adventure in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where we use Find a Grave to track down the baron's final resting place. Marissa and Courtney share their first impressions of his marble tombstone, the origin of his captivating surname, and even improvise an obituary that will leave you in stitches. From youthful escapades and inheritance windfalls to a colorful Hollywood career, Baron Clement von Frankenstein's life was nothing if not extraordinary. Learn about his transformation from an English nobleman to a beloved character actor, with memorable roles in everything from "Young Frankenstein" to "Robin Hood: Men in Tights." This episode also uncovers Baron Clement's unexpected financial rescue from his nanny, his stint as a singing King Henry VIII in an Anaheim theme restaurant, and his general randy antics. We delve into his acting journey, his off-screen exploits, and his final roles, painting a vivid picture of a man who lived life to the fullest. Whether you're intrigued by his inclusion in People magazine’s list of top bachelors or curious about the drama at his own funeral, this episode promises a rich tapestry of stories you won't want to miss. Cheers to the Baron- the most loveable of friends! Links from this episode: Vegan Truffles: https://minimalistbaker.com/2-ingredient-dark-chocolate-truffles/ Baron's find a grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216051539/clement-george_freiherr-von_und_zu_franckenstein Baron's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clementvon/ The Short Documentary of the Baron by Matthew Ford: https://www.facebook.com/1245812342/videos/10219355947949855/ Sources are listed on Substack at https://deadandkindafamous.substack.com/ Follow us on... Substack- https://substack.com/@deadandkindafamous Here, you can find our episodes, transcripts, relevant images and newsletters. Instagram- @deadandkindoffamous See us visit the graves of our subjects and pay our respects with lovingly selected offerings. Apple Podcasts and Spotify- Please be a Bon Vivant and leave us a rating and review. It would mean the world!