This book was compiled by M.F. Steen, who has spent his adult life dealing with death. With a reputation as a "mortitian to the stars," he's worked in the funeral business for 35 years, and was involved in burials for many stars while he was employed by Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park. "Celebrity Death Certificates" is primarily comprised of copies of the actual death certificates of almost two hundred celebrities that include silent picture stars, television stars, and those who achieved their fame in motion pictures and in the music business. Steen says he began collecting the documents twelve years ago as a hobby.

The information found on death certificates varies from state to state. However, most contain both the names and birthplace of the victim's parents, the decendent's birth date, and the last address of the departed. Also included is specific information surrounding the death, including the cause, and the address of where the death itself occurred. These are public records, and can be obtained for a fee in many states, including California.

Among the certificates that can be perused in this work are those of Jean Harlow and murder victim and wife of Robert Blake, Bonnie Lee Bakely. Official paperwork pertaining to such Hollywood staples as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, her husband Desi Arnaz and Frank Sinatra can also be viewed.

Actor River Phoenix, who died in 1993 after stumbling out of Johnny Depp's Viper Room and comedian John Belushi, most known for his legendary stint on "Saturday Night Live" and his role in the film "The Blues Brothers," are among the drug overdose casualties found in the book. Dorothy Dandridge, whose life was portrayed on screen by Halle Berry in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," is another such victim in Steen's tome. Among the musicians in the book are Beatle George Harrison and iconoclastic composer Frank Zappa, both of whom succumbed to cancer. Also included among the musical performers is folk singer John Denver, who met his fate while piloting a small plane he had largely built himself. He lost his life while venturing upon a solo flight over the Pacific Ocean that would take him to eternity.

Motion picture stars who played many roles, but who were most known because of one particular film, includ Hattie McDaniel and Ray Bolger. Both appeared in their most noted roles in 1939, playing the respective roles of Mammy in "Gone With The Wind," and the scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz." Both succumbed to cancer. Other cancer victims inthe book include comedienne Gilda Radner. In addition to Radner and Belushi, a third "Saturday Night Live" comedian, whose death certificate is found in the book, is Phil Hartman, who died in a murder-suicide bid at the hand of his wife. A large percentage of those referenced in the book died as a result of heart disease. Family members of actress Drew Barrymore are part of the book's paper trail, as well.

This book will definitely be of interest to Hollywood trivia buffs.

Copyright © 2003 Valley Scene Magazine