Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America
"What the average man calls Death, I believe to be merely the beginning of Life itself. We simply live beyond the shell. We emerge from out of its narrow confines like a chrysalis. Why call it Death? Or, if we give it the name Death, why surround it with dark fears and sick imaginings? I am not afraid of the Unknown."
– From Rudolph Valentino’s diary.
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the gritty underbelly of organized crime, and the hallowed halls of American history – all these realms have produced figures who captivated the nation during their lives. But for some, the final curtain call wasn’t truly final. The allure of the spotlight, unfinished business, or perhaps simply a reluctance to relinquish their earthly ties has led to enduring tales of celebrity and infamous ghosts. These are the stories of those who, even in death, continue to haunt the places they once knew, forever etched in the spectral tapestry of America. This article delves into the intriguing accounts of Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America, exploring the legends and lore surrounding these enduring spirits.
The whispers of paranormal activity often cling to locations associated with these notable individuals, blurring the line between history and the supernatural. From the golden age of cinema to the Prohibition era, certain stars and figures of notoriety seem unwilling to completely fade away. Their legacies live on, not only in the history books but also in the chilling tales of those who claim to have encountered their ethereal presence. Prepare to journey through a spectral landscape, where the echoes of the past resonate in the present, and the stories of Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America continue to unfold.
Lucille Ball: The beloved comedienne, known for her physical humor and groundbreaking television show "I Love Lucy," passed away in 1989 at the age of 77. She was residing in her home at 1000 North Roxbury Drive at the time of her death. Since then, the house has become a focal point for paranormal claims. Subsequent owners have reported a series of unsettling occurrences: windows breaking inexplicably, disembodied voices emanating from the empty attic, and furniture shifting positions without any apparent cause. These strange happenings suggest that Lucille Ball, a true icon, might still be lingering within the walls of her former residence. Could this be the enduring spirit of a comedic genius, forever bound to the place she called home? These reports definitely place Lucille Ball in the list of Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America.
Bonnie and Clyde: This infamous duo, forever linked to the Great Depression era, carved a bloody path across the American Midwest. Their reign of terror ended on May 23, 1934, in a hail of bullets outside of Arcadia, Louisiana. The car they were driving, riddled with bullet holes and still containing their bodies, was towed into town, becoming a morbid spectacle. Today, a simple marker stands at the site of their demise, and it is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of Bonnie and Clyde. Photographs taken at the memorial often reveal ghostly forms, suggesting that the outlaw couple remains tethered to the location of their violent end. The tragic end of Bonnie and Clyde definitely earns them a spot in the list of Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America.
Aaron Burr: Best known for his fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr’s legacy is forever stained by that act of violence. Burr served as the third Vice President under Thomas Jefferson, but his political career was overshadowed by the scandal. Today, his spirit is said to haunt the One If By Land, Two If By Sea Restaurant in New York City, housed in what was once Burr’s carriage house at 17 Barrow Street. Patrons and staff alike have reported inexplicable phenomena: dishes flying off tables, chairs being pulled out from under unsuspecting diners by unseen forces. Adding to the ghostly atmosphere, Burr’s daughter, Theodosia Burr Alston, is also said to haunt the restaurant. She vanished off the coast of North Carolina while en route to visit her father in New York, adding a layer of tragedy and mystery to the location.
Al Capone: The name Al Capone evokes images of Prohibition-era Chicago, speakeasies, and ruthless gang violence. The notorious gangster, who controlled the city’s illegal activities, is rumored to haunt several locations associated with his life. Some claim he appears when people show disrespect at his family plot in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, perhaps angered by any perceived slight to his legacy. Furthermore, at Alcatraz Island, where Capone was an inmate, spectral banjo music is often heard emanating from his old cell, a chilling reminder of his presence within the prison walls.
Lon Chaney, Sr.: Known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces," Lon Chaney Sr. was a pioneer of horror films during the silent era. His masterful use of makeup and prosthetics transformed him into unforgettable characters. Chaney passed away in 1930, but his spirit is said to haunt Sound Stage 28 at Universal Studios, where he filmed "The Phantom of the Opera." Witnesses have reported seeing a caped figure resembling Chaney running along the catwalks above the stage. Other paranormal phenomena include lights turning on and off and doors opening and closing on their own.
Montgomery Clift: A celebrated film star of the 1950s and ’60s, Montgomery Clift earned four Oscar nominations for his performances in films such as "A Place in the Sun," "From Here to Eternity," and "Judgment at Nuremberg." His spirit is frequently sighted at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, specifically in Room 928. Clift spent three months in this room in 1953, preparing for his role in "From Here to Eternity." Today, guests and staff report unexplained loud noises coming from the otherwise empty suite, the phone being found off the hook, and cold spots in the room.
Joan Crawford: Joan Crawford, a captivating figure who transitioned from silent film stardom to become a camp icon, enjoyed a career that spanned over four decades. Her former home, known as the Crawford House, is rumored to be haunted by her spirit and several others. Despite numerous attempts to exorcise the house, these spirits are said to resist all efforts to dislodge them.
James Dean: While concrete evidence of James Dean’s ghost is lacking, a compelling legend persists regarding a curse on his Porsche Spyder. Dean, a rising Hollywood star in the 1950s, was known for his love of fast cars. Tragically, he died in a head-on collision on September 30, 1955, while driving his Porsche. After Dean’s death, anyone who came into contact with the car or its parts suffered injuries or even death, solidifying the legend of the cursed Porsche.
Redd Foxx: The comedic genius behind the long-running television series "Sanford & Son," Redd Foxx is said to haunt Stage 31 at Paramount Studios, where he died of a heart attack. People at the studio have reported hearing his laughter and sensing his presence. The comedian also is rumored to haunt his former home in Las Vegas, which he lost after a battle with the IRS. The new owner reported seeing Foxx’s apparition walking around in a bathrobe.
Benjamin Franklin: A key figure in the founding of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was a writer, inventor, philosopher, and scientist. Today, Franklin is said to haunt the Philosophical Society’s library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some people claim that the Philosophical Society’s statue of Franklin has been seen dancing along the streets.
Clark Gable and Carole Lombard: One of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, are said to haunt the Oatman Hotel in Oatman, Arizona, where they spent their honeymoon after their marriage.
Jean Harlow: The original "blonde bombshell," Jean Harlow, had a brief but impactful career in Hollywood. In 1932, she married MGM executive Paul Bern, who was said to have abused her. Bern committed suicide the same year in their upstairs bedroom. Harlow’s career was cut short when she died at the age of 26 from kidney failure. Harlow and Bern have been seen numerous times in the mansion they once shared.
Harry Houdini: Despite his skepticism toward spiritualism, Harry Houdini’s ghost is said to haunt several locations. A magic show held at Jacki Gaughan’s Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas pays tribute to Houdini’s skills as an escape artist and magician. Staff members believe the showroom is haunted by a playful ghost who moves items around. Houdini’s former mansion in Laurel Canyon, which was destroyed by fire in 1959, is also said to be haunted by his apparition.
Thomas Ince: A visionary pioneer of American movies and co-founder of Culver Studios, Thomas Ince died of heart failure in 1924. His spirit is said to remain at the lot that was once Culver Studios.
Andrew Jackson: The seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, is said to haunt the Rose Room of the White House. Mary Todd Lincoln reportedly heard him stomping and swearing in the room.
Jesse James: The notorious outlaw Jesse James was initially buried at the family farm in Kearney, Missouri, but his body was later moved to the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Despite his remains being moved, many believe that he never left the farm. Strange events such as doors slamming shut, lights moving inside and outside the buildings, and an overwhelming sense of an unearthly presence are said to occur at the farm.
Thomas Jefferson: The third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, is said to haunt the Oval Office, where the sounds of his ghostly violin playing have been reported.
Black Jack Ketchum: The outlaw Black Jack Ketchum, the only train robber ever hanged for the crime in New Mexico, is said to haunt one of his favorite hideout caves near Folsom, New Mexico.
Robert E. Lee: Confederate General Robert E. Lee is said to haunt his childhood home in Alexandria, Virginia. His spirit has reportedly regressed to a four-year-old child, playing pranks and giggling throughout the house.
John Lennon: The former Beatle, John Lennon, is said to haunt The Dakota building in New York City, where he was shot and killed.
Liberace: Known for his piano-playing skills, charisma, and extravagant style, Liberace is said to haunt Carluccio’s Tivoli Gardens in Las Vegas, a restaurant he once owned.
Abraham Lincoln: The most frequently sighted spirit of all the American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, is said to haunt the White House, as well as several sites in Springfield, Illinois.
Carole Lombard: Carole Lombard, a leading Hollywood actress, is said to haunt the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Oatman Hotel in Oatman, Arizona.
Marilyn Monroe: The glamorous film star Marilyn Monroe is said to haunt the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, her tomb at Westwood Memorial Cemetery, and the house where she died.
Ozzie Nelson: The bandleader and star of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," Ozzie Nelson is said to haunt the house where he lived for 40 years, with unseen hands opening and closing doors and turning on faucets.
Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, is said to haunt his beloved home in Memphis, as well as the Las Vegas Hilton and a TV production studio in Nashville.
George Reeves: The star of the 1950s television series "Superman," George Reeves, is said to appear in his old bedroom, dressed in his Superman costume.
Betsy Ross: Credited with sewing the first American flag, Betsy Ross is said to haunt her old home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bugsy Siegel: The underworld figure Bugsy Siegel, known for his role in the development of Las Vegas, is said to haunt the mansion where he was killed and the Flamingo Hotel.
Dylan Thomas: The Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas, who died after drinking 18 shots of scotch in the White Horse Tavern in New York City, is said to haunt the tavern.
Thelma Todd: The actress Thelma Todd, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning, is said to haunt the building that once housed her restaurant, Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Cafe.
Mark Twain: The writer and humorist Mark Twain is said to haunt the stairwell of the building where he once lived in New York City.
Clifton Webb: The actor Clifton Webb, best known for portraying Mr. Belvedere, is said to haunt his former home and the Abbey of the Psalms Mausoleum in the Hollywood Forever Memorial Park.
Rudolph Valentino: The romantic idol of Hollywood’s silent movie era, Rudolph Valentino, is said to haunt his former mansion, the Falcon’s Lair, as well as his beach house, the Santa Maria Inn, Paramount Studios, and his resting place at Hollywood Forever Memorial Park.
John Wayne: The actor John Wayne is said to be seen on his old yacht, the Wild Goose.
Orson Welles: The director, writer, actor, and producer Orson Welles is said to haunt Sweet Lady Jane’s Restaurant in Hollywood, California.
These are just a few of the many tales of Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and legacies of some of the nation’s most famous and infamous figures. The enduring fascination with these tales speaks to our collective curiosity about what lies beyond the realm of the living.
