Dead and Kind of Famous

By: Courtney Blomquist and Marissa Rivera
  • Summary

  • The podcast where two friends (one who's a nobody and one who's kinda famous) dive into the life stories of dead folks who enjoyed a touch or two of fame in their time and now reside permanently in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

    © 2025 Dead and Kind of Famous
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Episodes
  • We Love You, Los Angeles: Remembering the Victims of the Fires
    Jan 16 2025

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    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


    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!

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    14 mins
  • Prime Vampira: Maila Nurmi Part 2
    Jan 2 2025

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    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!

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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Pre-Vampira: Maila Nurmi Part 1
    Nov 28 2024

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    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!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 36 mins

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