Hollywood's "The Most Beautiful Animal" Rests in Peace
For millions of fans who were captivated by her stunning beauty and magnetic screen presence, the question of where the legendary Ava Gardner is buried is a poignant one. The answer lies not in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but in a more serene and personal setting in her home state of North Carolina. Ava Gardner, the siren of the silver screen, found her final resting place in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
The Gardner Family Plot: A Return to Roots
Ava Gardner's remains are interred in the Maplewood Cemetery in Goldsboro, North Carolina. This is a significant location as it is the same cemetery where many members of her family, including her parents, Bartholomew "Bart" Gardner and Molly Gardner, are also laid to rest. This return to her ancestral soil underscores a deep connection to her roots, far from the manufactured landscapes of Hollywood.
A Life of Glamour and Personal Turmoil
Born Ava Lavinia Gardner on December 24, 1922, in Smithfield, North Carolina, she rose to international stardom as one of MGM's most prominent leading ladies. Her career spanned over three decades, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Mogambo" (1953). Known for her passionate and often tumultuous personal life, including marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra, Gardner often expressed a longing for a simpler life away from the public eye.
Why Goldsboro? A Choice of Peace
While Ava Gardner lived and worked in glamorous locales like Hollywood and London for much of her adult life, her decision to be buried in Goldsboro was a deliberate one. It represented a desire for quietude and a return to the familiar comfort of her North Carolina home. After a career marked by intense scrutiny and a life lived in the spotlight, her final resting place offers a sense of peace and seclusion.
Her Final Years and Passing
Ava Gardner spent her later years in London, England, where she died on January 25, 1990, at the age of 67, following a lengthy illness. Her remains were flown back to the United States, and a private funeral service was held in Goldsboro before her interment in Maplewood Cemetery. Her epitaph, simple yet profound, reads: "Ava Gardner. October 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990. Your laugh was like music, your beauty like sunlight."
Visiting Maplewood Cemetery
Maplewood Cemetery is located at 1028 S. George Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. For fans who wish to pay their respects, the cemetery is open to the public. The Gardner family plot is clearly marked, allowing visitors to locate Ava Gardner's final resting place. It's a peaceful setting, a stark contrast to the dazzling premieres and bustling studios that defined so much of her life.
A Legacy of Enduring Beauty and Talent
Ava Gardner's legacy continues to endure through her memorable film performances and her status as one of Hollywood's most iconic and beautiful stars. Her resting place in Goldsboro serves as a reminder of the woman behind the legend, a North Carolina native who achieved global fame but ultimately sought solace and repose in the place she called home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ava Gardner die?
Ava Gardner died on January 25, 1990, at the age of 67, in London, England, due to complications from pneumonia and emphysema. She had been suffering from various health issues in her later years.
Why was she buried in North Carolina and not in Hollywood?
Ava Gardner expressed a desire to be buried in her home state of North Carolina, specifically in Goldsboro, near her family. This choice reflects her deep connection to her roots and a wish for a peaceful, private resting place away from the public eye of Hollywood.
Can fans visit her grave?
Yes, fans are welcome to visit Ava Gardner's grave at Maplewood Cemetery in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The cemetery is open to the public, and her family plot is clearly identifiable.
What is the significance of Maplewood Cemetery to her?
Maplewood Cemetery is significant because it is the final resting place for many of Ava Gardner's family members, including her parents. Her interment there represents a return to her ancestral homeland and a connection to her personal history.
