‘Vertigo’ star Kim Novak plans to become compost after death
Kim Novak, the 93-year-old star of “Vertigo”, has arranged for her remains to be turned into compost after her death, with friends and family using the soil to plant trees. She says the plan reflects her love of nature and gives her peace by allowing her to feel she will continue to grow and observe life.
The process, known as natural organic reduction, is legal in Oregon, where Novak lives, but she plans to use a facility in Washington state. She wants the compost shared among loved ones, who have instructions to plant a tree or shrub, preferably a tree; she has also chosen forget-me-nots to be part of the compost. Novak left Hollywood in 1966 and devoted herself to painting and life in nature.
In short
- Kim Novak plans to become compost after her death.
- She wants loved ones to use it to plant trees.
- She says the idea brings her peace.
Explained simply
Kim Novak is an American actor best known for starring opposite James Stewart in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 film Vertigo. She left Hollywood in 1966 and later focused on painting and living close to nature.
Natural organic reduction is a process that turns human remains into soil-like material, which can then be used to grow plants. It is permitted in some US states, including Oregon and Washington, subject to local rules. The practice connects funeral choices with questions about how people wish their remains to be handled and remembered.