Incredible Photos of Deceased Famous People Photographed at Their Open-Casket Funerals

Not everyone has an open-casket funeral. Because for some people, it seems weird. For others, it’s tradition. But since the law doesn’t require open caskets, you’d think famous people would opt out.

Because goodness knows the paparazzi won’t stop trying to take their picture just because they’re dead. Don’t believe us? Well, these dead celebrities photographed at their open-casket funerals are all the proof we need.

James Brown

The singer/Godfather of Soul, often known as the progenitor of funk music, died on December 25, 2006 of heart failure. On December 28, 2006, fans and celebs viewed his body at New York City’s Apollo Theater, then again at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia on December 30, 2006.

River Phoenix

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River was an actor best known for his role in “Stand By Me,” 1986, who died on October 31, 1993 in West Hollywood of a combined drug intoxication. His alleged last words before his death were that he wanted anonymity. But the day before his cremation, a reporter allegedly broke in the funeral home and took a photo.

Andy Warhol

The art world was left stunned when it lost Warhol, the famous American artist, who lead the visual art movement that became known as pop art.

He died on February 22, 1987 while in bed recovering from a recent gallbladder surgery. Reports claim that he died in his sleep from a post-op irregular heartbeat.

Marvin Gaye

The singer who shaped the sound of Motown in the 60s, passed away on April 1, 1984 after his father, Marvin Gaye Sr., shot him in the heart and left shoulder. Gaye had an open-casket funeral but was later cremated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills then his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.