Among the many legends in Hollywood, there’s a unique one that’s not a human but a handsome black cat named ‘Close Up’. This nine-year-old feline has become a favorite for visitors at a place where Hollywood royalty rests. For several years, he’s been a regular sight for tour groups led by Karie Bible, who first encountered him “prancing up and down the crypt of director Cecil B. DeMille.”
She named him after Gloria Swanson’s famous line, “Alright, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Close Up at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery via Instagram/closeupthecemeterycat
Despite Bible’s initial allergy to cats, Close Up took an immediate liking to her. They have a unique bond that seems like fate. Recently, she shared a significant announcement about Close Up, hinting at the exciting future they both have in store.
Close Up Found His Own Hollywood Furever
After watching Close Up volunteer his services as an emotional support cat for everyone in the cemetery, it seemed he had “truly found his home and his purpose.” He would make visitors laugh or silently sit with grieving families. Instinctively, he knew just what to do.
Images of Karie Bible and Close Up at Hollywood Forever by Diana Lundin Pet Photography
But in recent months, as the cemetery has seen an uptick in people abandoning cats there, things are changing. They’re doing their best to find homes for as many friendly cats as they can, and among them is Close Up. He’s found his ultimate home and forever, officially retiring from the limelight at the cemetery.
And best of all, he’s starting his Golden Years with his favorite human.
Video via Instagram/cemeterytourguide with images by Diana Lundin Pet Photography
Close Up Retires to House Panther Life
Close Up seemed to be sending signals he was ready for retirement, trying to get in the car for a ride home. He was ready for a new chapter and showed his appreciation when his Mom brought him home.
“Big announcement! After many years of service, I have retired from the cemetery and found my forever home with Karie Bible. When I first moved in, I jumped on top of her chest while she was sleeping and put my whiskers and face right next to hers. I started purring. Tears streamed down her cheeks. I am so grateful for the cemetery staff, the cat caretaker, the vet and everyone who made this possible. I love being an indoor ca, and I have never tried to run out the door. Most of my days now consist of sleeping in a soft bed and playing with my toys. I love my comfortable and happy home! 💕💕🐈⬛” Close Up shared.
Images via Instagram/closeupthecemeterycat
Mom Was Ready for Her Close Up
Everyone will miss seeing Close Up at Hollywood Forever, but he’s right at home in the lap of luxury. It seems his Mom was ready for her close-up, and they will enjoy his retirement years together. As you can see, he’s living like Hollywood royalty, as he deserves.
There are still little reminders of his days of happily walking among the headstones.
“My Mom got a cemetery pillow and a Hollywood map pillow for the bed, so I feel right at home!🛌💤🐈⬛”
He has all the toys and soft blankets he could ever want. And we expect that he’ll occasionally come out of retirement for another turn in the spotlight.
To see what Close Up gets up to in his Golden Years, you can follow on Instagram.
See Close Up and Karie appear in the video “Famous Animal Grave Tour – An Ode to Our Furry Friends” by Hollywood Graveyard below:
