Kim Novak Has Requested Body Composting
The 93-year-old actor intends for her remains to be turned into trees after she dies.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Organic Food
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Would you prefer your own remains to be composted rather than traditionally buried?
Actor Kim Novak has revealed plans to have her body composted following her death. She expressed these burial wishes to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, intending for trees to grow from her remains.
Why it matters
Novak stated that she wants to become part of a tree to ensure she continues growing after death. This request reflects her ongoing commitment to environmental and animal welfare causes.
Kim Novak is 93 years old and currently resides on an Oregon ranch. She has specifically requested that her friends manage the process to ensure her remains eventually support the growth of trees.
The players
Kim Novak
She is a legendary American actor known for her roles in classic films like Vertigo and Picnic.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
This is a prominent animal rights organization that received Novak's burial instructions.
Robert Malloy
He was a veterinarian and the longtime partner of Kim Novak until his death in 2020.
The details
Novak, who rose to fame in the 1958 film Vertigo before leaving Hollywood in 1966, has instructed her friends to carry out the composting plan. The request follows the 2020 death of her partner, Robert Malloy.
Timeline
Kim Novak acted in Vertigo in 1958.
Novak left Hollywood in 1966 and moved to Big Sur.
Robert Malloy died in 2020.
Kim Novak revealed her composting plan in October 2026.
Culture Shift
Novak's choice highlights the growing move toward green burials, which prioritize ecological sustainability over traditional funeral practices. This mirrors a wider cultural shift away from industrial death rites toward methods that aim for minimal environmental impact.
This news highlights the increasing legal availability of human composting as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation. Residents interested in similar end-of-life planning should research whether their state currently authorizes the process for human remains.
The takeaway
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, transforms remains into nutrient-rich soil that can support plant life. Those interested in such options should investigate state regulations and local provider availability well in advance of final planning.
Further reading
For more on evolving sustainable practices, explore the Organic Food section for broader ecological trends.
Live Poll
Would you prefer your own remains to be composted rather than traditionally buried?
