Kim Novak Chooses Human Composting for Her Final Disposition

Actress Kim Novak, known for her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," has revealed her unconventional plans for her body after death: she wishes to be transformed into compost. The 93-year-old star shared that she made arrangements years ago for her body to undergo natural organic reduction, a process that turns human remains into nutrient-rich soil. Novak stated that she intends for her loved ones to use this soil to plant trees, seeing it as a way to "keep living" and contribute to the environment.

Novak, who resides on a ranch in Oregon, explained her preference for composting over traditional burial or cremation. "I can't imagine being turned into ashes or being put under the ground. Both of those concepts are not too attractive to me," she told Fox News Digital. "The idea is that I get to live after I'm gone through trees."

She described the process as "a beautiful thought" that has provided her with "great peace of mind." Novak added, "I want to keep growing. So I'm excited about that."

While human composting is legal in Oregon, Novak has arranged for her remains to be transported to an Earth Funeral facility in Washington state for the process, humorously noting that they would need to pack her in ice for the journey. She expressed a desire to become multiple trees, rather than just one, stating, "I'd like to be many trees."

Novak's decision stems from a lifelong connection to nature and a desire to make a positive environmental impact. "For me, this was a beautiful concept, the idea of becoming one with the soil," she said. "And with compost, of course, everything grows so much better than if you didn't have it. It helps with growth. You become part of the process. It's natural, it's real, it's honest, it's pure."

She also revealed plans to have her compost delivered to friends and family with instructions to plant trees or shrubs, particularly trees, stating, "I look forward to keeping growing. That's what it's all about for me. I want to keep growing. This is a beautiful expression of life continuing after death."

Novak, who was a top box-office star from 1958 to 1960, stepped away from Hollywood in 1966 to focus on painting and a more private life. She continues to paint and sees her decision about her final disposition as another form of self-expression and a way to honor her values. "When we're gone, the Earth is still here, and we need to protect it. Life goes on when we're no longer here. And in some ways, this doesn't make you feel like you're dying. You're continuing to live on becoming part of the environment. It's something beautiful to look forward to, not dread," she said.