Kim Novak reveals unusual plans to have her body turned into compost after death

The Hollywood icon says painting and spending time in nature have shaped her outlook on life

Kim Novak has revealed that she wants her body to be turned into compost after her death, describing the idea as a meaningful way to remain connected to nature and help new life grow.

The 93 year old actress, best known for starring opposite James Stewart in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller Vertigo, discussed her plans in an interview with Fox News Digital. She explained that she had made arrangements for natural organic reduction, a process that turns human remains into soil through controlled decomposition.

Novak said the idea appealed to her more than traditional burial or cremation. She described the process as an opportunity to continue being part of the natural world, explaining that trees and plants could grow with the help of the resulting soil.

The actress also revealed that she wanted friends and family to receive some of the compost after her death. She hopes they will use it to plant trees or shrubs, preferably trees, as a way of continuing her connection with nature.

Novak has reportedly chosen forget me nots as part of her plans, explaining that she sees the process as an honest and natural expression of life continuing after death.

Her outlook reflects a longstanding appreciation for the outdoors. After stepping away from Hollywood, Novak devoted much of her time to painting and living closer to nature. She has spoken about how art allows her to express herself while remaining connected to the environment.

Although she continued acting intermittently after the height of her fame in the 1950s and 1960s, Novak officially retired following the 1991 film Liebestraum. Her best known credits also include Picnic and Bell, Book and Candle.

Novak’s plans come as natural organic reduction has become an alternative to conventional funeral practices in some parts of the United States. The process is subject to local laws and regulations, and availability varies by location.