Fall River Cemetery Is Broadway Performer’s Final Resting Place

The biggest mystery at Fall River's Oak Grove Cemetery might be who killed Andrew and Abby Borden, the hatcheted couple buried there since 1892.

Another mystery: Why is a famous Broadway actress and writer also buried in this sprawling cemetery?

Oak Grove is the final resting place of Cornelia Otis Skinner, who died at her New York home in 1979 at 78 years old.

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A renowned actress and writer in her day, Skinner was acclaimed for her witty monologues, essays and anecdotes. She captivated audiences with one-woman shows, often touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Her work, which often explored themes of family, society and human nature, showcased her talent for comedy and drama.

You can sense how popular she was in this 1959 episode of What's My Line?

Skinner was born into the entertainment world. Her father, Otis Skinner, got into performing at a young age, encouraged by P.T. Barnum, the circus guy. He enjoyed success as a Shakespearean performer, working with big names including Edwin Booth, brother of President Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

READ MORE: Fall River Man's Mill-Shaped Grave Proves You Can Take It With You

His daughter, also bitten by the performing bug, married Manhattan stockbroker Alden Sanford Blodget. He died first and was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, and Skinner joined him 15 years later.

Why they're buried at the Fall River cemetery, 200 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City, is a mystery, according to the Friends of Oak Grove Cemetery, though it likely has to do with the husband's side of the family. Others in his line are buried nearby.

Skinner is in good company. After Oak Grove opened in the mid-19th century, it became the burial place of many of Fall River's most prominent residents. The Skinners might have been New Yorkers in life, but in death, they've found a peaceful home on a Fall River hill.