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Walter White Is Getting A Real Funeral
Has a TV character ever gotten such a real-world sendoff? First Breaking Bad's Walter White got a fan-written obituary, now the fictional meth kingpin is getting a real-life funeral.
The funeral's organizer was inspired by last Friday's obituary in the Albuquerque Journal which (sorry), spoiled a big chunk of the ending for several not-caught-up fans.
Fans can pay their respects at the funeral on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4:30 p.m. in Albuquerque's Sunset Memorial Park. The funeral will raise money to help local homeless people, some of whom are meth addicts.
Superfan Jackamoe Buzzell, who organized the funeral and reception, told the The Hollywood Reporter, "I wanted [Walter White's] memory to help treat addicts." He hopes to raise $100,000 for the event, which is not so far-fetched considering an online auction of Breaking Bad collectibles netted nearly $1 million, including $65,000 just for the pivotal inscribed copy of "Leaves of Grass."
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Said Buzzell, "I think this pays tribute to his memory, and I think he would love this if he could see it from the heavens. One thing someone told me is, 'Hey, it's one gangster taking care of another gangster' in fictional ways."
Buzzell plays a gangster at the speakeasy-themed restaurant, Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse, where the reception will be held.
He tells the Reporter that a family friend, Bernalillo County Sheriff Dan Houston, suggested that the event raise money for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. To attend, you'll have to make a donation to the Vernon's Steakhouse Walter White Endowment Fund at the Albuquerque Community Foundation.
The funeral will cost $20 to attend and the reception $100; a $5,000 VIP package includes two tickets to the funeral and the reception, seats in the funeral procession limo and your name or business' name on White's tombstone.
Buzzell is hoping to get Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan's input on what should be written on the headstone and whether the date of Walt's death should be the one in the world of the show or the date the finale aired.
As of now, the inscription reads: "A beloved husband, father, teacher and entrepreneur," the only nod to his Heisenberg persona.
if you can't attend, you can still donate online and buy items like a blue meth-colored silicon bracelet with "Walter White" inscribed on it.
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Or you can go hold your own Walter White wake wherever they serve tableside guacamole or Dimple Pinch, neat.
Sheriff Houston said, "Walter White has brought awareness to viewers about the problems associated with drug abuse and homelessness." (We don't remember a lot of homeless characters in the show, unless he means Wendy the Meth Hooker.) "If his death can generate financial donations to combat drug abuse and homelessness in Bernalillo County, then Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless is a well-deserving recipient of those proceeds."
Would Walt approve? Most definitely. Especially if the amount raised was more than the massive donation to a similar cause by his guilt-ridden former business partners Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz.
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