Joan Crawford House is more than just a fancy mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles-it’s a piece of Hollywood history that still sparks curiosity today. When people think of old Hollywood glamour, they often picture the grand estates where stars lived, threw parties, and made memories. Joan Crawford’s house stands out as one of the most iconic, not just for its size or price, but for the stories and secrets it holds. And even now, decades after Joan Crawford walked its halls, fans and home lovers alike still want to know: What was so special about the Joan Crawford House?
Who Is Joan Crawford?
Joan Crawford was a true Hollywood legend. She started as a dancer, but soon became one of the biggest movie stars of the 20th century. Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in San Antonio, Texas, nobody could have guessed she’d end up as an Oscar-winning actress, famous for her roles in classics like Mildred Pierce and Grand Hotel. She worked hard to rise from humble beginnings, often playing characters who did the same.
But Joan wasn’t just about movies. She was known for her style, her drive, and her love of the finer things in life. She had a net worth of about $2 million when she died in 1977, which would be around $10 million today. She owned several homes, drove fancy cars, and even had a private jet and a yacht at different points in her life. Her real estate portfolio was impressive, with homes in both California and New York. She also had a taste for luxury, collecting expensive jewelry, designer clothes, and rare antiques.
Joan’s life wasn’t always easy, though. She had four marriages, four adopted children, and a career that saw both huge highs and tough lows. Still, she stayed in the spotlight for nearly 50 years, becoming a symbol of Hollywood’s golden age.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucille Fay LeSueur (Joan Crawford) |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 190? (exact year uncertain) |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Date of Death | May 10, 1977 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1924–1972 |
| Net Worth (1977) | $2 million ($10 million today) |
| Notable Awards | Academy Award for Best Actress (1946, Mildred Pierce) |
| Cars | Several luxury cars throughout her life |
| Yacht | Owned during her marriage to Alfred Steele |
| Private Jets | Used for travel, especially in later years |
| Homes | Multiple: Brentwood (LA), Beverly Hills, New York City |
| Spouses | Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Franchot Tone, Phillip Terry, Alfred Steele |
| Children | 4 adopted children (including Christina Crawford) |
| Famous for | Classic films, glamorous lifestyle, Hollywood feuds |
Where Does Joan Crawford Live Now?
Joan Crawford passed away in 1977, so she doesn’t live anywhere today. But during her life, she called several places home. Most famously, she lived in a grand mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for nearly 30 years. This house, known as “El JoDo,” became a symbol of her success and style. After leaving Los Angeles, she spent her final years in New York City, living in a luxurious apartment on the Upper East Side.
Joan Crawford House
A Detailed Overview
The Joan Crawford House is a legendary estate located at 426 North Bristol Avenue in Brentwood, Los Angeles. She bought it in 1928 for $57,500, which was a huge sum back then. Today, the house is valued at around $14.3 million. Joan named it “El JoDo,” a playful mix of her name and her then-husband Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s name.
The house became a true Hollywood landmark. Joan lived there for 26 years, constantly updating and personalizing it. She filled it with green and gold silks, brocades, and rare antiques, making it a glamorous retreat that matched her movie star image. The estate was more than just a home-it was a stage for parties, movie screenings, and family life.
Even after her divorce from Fairbanks Jr., Joan kept the house and continued to make it her own. She added new rooms, redesigned spaces, and made sure every corner reflected her taste. The house was famous for its lush gardens, long driveway, and gated privacy, making it both a sanctuary and a social hub for Hollywood’s elite.
Where Is Joan Crawford House?
Joan Crawford House sits in Brentwood, one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods. The address, 426 North Bristol Avenue, places it among other celebrity homes and lush, tree-lined streets. Brentwood has always been a favorite for stars because it’s close to Hollywood but feels private and peaceful.
The estate is set far back from the main road, hidden behind tall gates and surrounded by tropical landscaping. Visitors are greeted by a long driveway that passes through an archway, leading up to the grand entrance. The location gave Joan both the privacy she craved and the space she needed for entertaining guests and raising her family.
Features of Joan Crawford House
The Joan Crawford House is big-really big. It covers about 11,558 square feet and has six bedrooms and ten bathrooms. The design started as Spanish-style but later shifted to a more classic Georgian look after Joan’s renovations. The house is packed with features that made it perfect for both living and entertaining.
Some of the standout features include:
- Grand Entrance: The arched, tiled passageway gives the house a dramatic first impression.
- Lush Gardens: The front lawn is shaded by palm and pepper trees, with colorful flowers and a sculpted fountain in the garden.
- Patios and Balconies: Outdoor spaces for relaxing or hosting dinner parties under the stars.
- Spacious Rooms: Sixteen rooms at first, later expanded to fifteen with big living and dining areas, a den, a playroom, and guest rooms.
- Home Theater: A private screening room for watching movies, perfect for a film star.
- Playhouse: A separate building with a ping-pong table and bar for fun and games.
- Sports Facilities: A combined badminton and tennis court, plus a sparkling swimming pool for exercise and parties.
- Luxury Interiors: Early American furnishings, silk lamps, antique tables, and rare collectibles everywhere.
- Personal Touches: Joan’s bedroom was where she accepted her Oscar for Mildred Pierce while sick with the flu-a famous Hollywood moment.
The house was always changing. Joan loved to redecorate, saying she couldn’t live in a place that stayed the same for too long. She added a new dining room, redesigned the kitchen, and built a bigger garage. Every detail showed her love for style and comfort.
Joan Crawford’s Real Estate Portfolio
Joan Crawford didn’t just have one house-she had several, each with its own story.
Childhood Homes
Joan grew up in tough conditions, moving from San Antonio, Texas, to Lawton, Oklahoma, and then to Kansas City. Her childhood homes were nothing like the mansions she’d own later. She often talked about living in “a drab little rented house on the wrong side of the tracks” in San Antonio.
Early Hollywood Homes
- 513 N. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills: Joan lived here from 1927 to 1928. MGM loaned her the money to buy it, showing how quickly she rose in Hollywood.
- Cielito Lindo, Brentwood: Before “El JoDo,” Joan and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. lived in a Spanish-style house they called “Cielito Lindo,” meaning “Beautiful Little Heaven.” It had Early American furnishings and was surrounded by gardens and patios.
The Iconic Brentwood Mansion
- 426 North Bristol Avenue, Brentwood: This is the Joan Crawford House everyone talks about. She bought it in 1928 and lived there for almost three decades, making it her main home and the center of her Hollywood life.
New York City Apartments
- 2 East 70th Street, Fifth Avenue: Joan moved to New York in the 1950s and lived in a huge penthouse overlooking Central Park. The apartment was originally 18 rooms, later remodeled into eight grand spaces. It had a free-flying staircase, a working fountain in the master bedroom, and bright, cheerful interiors.
- Imperial House, 150 East 69th Street: In her later years, Joan downsized to a nine-room apartment in this exclusive building. She moved to a smaller five-room apartment in the same building before her death in 1977. These homes were filled with light, pastel colors, and custom touches that showed her love for both Hollywood glamour and practical living.
Other Properties
Joan also owned a “bachelor pad” with her fourth husband, Alfred Steele, and spent time in various hotels and rented homes throughout her career. She didn’t own a private island, but she did travel in style, often using private jets and yachts.
Conclusion
Joan Crawford House isn’t just a mansion; it’s a symbol of old Hollywood, a place where dreams came true and legends were made. From its grand design to its lush gardens and luxury features, the house tells the story of Joan Crawford’s rise from humble beginnings to movie stardom. Even now, people are fascinated by the house’s history, its secrets, and the glamorous life that unfolded within its walls.
Joan Crawford’s real estate journey took her from small-town Texas to the heights of Los Angeles and New York City. Each home reflected a different chapter in her life, but the Brentwood mansion-now worth over $14 million-remains the most famous. It’s a reminder of a time when stars lived large, and their homes were as unforgettable as their movies.
All in all, Joan Crawford House shows just how much a home can tell us about a star’s life, and if you want more stories like this, keep visiting olivihome.
FAQs
What was the official cause of Joan Crawford’s death?
Joan Crawford’s official cause of death was a heart attack, medically listed as “acute coronary occlusion.” She passed away in her New York City apartment on May 10, 1977, at the reported age of 69. While some friends and family have speculated about other possible causes, including suicide, her death certificate and official reports confirm heart attack as the cause.
How accurate was the movie Mommie Dearest?
The accuracy of Mommie Dearest is still debated. The film is based on Christina Crawford’s memoir, which claims Joan Crawford was abusive. Some people, including Christina and supporters, believe the abuse shown in the movie was real, though possibly exaggerated for dramatic effect. Others, including Joan’s other children and some friends, have disputed these claims, saying Joan was strict but not abusive. The movie is faithful to the book’s harsh portrayal, but it focuses on sensational moments and doesn’t cover all aspects of Joan’s life or relationships. So, while some events are reportedly true, the overall picture may be more dramatic than reality.
How much did Joan Crawford leave when she died?
At the time of her death, Joan Crawford’s estate was valued at around $2 million, which is over $10 million in today’s money. In her will, she left most of her money to her two youngest daughters, Cathy and Cindy, and to several charities. Her two eldest children, Christina and Christopher, were disinherited, but after contesting the will, each received a settlement of $27,500.
What was Joan Crawford known for?
Joan Crawford was known for being one of Hollywood’s most prominent and glamorous movie stars. She was famous for her roles in classic films like Mildred Pierce (for which she won an Oscar), Grand Hotel, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?. She often played hardworking women who overcame struggles, which made her popular during the Great Depression. Crawford was also known for her dramatic personal life, her rivalry with Bette Davis, her strict parenting, and her later involvement with Pepsi-Cola after marrying the company’s president. Her legacy includes both her memorable film performances and the controversy stirred by her daughter’s memoir.
