Joan Crawford’s Haunted Homes: A chilling journey through her residences

Joan Crawford’s enduring status as a Hollywood icon extends far past her death. She gained recognition from movies such as

Whatever Became of Baby Jane?

?,

The Women

, and

Humoresque,

In the 1940s, Crawford rose to fame rapidly. However, similar to numerous prominent figures in Hollywood history, her career achievements were frequently eclipsed by her tumultuous past and intricate private life. Her journey from hardship to success was marked by association with various well-known film roles that came to be strongly linked with her image before she passed away in 1977.

Even though she might no longer be with us, the actor’s personal Hollywood narrative still captivates contemporary viewers much like her movies did during her prime.
Ryan Murphy’s
2017 series

Feud: Bette and Joan,

The star’s individual style was revamped using set designs that “emphasize the elegance of Hollywood Regency and mirror Crawford’s attention to detail—including the use of plastic slipcovers,” according to production designer Judy Becker.
previously
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.

From her modest beginnings in the Midwest to the pinnacle of Hollywood opulence, dive into the fascinating journey through some of the remarkable homes that defined the life of one of cinema’s most legendary figures.

Crawford’s Childhood Homes

Crawford was
born
In 1906, Lucille Fay LeSueur found herself in a challenging situation in her hometown of San Antonio, where making ends meet was tough. Her father departed soon after her birth, leaving Crawford along with her brother and mother. They moved from Lawton, Oklahoma, to Kansas City, Missouri. Various records indicate that this unstable upbringing did not bring much joy; eventually, the family settled down.
staying in a laundry
where Crawford’s mother
worked.

It was a impoverished background, which instilled in Crawford a lasting disdain for filth and chaos,

The Guardian

reported in 2008.
Crawford resided at a boarding school subsequently, where she functioned as a “working student” to cover her expenses, as mentioned in her 1971 autobiography.

My Way of Life

.

Early Hollywood Days

Eager to put her difficult upbringing behind her, Crawford set out to become a chorus girl on Broadway. During her time in New York City, she caught the attention of an MGM talent scout and relocated to Hollywood in 1925. In those initial months in Los Angeles, she lived in small rooms at extended-stay hotels such as the Hotel Washington in Culver City. As mentioned in the 2008 biography, Crawford reminisced fondly about her stay at the Hotel Washington: “I was happy at the Hotel Washington.”

Not the Neighbor’s Daughter

“I didn’t particularly feel like going to bed at night, and each morning I eagerly anticipated waking up early since every new day seemed full of potential. It took me several months to realize that the Hotel Washington was, one could argue, somewhat rundown. Nothing had actually changed; I suppose my perspective did.”

I

had.”

Crawford resided there for half a year until she could establish deeper foundations. Although the property remains intact, significant alterations have been made over the past few years, and it was subsequently renamed the
Hotel West End.
In today’s world, it has become known as the
Palihotel Culver City,
a chicely refurbished city hotel.

“El JoDo”

The most infamous property belonging to Crawford was her long-time Georgian-style house situated in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, bought by her back in 1929. Situated at 426 North Bristol Avenue, this opulent mansion came to be closely linked with the actress, as she maintained ownership for 26 years. The purchase price stood at $57,000, and she affectionately referred to it as “El JoDo,” blending elements from both her own name and that of her spouse, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Despite their separation in 1933, Crawford held onto the dwelling and frequently updated it according to her taste over time. Inside were lush decorations including silk and brocade fabrics predominantly in shades of green and gold.
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Current listing
info
For the off-market property, it is described as a 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom mansion covering an area of 11,558 square feet. According to Zillow, the house was constructed in 1931; nonetheless, various other sources state that Crawford bought it in 1928. Positioned far from the road and concealed behind gates, this Spanish-style estate is commemorated in souvenirs.
postcards.

Surrounded by vibrant tropical foliage, visitors arrive at the property through a lengthy drive that passes beneath an arched entrance. Today, various online sources mention that the house has undergone significant renovations and no longer retains the character associated with Crawford’s period of ownership.

The vast estate included a multipurpose court for both badminton and tennis, along with a glistening swimming pool. The grounds also had a playhouse equipped with a ping-pong table and a bar, alongside a home theatre perfect for showcasing her extensive film collection. Within the primary residence, Crawford’s bedroom was located.
accepted
Her 1946 Academy Award for her performance in

Mildred Pierce

Lying in bed suffering from the flu, Crawford grinned as someone took his picture, holding a gleaming trophy aloft.

Even though the Brentwood house seemed grand from the outside, it is said to have been the scene of numerous atrocities that Christina Crawford alleges her mother inflicted upon her during her upbringing. According to Christina’s 1978 memoir,

Mommie Dearest

, which was adapted into an iconic film in 1981 (in which Joan was played by
Faye Dunaway
The star’s daughter recounts the difficulties caused by her mother’s alcoholism and abuse.

New York, New York

Following her marriage to Pepsi executive Al Steele in 1955, Crawford said farewell to the West Coast for a fresh start in Manhattan. Although they lived in various residences around New York City, their cherished residence was located on the upper levels of 2 East 70th Street. They chose this location as their primary dwelling place.
combine
In this combined spacious dwelling spanning two apartments and offering breathtaking vistas of Central Park, Crawford once more sought the assistance of her trusted decorator and close confidant, Haines, to assist in outfitting the area. To achieve the desired look, Haines crafted numerous custom items for the residence, which Crawford would go on to utilize.
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she saw him as a “big brother.”

In 1959, Steele passed away due to a heart attack. During the latter part of the 1960s, Crawford relocated to the Imperial House, a tall residential complex located at 150 East 69th Street in Manhattan. Within this building, she possessed two separate apartments where she developed her appreciation for Asian-themed decor. She stayed living there up until her passing in 1977.