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Television has found a home in Newport Beach, as evidenced by the popularity of Fox-TV’s “The OC.”
For decades, celebrities who resided either part- or full-time in Newport Beach have lived the glamorous life portrayed on television. They have taken advantage of spacious lots, hidden island homes, private entryways and easy coastal access. During the first half of the 20th Century, Newport Beach had the feel of Hollywood South. Many movie studios set up shop near Newport Harbor and took advantage of the coastline’s natural beauty. Film stars bought up property in nearby homes overlooking the water or paid top dollar for hotel rooms. “Before Malibu, Balboa was the magnet for Hollywood stars. They went for vacations and many of them stayed for good,” said Jim Fournier, a Newport Beach historian who maintains www.talesof balboa.com. Without a doubt, the most famous former Newport Beach resident is John Wayne. The Duke enjoyed body surfing in the Pacific Ocean and often jumped off piers in Newport Beach. Wayne owned a yacht and lived on a waterfront home that overlooked Newport Bay. The Balboa Bay Club was a frequent stop for Wayne. “Duke’s Bar” at the club is named in his honor. Actor Buddy Ebsen, noted for many television spots and his role in “The Beverly Hillbillies”, lived on Balboa Island, according to Fournier. Since its founding in 1948, the Balboa Bay Cub has had a history of hosting some of the biggest names in the country. Celebrities docked their boats at the club and hosted grandiose parties. Everyone from Rock Hudson to Bette Davis were members. Bing Crosby was known to come through for a visit. Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and even the prime minister of Japan and King Feisal were visitors, according to “Host of the Coast,” a James Felton book about the club. “People tend to go where they feel comfortable,” said B.W. Cook, who edits the club’s magazine. “It’s always been a relaxed environment. No one bothers you when you are there. Since the club was founded, it has been a social gathering place.” Many of the celebrities who didn’t own property in Newport Beach stayed at a Balboa landmark called the Gray Goose. According to Fournier, the apartments located on the corner of Adams Boulevard and Edgewater Avenue were the place to be seen. In the 1930s and 1940s, the property was owned by Bo Roos, who also owned a major management company in Hollywood. Roos always made room for Humphrey Bogart and his long list of friends. Olympic swimmer and actor Johnny Weissmuller stayed at the Gray Goose on occasion. Many Hollywood stars brought their girlfriends for the night, no questions asked. “The Gray Goose brought the Hollywood crowd down,” Fournier said. “It became a landmark.” Another hot spot was Christian’s Hut, a restaurant and bar on the bay front that was owned by a brother of one of Hollywood’s biggest cinematographers. Celebrities such as Red Skelton and Howard Hughes passed through during the mid-1900s. Fast forward to the present day, and many of these hot spots that attracted Hollywood’s finest have been demolished. Luxury suites on the waterfronts still bring plenty of celebrities to Newport Beach. And some big names currently call Newport Beach home. Author Dean Koontz is based here, as is former pitcher Jim Abbott. Comedian Joey Bishop is part of the community along with NBA star Kobe Bryant. From the days when Shirley Temple rode her bike on the Peninsula saying “I’m Shirley Temple” to the nights when Dennis Rodman threw loud, lavish affairs, the city has been on the A list for celebrities. |
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