Famous Residents of the Palos Verdes Peninsula - Past and Present
The Palos Verdes Peninsula in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California, encompasses four affluent cities: Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rolling Hills. Renowned for their breathtaking natural landscapes, luxurious real estate, and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, these cities have been a magnet for many illustrious personalities, including celebrated actors, musicians, business moguls, and sports icons. This blog post delves into some of the most prominent figures who have called these cities home.
Jimmy Page
Who: English musician, songwriter, and record producer, famed as the guitarist and founder of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin.
Residence: In the 1970s, Page owned a mansion in Palos Verdes Estates, boasting spectacular Pacific Ocean views, before eventually selling it.
Steven Spielberg
Who: Pioneering American filmmaker, known for his massive impact on cinema.
Residence: In the late 1990s, Spielberg acquired a home in the exclusive Rolling Hills gated community, complete with 10 acres of land, a tennis court, a pool, and awe-inspiring coastal views.
Magic Johnson
Who: Legendary basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers, turned successful entrepreneur.
Residence: Johnson's early 2000s acquisition in Rancho Palos Verdes included an infinity pool, a home theater, and sweeping ocean vistas.
Frank Gehry
Who: Innovative American architect, celebrated for his groundbreaking designs.
Residence: In the early 1970s, Gehry crafted his unique home in Palos Verdes Estates, known for its eclectic material mix and now a local landmark.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Who: One of the greatest basketball players in history.
Residence: His 1980s home in Rolling Hills Estates featured a basketball court, a pool, and panoramic ocean views.
Joe Montana
Who: Esteemed former NFL quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.
Residence: Montana's late 1990s home in Rolling Hills Estates included a tennis court, a swimming pool, and breathtaking views.
Elon Musk
Who: Visionary business magnate and engineer, known for Tesla, SpaceX, and PayPal.
Residence: In 2015, Musk bought a property in Rolling Hills, featuring a custom-built mansion, a tennis court, and extensive ocean and city views.
Oprah Winfrey
Who: Iconic talk show host and media executive.
Residence: Winfrey owned a property in Palos Verdes Estates, sold in 2001 for $6.5 million.
Michael Douglas
Who: Academy Award-winning actor.
Residence: Along with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Douglas lives in Rolling Hills. Their vast estate includes a vineyard and horse stables.
Jimmy Kimmel
Who: Popular late-night talk show host.
Residence: Kimmel's home in Rolling Hills Estates, purchased in 2019, reportedly cost $6.5 million.
Tiger Woods
Who: Renowned professional golfer.
Residence: Woods' former Rancho Palos Verdes home, near the Trump National Golf Club, was sold in 2018 for $2.2 million.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Who: Former Governor of California and movie star.
Residence: Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, once owned a home in Palos Verdes Estates, featuring stunning ocean views, sold in 2003 for $8.9 million.
In summary, the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rolling Hills have hosted a remarkable roster of famous individuals over the years. From Hollywood royalty to sports legends, these cities are not just residential areas but havens for some of the world's most notable figures. A drive through these picturesque neighborhoods might even offer a glimpse of celebrity life.