Unveiling Pickfair Mansion’s Captivating True Hollywood Legacy: A Journey Beyond Jerry Buss' Sale

WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Winning Time season 2, episode 2!

Summary

Jerry Buss' Pickfair mansion is a regular setting in Winning Time season 2. Located in Hollywood, this historically significant estate was renowned for hosting lavish parties during the 1920s. Originally belonging to actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, the mansion played host to renowned figures such as Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Jerry Buss purchased the estate in 1980 and continued the tradition of hosting parties with NBA stars and Hollywood celebrities until selling it in 1988 to singer Pia Zadora.

In Winning Time season 2, Jerry Buss hosts an event at his luxurious Pickfair mansion, which has a rich history dating back to its notorious reputation in 1920s Hollywood. The HBO series follows the true story of the Los Angeles Lakers during the late 1970s and early 1980s, beginning after Jerry Buss acquires the team. After the Lakers' triumphant victory in the 1980 NBA Championship in season 1, season 2 of the show incorporates iconic Hollywood locations like the Pickfair mansion to enhance its portrayal of the extravagant lifestyles of real-life figures like Jerry Buss during this era.

Pickfair Mansion Was Notorious For 1920s Hollywood Parties Hosted By Movie Stars Mary Pickford & Douglas Fairbanks

In the second episode of season 2 of Winning Time, Jerry Buss (played by John C. Reilly) invites numerous guests to his house to honor his late mother's memory, one year after her passing. The event takes place at Pickfair mansion, a property that Jerry acquired in 1980. He reveals that this estate was his mother's lifelong dream for their family's residence. While Winning Time acknowledges Pickfair's significance, the mansion itself has an even more renowned history as a popular venue for Hollywood social gatherings several decades prior to Jerry Buss's ownership. Following its sale by the actual Buss family, Pickfair once again made headlines due to controversial renovations made to this iconic Hollywood landmark.

Originally built as a country home for a lawyer, the house was later purchased by actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1919, who shared it with his wife, movie star Mary Pickford. Together, they transformed the property into an opulent estate featuring two stories, 22 rooms, stables, servant quarters, an expansive guest wing, a private in-ground swimming pool, and tennis courts. The renovations turned the house into a hotspot for Hollywood stars and VIP guests during the 1920s, garnering significant media attention. The illustrious list of visitors included actors, royalty, aviators, authors, and politicians, such as Charlie Chaplin, the Duke of Windsor, Amelia Earhart, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Pickford and Fairbanks’ residence served as the hub of Hollywood's social scene during that time period, thus it is not surprising that Jerry Buss, the owner of Winning Time, eventually bought the property. Despite their divorce in 1936, Pickford continued to live in the house with her second husband, Buddy Rogers, until her passing in 1979. In 1947, Life Magazine described Pickfair as "a gathering place only slightly less influential than the White House," highlighting its historical significance and enduring legacy beyond the ownership of Pickford and Fairbanks.

Jerry Buss Purchased Pickfair Mansion After Mary Pickford's Death In 1979

After the passing of Mary Pickford in 1979, Pickfair remained vacant for a brief period until Lakers owner Jerry Buss acquired the property in 1980 for approximately $5.4 million (via Chicago Tribune). In HBO's Winning Time, it is portrayed that Jerry Buss resided at Pickfair with his children, including Jeanie Buss, who would eventually become the owner of the Lakers, as well as his sons John and Jimmy. Just like the previous owners of this remarkable house, Jerry frequently organized extravagant parties at Pickfair, inviting NBA superstars like Magic Johnson and notable figures from the Hollywood industry.

Jerry Buss Sold Pickfair Mansion To Singer Pia Zadora In 1988

The authenticity of Winning Time season 1's assertion that Jerry Buss' mother Jessie trespassed onto the Pickfair estate during Mary Pickford's residency remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it would be plausible for the location to hold significant personal significance for the entrepreneur. Jerry Buss made a notable effort to preserve the original charm and style of Pickfair when he purchased the residence, solidifying its status as an enduring icon for Hollywood's wealthy and famous. Unfortunately, Buss's ownership of Pickfair was relatively short-lived, as he decided to sell the mansion during the Lakers' prosperous "Showtime" era.

In 1986, while still the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss decided to sell Pickfair. The reason behind this decision was that the house was too large for him alone since his son Jimmy was the only child still residing there at the time (via Los Angeles Times). Eventually, in 1988, the property was purchased by singer Pia Zadora, who later faced criticism for demolishing a significant portion of the estate. Zadora defended her actions by claiming termite infestation, but later admitted that the real motive was the haunting presence on the property.

According to Zadora's account in a 2012 episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories, there is a claim that a woman died at the residence while engaged in an affair with the previous owner, Douglas Fairbanks. It is believed that her ghost, known for its laughter, continues to haunt the mansion. In 2005, Zadora sold Pickfair to UNICOM Global, who transformed the estate into an executive conference center and event venue. Due to numerous changes in ownership throughout the years, Pickfair no longer hosts extravagant parties attended by Hollywood and NBA celebrities, as depicted in Winning Time season 2.

Sources: Chicago Tribune, LA Times