The iconic "Pink Princess Mansion Estate," a staple in Hollywood's scenic repertoire, has succumbed to the ravaging Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. Known for its distinct pink facade, the estate first appeared in Max Linder’s 1921 film "Seven Years Bad Luck." Over the years, it became a sought-after filming location for popular television series such as "Knots Landing," "Ratched," and "Palm Royale." Recent wildfires have left this historic property in ruins, reducing its grandeur to charred remains.
Spanning over 7,100 square feet, the Pink Princess Mansion Estate boasted five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It served as a creative pivot when the original filming site was no longer available. The mansion was particularly prominent in the series "Hacks," where it appeared in two to three episodes each season as the lavish "side mansion" of Jean Smart's character, Deborah Vance. Scott Kradolfer, key assistant locations manager for "Hacks," expressed a deep sense of loss over the estate’s destruction.
“It’s devastating, because there’s a lot of history up there,” – Scott Kradolfer
The estate was last purchased in 2000 for $1.5 million and had also been featured in a popular Target commercial. Photos circulating online show flames consuming another storied residence, the McNally House, which had been featured in HBO’s "Entourage" and numerous other projects. The impact of these fires has been widespread, with significant cultural landmarks lost, including the historic ranch home of actor Will Rogers.
“Three of them have confirmed that they have lost their homes,” – Scott Kradolfer
Kradolfer reflected on the unique features of the Pink Princess Mansion Estate, noting the distinctive pink Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that some viewed as an eyesore but others considered naturally beautiful with great historical value.
“The most unique feature — whether you love it or hate it — was the color. The architecture was that kind of pink Spanish Colonial Revival. Some people would think it was an eyesore, but I thought it had natural beauty to it. And a lot of, a lot of great history.” – Scott Kradolfer
Just before the fire, "Hacks" had utilized the mansion for early scenes in Season 4, leaving its future involvement in the series uncertain.
“We had shot already earlier in the season; it was one of the first locations for Season 4,” – Scott Kradolfer
“Thankfully, we were able to go at the start of the season, but it was left up in the air whether or not we would see the character of Deborah Vance under that roof again.” – Scott Kradolfer
Leave a Reply