San Clemente has long been one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California, and that is one reason why so many famous people have quietly spent time here. It’s a great town to hide out in without being discovered by avid fans.
Two famous movie stars from the past settled here, and their two former houses can be seen today on Cazador Lane down near the pier. Gloria Swanson and Ann Harding, two well-known Hollywood actresses from the 1920s and ’30s, both owned homes on Cazador Lane. Swanson’s home was at 418 Cazador. She was a famous silent film star, but later became known for her part as an aging star in the 1950s movie Sunset Boulevard. She was known for her numerous husbands and lovers, including Joseph Kennedy, the father of President John F. Kennedy.
Harding was nominated several times for an Academy Award and was known for many movies, including the 1930 film Holiday. Her former house, which she had built in 1926, is located at 420 Cazador Lane.
Another well-known Cazador Lane resident was Glenn “Pop” Warner. Born in 1871, he was known for coaching football and initiating some of the most famous football movies in history. He is also known for Pop Warner Football. His house at 412 Cazador Lane actually was owned by his brother, who was a judge, but Pop Warner is said to have lived there for over 15 years.
Lon Chaney Jr., whose real name was Creighton Chaney, was a famous actor known for his portrayal of monsters in hundreds of movies. He lived on Calle de Anza and died in San Clemente in 1973 at the age of 67.
San Clemente also was home to people who grew up in this town and have gone on to find fame. The Star Wars movie The Last Jedi was directed and written by Rian Johnson, who grew up in San Clemente. He graduated from San Clemente High School in 1992. He produced and directed the movie Brick about his hometown, showing a dark side of San Clemente. The movie starred a young Joseph Gordon Levitt.
Jorge Garcia graduated from San Clemente High School but grew up in San Juan Capistrano. He is known for his roles on the TV series Lost and Hawaii Five-O.
Adrian Smith is known as the architect of the two tallest buildings in the world. He grew up in San Clemente and lived for many years as a boy in the historic Goldschmidt House on Avenida La Cuesta.
A more recent member of San Clemente’s television and movie industry is Joey Abi-Loutfi. Many locals know Joey as the co-owner of the SC Café here in town. He graduated from San Clemente High School in 1998. Most people do not know that Joey majored in film at UC Santa Barbara, and he has been busy ever since making films and documentaries. His talents include screenwriting, producing and directing. He quietly works at his restaurant many weekends when he’s not in LA working on his latest project.
San Clemente has been home to many talented and famous people over the years. Too many to feature here.
