Category: Celebrity Homes

In recent years, comedians have risen to the top in Hollywood, becoming the most successful and most popular actors and actresses in the business. Along with that success comes wealth and the ability to have nice things, including amazing dream homes in cool places.

These funny women have made it big in Hollywood, and have sweet homes to show for it.

Tina Fey

A leading comedic actress for over 20 years, Tina Fey got her big break on Saturday Night Live, and moved on to starring and writing for her own television show 30 Rock. She has produced and starred in movies, executive produced other television shows, and topped the New York Times best seller list for her book Bossypants.

Fey and her family live in New York City, in an apartment in the Upper West Side. They purchased the apartment in 2009 for about $3.4 million, and in 2016, purchased the unit directly above their apartment for $9.6 million. The floor plans are nearly identical, with a large master bedroom suite, three additional bedrooms each with private bathrooms, and other luxurious amenities that someone as successful as Fey can enjoy on her downtime.

Amy Poehler

Like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler started her road to comedy success as a cast member of Chicago’s Second City improv group. She eventually moved to Saturday Night Live in 2001, and quickly became a full cast member and celebrity. She starred with Fey on the Weekend Update segment, making headlines and breaking gender barriers. Poehler left SNL to head her own show, Parks and Recreation, which ran for several years. She has also been in dozens of films, worked on shows for Hulu, and written a memoir.

Poehler and her husband Will Arnett split in 2014, and she bought a new home in Beverly Hills, California for $3.6 million. She performed extensive renovations on the home before moving in, but has reportedly settled into her new home.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres has made people laugh on television and in the movies for over 25 years. She hosts a television talk show that incorporates comedy and slapstick along with the normal celebrity and human interest pieces. She’s famous among the next generation as the voice of Dory, the charming fish with a memory problem. She has hosted the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys and works behind the scenes in various capacities in Hollywood. She is also famous for being among the first women in Hollywood to come out as a lesbian.

She and her wife Portia de Rossi own multiple homes in Southern California, and are constantly selling and buying new properties. They owned one home in Hollywood Hills for several years, but sold it in 2007. But in 2014, they repurchased it from the owner for about $9 million.

That’s not the only home they own in sunny California. They bought this home in gorgeous Montecito, outside Los Angeles, in 2013 for a reported $26 million.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling got her start as a writer and actor on The Office, one of the most successful comedy shows of recent history. She has moved onto producing and starring in her own show The Mindy Project. She has written two best selling memoirs, and is branching out into film and other areas of work in Hollywood.

Mindy owns at least two homes in the Los Angeles area, one she bought around 2013 for $1.7 million.

She has owned another home in Los Angeles since around 2007, when she was first getting settled in Hollywood. She bought this from coworkers on The Office.

Betty White

Betty White was the undisputed OG female comedian. Her career spanned more than75 years, and she received Emmy and Screen Actors Guild awards, as well as a Grammy and many other awards and honors.

White was most famous for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls, as well as Hot in Cleveland and recurring roles on many current shows and talk shows. She was known for her comedic timing and ability to play to her audience, as well as entertain a crowd under any circumstance.

White was so beloved and engaging that NBC aired a special 90th birthday commemoration for her.

White lived in Hollywood for decades, but had always remained private about her personal life.

She had a second home in Carmel, California, where was able to relax and get away from things.

These funny women have made it big by making us laugh for years, and it’s all but certain they’re smiling big in their awesome dream homes, whether they’re in Los Angeles, New York, or somewhere in between.

Carrie Underwood was born and raised in rural Oklahoma, but when she was 21, she took a chance and auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the singing sensation turns 40, so let’s look back on the life and career of one of music’s brightest stars.

Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

When she was 21, Carrie Underwood drove to St. Louis to audition for the red-hot television show American Idol. She auditioned at the Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis. In front of judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, she sang a country classic and punched her ticket to Hollywood. At the time, she’d never even been on an airplane, but her world was about to change!

Kodak Theater/Dolby Theater, Los Angeles, California

The next stop on Carrie’s crazy journey was performing at the Kodak Theater, now known as the Dolby Theater, in LA. The theater hosts the annual Academy Awards, America’s Got Talent, and other performances and events.

On May 25, 2005, Carrie sang her heart out in front of a live audience, and millions of viewers around the world. When Ryan Seacrest read her name from the gold card, her life changed forever. She won a $1 million music contract, a Ford Mustang, and the use of a private jet for a year. These days, Carrie is worth around $140 million, has two amazing kids, amazing homes, and an incredibly successful music and crossover careers.

Simon Cowell’s House, Malibu, California

Megajudge Simon Cowell has a reputation as being intimidating and scary for American Idol contestants, but he knew Carrie had true star power from the first time he heard her sing. He’s also an incredibly talented producer and music executive. His net worth is north of half a billion dollars! And with that he has acquired a massive real estate portfolio.

One of his recent favorites is this $24 million Malibu estate. He suffered a major back injury here in 2020, and spent a year healing. The 1.6 acre, six bedroom, seven bath estate overlooks the ocean; a perfect place to recover!

Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Carrie met her future husband, NHL player Mike Fisher, backstage at one of her concerts. About a year later, they were engaged, and the rest is history. Canadian by birth, Mike was playing for the Ottawa Senators when they started dating, but after they were married, he was traded to the Nashville Predators, where he finished out his career.

The Predators play their home games in the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, close to the haunts and hangouts of country music stars, making it  a perfect location for the power couple to have dual careers.

Estate Outside Nashville, Tennessee

In 2011, Carrie Mike bought a 400-acre parcel of land outside Nashville, Tennessee, for around $3.5 million. They had plans to build a “forever” home, which was completed in 2018. The mansion has an insane kitchen, an indoor lettuce garden, a walk-in closet complete with washer and dryer, and so much more.

Outside, they have an immense garden, orchards, picnic areas, horse stables, and a private pond! While the family keep it private, they did give Oprah Winfrey a tour before they started building, and even planted an oak tree in her honor!

Residency at Resorts World, Las Vegas, Nevada

If you want to see Carrie perform her amazing portfolio of music these days, you’re in luck! She’s performing about a dozen shows for her Reflections residency this summer through winter at the new, amazing, Resorts World property in Las Vegas.

The recently-opened $4.5 billion development has a massive hotel, mall, panda exhibit, and even a replica of the Great Wall of China! And of course a massive theater that can hold nearly 5,000 adoring fans.

On her mile marker birthday, let’s take a second and give a shout out to one of the most talented, kind-hearted, and entertaining musicians out there, and wish her another 40 years of beautiful music, laughter, and joy. Happy Birthday, Carrie!

It’s Valentine’s Day, when we think about love, and the people we love. In honor of this holiday some love, and some love to hate, let’s take a look at some celebrity couples that got together, or sealed the deal in 2022.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Twenty years after they first got together, Jennifer and Ben finally tied the knot in 2022, and it seems that this time, the two A-list celebs are together for good. As easy as their relationship seems this time around, finding a home for the filthy rich newlyweds and their blended family has been a lot harder.

After more than a year of rumored home purchases, it seems the new family will end up living at a home Jennifer has owned for years. The $28 million Bel Air mansion will undergo serious year-long renovations before they move in, though.

Meanwhile, the couple is renting a gorgeous home worth around $60 million. Jennifer hasn’t held back in her social media posts of the temporary home, which some sources thought they were purchasing in late 2022. The amazing mansion has a beautifully-landscaped backyard complete with pool, movie theater, and plenty of privacy for the high-powered couple.

Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams

Everyone knows and loves Sarah from Modern Family and Wells Adams from various Bachelor shows. But the two adorable celebs met in 2017, when Sarah sought out Wells after seeing him on TV. Their relationship has been happily ever after, unlike most of the shows Wells hosts.

The happy couple even bought a new house in 2020, when they originally planned to get married. The $4 million house is described as a “modern farmhouse” in the Studio City area of LA. It has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and 6,000 square feet of living space.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker

Coming from her family, it makes sense that Kourtney would be big into weddings, but who knew she and Travis Barker, drummer for Blink-182 would have three? The first was a backyard wedding with an Elvis impersonator, the second was at a courthouse and the final wedding was a grand affair in Italy.

The couple, who have six kids between them, still maintain their previous residences to keep things easier on the kids. Kourtney has a massive estate in Calabasas, of course. She and her former partner Scott Disick bought the home at a bargain basement price of $7.5 million, well below the $12 million Keyshawn Johnson originally wanted. The two-acre property has a pool, spa, sports area, and an impressive living area with six bedrooms across 12,000 square feet.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari

Britney Spears has been in the news a lot lately, and mostly for great reasons! After having her conservatorship terminated, she was able to marry her longtime boyfriend Sam Ashgari on June 9. The couple married at her Thousand Oaks, California home. She bought the house in 2015, for about $7.4 million.

Right after the marriage, the newlyweds announced they were moving to Calabasas, near her ex and her two sons. The home has seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, an area for the housekeepers, heated pool, and even an entire room dedicated for gift wrapping! With all that, the 11,600 square foot house was just not a good fit, and the lovebirds have announced the house will be back on the market in 2023. Changing your mind about a $11.8 million home is no big deal when you’re worth at least $70 million.

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews

Superstar NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his partner Brittany Matthews have been together, and very public, for so long that it may come as a surprise that the couple only married in 2022. And while Brittany’s presence on social media may be flashy, their Kansas City home is not.

The 4,000 square foot home is understated but absolutely gorgeous, and the couple spent an additional $400,000 on renovations after paying around $1.75 million for the 70 year old home. That’s pretty restrained for Patrick, who signed the single largest NFL contract ever, earning $500 million over ten years! One big splurge is the special closet for Patrick’s 180 shoes.

These are just a few of the happy celebs who tied the knot in 2022, making their relationship official. Hopefully they have what it takes to last in the crazy world of celebrity and show business.

And hopefully, we are all able to surround ourselves with people who lift us up and make us want to be better people. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Birthday, Ashton! 45 years ago today, he (and his twin brother Michael) were born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. And today, he’s on top of an acting, producing  and investing empire worth $200 million, has a beautiful wife and two kids.

It seems like he has it all.

So, let’s take a look at how Ashton ended up where he is, as we celebrate another trip around the sun.

Childhood Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Ashton has an older sister and a twin brother. His brother suffered from congenital heart issues, which caused a great deal of stress to the empathetic kid. But overall his childhood was happy, and his family was closer for the challenges they faced.

Teenage Years Home, Homestead, Iowa

When he was a teen, the family moved to Homestead. Ashton actually helped his dad with construction on the home. He got into theater in high school, but didn’t initially pursue a career in acting. He attended college in biochemical engineering before being discovered and starting out a career in modeling.

Demi Moore’s Home, Hailey, Idaho

As Ashton moved up in his career in Hollywood, he also dated some very famous women. At age 25, he met 40 year old Demi Moore, who had a decades-long career already. They wed after a quick romance, and were the talk of the town for the six years they were married. However, there were too many differences, and they divorced in 2011.

Demi has stayed close with Ashton, as well as another ex, Bruce Willis. In fact, the family quarantined together in the family’s Hailey, Idaho home, which she bought after her divorce. The $9 million mansion has gorgeous gardens and attracts native wildlife, including moose and bears!

Ashton and Mila’s Beach House, Carpinteria, California

After all his dating, Ashton ended up where he started; dating Mila Kunis, his co-star and love interest on the show that made him famous. The two got together in 2012, and married in 2015. Soon they had two kids, and seemed focused on being a strong family.

In 2017, the couple bought an amazing beach house in the small town of Carpinteria. The 3,100 square foot house set them back $10 million, with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, huge windows and high ceilings, and direct beach access.

Ashton and Mila’s Sustainable Farm House, Beverly Hills, California

The couple is committed to each other, their kids, and the planet. A few years ago, they started constriction on a 6-acre plot of land Ashton bought in 2007 for $8 million. It took them years, but they built a sustainable farm house-style mansion with a focus on family and friends.

Built by a respected environmentally-friendly designer, the couple created a home with reclaimed wood, vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and more. It also has a corn field, on-site well, and solar panels to provide all the energy the home needs.

Steve Jobs’ House, Palo Alto, California

Ashton has made a fortune, both as an actor and director, as well as investing in Uber, Spotify, and a dozen other high-yield financial opportunities in the last decade. As his career has progressed, he’s stepped in front of the camera less often. In 2013, he starred in the biopic Jobs about creative genius Apple founder Steve Jobs. His performance was well-reviewed, and the movie did well.

Ashton was so committed to the gig, he even went on a Steve Jobs-inspired diet of raw fruits and veggies. It got him hospitalized twice, according to his wife Mila.

Steve Jobs had all the money in the world, but was not able to overcome his second bout of cancer. He once intended to built a giant mansion, but later in life found peace and quiet in a nice upscale neighborhood of Palo Alto. In the end, it seemed like a beautiful place for Steve and his family to spend the last few years of his life.

Ashton is turning 45 today. While he’s already accomplished so much in his life, personally and professionally, it’s no doubt that this brilliant, ambitious, and successful star will have his sights set on things bigger, better, and bolder for the years to come. And it will be a great journey to watch. So, happy birthday, Ashton, we hope it’s wonderful!

 

 

Kevin Costner has been entertaining and fascinating viewers for an entire generation, starring in more than 25 highly successful films, and now the hit show Yellowstone. He has earned several top acting honors, and earned at least a quarter billion dollars in the meantime. And today, it’s his 68th birthday, and the veteran actor has no plans to slow down.

Let’s check out some of the cool places Kevin owns, and some of the places important to his film career.

Dunbar Ranch, Aspen, Colorado

If he’s not filming the next season of his successful television show, he’s probably spending time with his wife and three kids at their gorgeous Aspen-area ranch. Kevin bought the 160-acre property ages ago, and was even married there in 2004. The ranch gets its name from Lieutenant Dunbar, the character Kevin played in Dances with Wolves.

The area has multiple homes, a large baseball field, pool, and even an ice skating rink and sledding area. The main house’s master suite has a door leading directly to an outdoor hot tub, which is so awesome for daring winter dips!

If you have a cool quarter million lying around, you can rent the entire property. While it’s “just” $36,000 a night, you have to commit to rent it for at least a week.

Property in Santa Barbara, California

In addition to his mountain home, Kevin and his family enjoy a home on one of California’s most desirable beaches. Kevin owns ten acres of prime beachfront property just south of Santa Barbara. He’s actually combined three parcels that total about 10 acres, including a former polo club. Crazy that in addition to the beach views, the property also has gorgeous views of the nearby Santa Ynez mountains!

In 2017, he put the property up for sale for a cool $60 million, only $32 million more than he paid in 2006. However, even after dropping the price significantly, the parcel didn’t sell, and he still owns the estate.

Field of Dreams Field, Dyersville, Iowa

Kevin Costner has starred in dozens of successful films, but his 1989 baseball movie Field of Dreams is considered a classic, and has even been preserved by the Library of Congress! The movie was mostly filmed in Dubuque County, Iowa, the heart of America’s corn country.

The farm house and baseball field from the film were filmed on site on a farm in Dyersville. The owner never turned the baseball field back into a corn field, but left it like the movie, and created a souvenir shop to  encourage visitors.

The farm, with the field, a visitor parking lot, and the white house, all sold in 2011 for around $5 million. The movie was right: If you build it, they will come. In 2021 and 2022, the MLB has actually played real games on the field, with touching events allowing dads and their kids to play catch on the field before the players come out of the corn field to play ball.

Ranch Where Dances with Wolves was Filmed, Pierre, South Dakota

Kevin filmed and directed another American classic, Dances with Wolves, in 1990. The box office hit won Oscars for best directing and best film of the year. It cemented Kevin as a director and Hollywood star, and its this movie that he used to name his Aspen ranch: Dunbar Ranch.

Much of the filming was done on location in South Dakota, and a little was done in other western states. In 2015, Ted Turner purchased a large ranch in South Dakota that was used for filming. He paid about $32 million.

“Tatanka” Art Installation, Deadwood, South Dakota

Filming Dances with Wolves significantly impacted Kevin Costner, and he even went so far as to sponsor an art installation outside Deadwood, South Dakota to commemorate the bison of the Great Plains, called “Ta ‘Tanka” in Lakota.

The moving work of art displays Lakota hunters riding in pursuit of the bison. The life-size statues of men, horses and bison is one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.

Along with seeing the work of art, visitors can shop at the nearby store, and learn so much about the way of life for Plains Indians before the buffalo were nearly extinct and the people were moved to reservations.

Kevin Costner has done so many amazing films, and been involved in some really awesome projects all around the US. From some blockbuster films to unique and creative projects, from directing to starring in television, he’s done it all. So, on his 68th birthday, it’s a great time to reflect on what he’s done, and gear up for some more cool adventures. Happy Birthday, Kevin Costner!

It’s 2023, can you believe it? Congrats for surviving yet another hectic, crazy year. Let’s take a look back and see what celebrity relationships didn’t make it to the new year.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen

Perhaps the most surprising, and a little sad, breakup of the year happened in the fall, when rumors began swirling that Super Bowl superstar Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen were calling it quits after 13 years.

Gisele knew things were going south when Tom un-retired from football earlier this year. In 2022, she bought not one but two new homes in the same south Florida town.

Smaller Home, Clearwater, Florida

The smaller house was purchased for $1.5 million last February, nearby the house the family was building. It has 1,500 square feet, three bedrooms, and a tiny lawn. Perhaps this purchase was a harbinger of bad news to come.

Larger Home, Clearwater, Florida

Later last fall, when the divorce was finalized, she bought a larger, more permanent property. This property set the newly-single Bundchen back $11.5 million, but she got nearly 4,000 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms,  gorgeous expansive windows, and unique wood and stone designs throughout the house. Outside, there’s a pool, gorgeous landscaping, and lots of room to enjoy the Florida weather.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson

We can’t exactly say we’re surprised the near-billionaire celebrity and the Saturday Night funny guy didn’t go the distance. But it kind of makes sense that Kim could be happy with a funny guy like Pete, considering he’s dated so many other beautiful, successful women in the past (and is already rumored to be in yet another relationship with a supermodel).

Condo in Staten Island, New York

Pete has really parlayed his reputation as a perfect boyfriend and hapless funny guy into a career, and he has the amazing New York digs to prove it. He recently bought a condo in this amazing waterfront building in Staten Island. But, apparently it wasn’t more permanent than his relationship, since he announced in early December that the condo is on the market and he’s moving to Brooklyn.

Home for Mom, Staten Island, New York

It’s kind of sweet to learn that Pete first bought his mom a home, and lived with her, before getting a place of his own. Maybe that’s what makes him stand out in the entertainment business.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morrone

Leonardo is a serial dater, and doesn’t settle down for  too long with any one girlfriend, but his relationship with Camila Morrone lasted four years, which is about as long as any the  Hollywood mainstay has had.

Leo may switch out companions every four years or when they turn 25 (it’s basically a well-known fact at this point) but his commitment to some of his real estate holdings has lasted far longer.

In 1994, new star Leo bought the first of two side-by-side mansions in the Hollywood Hills area of LA, for $4 million. (For those doing the math, that’s 28 years ago, older than any of his girlfriends.) He later bought the second home for $2 million, and has merged the two into a massive estate anchoring his $60 million real estate portfolio.

Private Island, Belize

Another purchase that sets Leo into a class all his own is his private island off the coast of Belize. He bought the skinny isle for $1.75 million in 2005, with the intent to sustainably develop it into an eco-friendly hotel. However, it’s not clear much has been done there, and it’s certainly not ready for business.

Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks

Liam has had a rough few years, getting divorced from Miley Cyrus, and now breaking up with the actress Gabriella Brooks. The couple dated since 2019, but spent most of their time under the radar due to Covid restrictions in Australia and other places.

He bought a home in Australia in 2020, for $6.5 million. The 10-acre property has a swimming pool, entertainment area, and even has a place for a helicopter to land. The happy couple spent lots of time together, but it seems that it couldn’t survive after Covid, and the couple called it quits as Liam began to take more roles in 2022.

Trevor Noah and Minka Kelly

Trevor Noah has come a long way, literally. He grew up in South Africa, and moved to Los Angeles as a teen, and has risen to celeb status as a comedian and host of The Daily Show. For the last two years, he was dating long-term actress Minka Kelly, but they split up earlier in 2022. Rumor has it Minka has moved on to Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds already.

Perhaps as part of his failing relationship, Trevor sold his Bel Air mansion in the spring, for a million dollar loss. The 11, 000 square foot mansion set him back more than $27 million, but he sold it for just $26.4 million. The gated, one-acre property just didn’t hold its value as much as Noah must have anticipated.

He also put his New York penthouse on the market in November 2022. He bought the place in 2017 for $10 million, and he’s asking for $13 million. Whoever scoops this up will love the 15-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 1,000 square foot terrace.

These are just a few of the few people who didn’t quite make it to the end of 2022 as a couple, but the good thing about the new year is that they can start fresh in life, and love. Happy New Year!

As we close the book on 2022, it’s a good time to reflect on things that have changed, including those that we’ve lost this year.

So, let’s take a moment to look back and remember those famous and influential people who have died this year, and appreciate the good they did in the world.

Kirstie Alley, January 12, 1951-December 5, 2022

Kirstie Alley was a force in Hollywood for decades. She starred on the hit show Cheers, had several hit movies, and other successes. Her beautiful smile and friendly demeanor made her seem like she could be anyone’s friend next door. She passed away on December 5, at age 72, from colon cancer.

She owned several properties, including a farm in Kansas, a home under renovation in Florida, and this home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. The gorgeous expansive property, which she sold in 2021 after owning it for 20+ years, is designed in the Italianate style. It has tiered balconies and gorgeous patios, as well as a pool, pool house, grotto, and even a turtle pond!

Inside, the home has custom blue tiled bathroom floors, a gold-lace-trim living room, library, dining room, and three stone-carved fireplaces, all spread out over more than 7,000 square feet of living space.

Loretta Lynn, April 14, 1932-October 4, 2022

Loretta Lynn is one of country music’s beloved treasures, with a career spanning six decades. Her countless hits touched on alcoholism, poverty, love, and heartbreak, and resonated with her audience in a way few musicians do. She received countless awards and accolades, and toured all the way up until 2018, when a hip injury finally slowed her down.

Born and raised in coal-mining country in Kentucky, she  bought a large estate in Tennessee after becoming a country music legend. She and her family lived in a 14-room plantation-style home for 22 years before turning that into a museum and moving to another home on the property.

Known as the Loretta Lynn Ranch, it is now open to visitors, as is an exact replica of the Butcher Holler home where she grew up. There’s also a simulated coal mine, and other attractions. Visitors can stay in RV sites, campgrounds, and can ride horses, go canoeing and more.

Bob Saget, May 17, 1956-January 9, 2022

Bob Saget, of Full House and How I Met Your Mother  fame, passed away unexpectedly on January 9, of an apparent head injury. He left behind a legacy of humor, both family-friendly on television and adult humor as a stand-up comedian.

He and his wife Kelly Rizzo lived in this gorgeous Brentwood mansion with a low street profile, giving him much-wanted privacy in celebrity-crazed Los Angeles. The home went on the market after his death for around $7.8 million. He paid $2.9 million for the home in 2003, which has five bedrooms, beautiful balconies, and a private swimming pool.

Sidney Poitier, February 20, 1927-January 6, 2022

Sidney Poitier, Oscar-winning and barrier-breaking actor, passed away on January 6 in his Beverly Hills home. The actor, born in Miami while his Bahamian parents were there on business, was the first Black actor to be nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award, and then the first to win one.

He served as an Ambassador from the Bahamas to Great Britain, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, helped break down civil rights barriers in the US, and more.

His home, where he lived with his wife Joanna Shimkus. Built in 1925, the Mediterranean-style mansion has been a passion project for Joanna, who loves her second career as an interior designer.

Queen Elizabeth II, April 21, 1926-September 8, 2022

Perhaps the most notable death of the year was the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, who passed away on September 8, after a 60-year reign. She lived her life in dedication to the monarchy and the people over whom she reigned.

On her 21st birthday, she famously stated: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

As the monarch, she owned several impressive residences throughout England and Scotland, but one of her favorite places was Balmoral Castle in Scotland. It was here, at the 250-year old castle that she spent her most private and precious time with family. And it was here that she passed away, a little more than a year after her husband, Prince Phillip passed.

These are just a few of the famous people we loved who passed away in 2022. It’s worth a moment as we move on, to reflect on the past and appreciate their positive influences. Hopefully we can all leave the world a better, happier, more peaceful and fair world, the way these people did.

December is a great time for movies. Studios release some of the biggest, most anticipated films of the year right before the holidays, and before the end of the year so they can be considered for awards. This December, there are some amazing films coming out. Let’s see what they are, and who we’ll see on the big screen this winter.

Avatar: The Way of Water

In 2009, famed director James Cameron took his audiences to Pandora, a faraway planet, for a 3D adventure the likes of which film-goers had never before seen. And now, on December 16, we get to go back.

James Cameron’s Malibu Estate

James Cameron has made a name for himself directing blockbuster films like Titanic and Avatar. With his share of the $7 billion his films have earned, Cameron has done a lot of things, including buying not one but two Malibu estates, right next to each other.

He sold one estate in 2021, for roughly double what he paid in 2003, but he’s held onto the larger property, which he bought for $3.5 million in 1989. The six bedroom, seven bath residence has a pool, tennis court (the other estate did not), a spa, lounge, and more, all spread over two acres.

Earlier, he tried to sell the entire estate as a whole, but did not find anyone willing to plunk down the $25 million asking price. Whether or not he sells the second estate, it’s no big deal since he’s worth a cool $700 million, or more.

James Cameron’s New Zealand Estate

The Canadian director spent so much time in Hollywood, but never truly loved the vibe in the area, and in the US. During the filming of the original Avatar, Cameron fell in love withe the island country of New Zealand, and began buying property there in 2012.

In 2021, he and his wife moved full-time to New Zealand, and hope to gain citizenship there soon. They moved to an estate they started working on in 2012, when they bought two farms near Lake Pounui, a beautiful and unique place on Earth that evokes the mythical beauty of Cameron’s Pandora from the film.

Sigourney Weaver’s California Condo

Sigourney Weaver has been acting for decades, but her characters are always fresh and exciting, and that’s true in the Avatar sequel. The actress, with a net worth of $60 million, and her husband of 38 years, Jim Simpson, spend most of their time in New York.

But when the couple travel to California, they spend time in their Santa Barbara condo, often spending time with their daughter.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Avatar isn’t the only sequel looking to make a big splash this December. Puss in Boots, which was originally released in 2011, has a surefire hit, since families love to go to the movies for kid-friendly shows during the time off from school.

Antonio Banderas’ New Home in Spain

Antonio Banderas made around $5 million to lend his voice to a dashing, daring cat for this film, but it’s not just the second time he’s lent his voice to Puss. The boot-legged feline appeared in several Shrek films, creating a funny crossover that kids and grownups alike loved.

Banderas once spent a lot of time in California, but in recent years moved back to Europe. He lived for a time in England, but recently sold that estate and moved to his home region of Málaga, Spain. He’s maintained a residence there for years, and even lived there part-time with his then-wife Melanie Griffith. He spent much of 2020 and 2021 here (and in another home nearby) and has committed to making the area his permanent home now.

Salma Hayek’s London Residence

It’s not the first time Banderas has starred in a film with Salma Hayek, his Puss in Boots costar. The two Spanish-speaking actors rose to fame in Hollywood in the action film Desperado.

Salma is one of Hollywood’s most impressive actresses, but she spends much of her time away from the big screen. Married to one of the richest men in the world, she has a gorgeous home on one of the most sought-after streets in London. Justin Bieber once rented the place for around $150,000 per month! With all that, rumor has it the house is haunted, but Salma says the paranormal residents “have a good vibe”.

These are just a few faces (and voices) that will be hitting the big screen in December. When you get a look at where they live, you know for sure, show business is a good business to be in!

Enjoy your time at the movies!

 

Today, Vanessa Hudgens turns 34, so in honor of her birthday, let’s take a look at her life, and some of the awesome people in her life who might be wishing her a happy birthday!

Current Los Angeles Home

Vanessa dropped $7.5 million earlier this year on a new mansion in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. The home was originally built in the 1960s, but was completely redone this year, giving the home all the current styles and upgrades someone like Vanessa would love.

It has about 7,500 square feet of living space, five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and multiple balconies, patios, an infinity pool, and more spread out over the 1.25 acre property.

First LA Home

Vanessa must really like Studio City. Her first major real estate purchase was just around the corner from her newest buy, literally. She bought this smaller home in 2008, and while she moved on to a bigger home awhile ago, she didn’t sell this home until 2019. She put it on the market for about $3.85 million, more than a million more than she paid for it a decade earlier.

From the beginning, her real estate flair was obvious, as she made several well-planned design upgrades, including painting the exterior a more modern and appealing white.

Los Feliz House

Vanessa, ever on the move, bought this Los Feliz house in 2018 for about $5 million, and immediately set about making upgrades and alterations. She did a complete overhaul of the kitchen, involving a famous designer to upgrade the master suite, and adding “feminine” touches throughout the home.

She sold the house to Jon Lovett and Ronan Farrow for about $6.7 million in an off-the-books sale in 2022, certainly making a tidy profit in the process.

East High School, from High School Musical

In 2006, Disney released High School Musical, one of the most famous teen shows produced on the network. It was an immediate success, and a second and third film followed quickly. The main actors quickly became stars.

Many of the scenes from the films were done at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 100-year old structure was rebuilt in 1997. An incredible number of famous people have walked through these halls, including Roseanne Barr, Elizabeth Smart, multiple US representatives, a governor, and two astronauts!

Ashley Tisdale’s Recent Sale

Ashley Tisdale was right there with Vanessa as the two girls shot to stardom in the High School Musical series. And like Vanessa, she’s into investing in real estate. She recently sold this gorgeous Mediterranean-style home in Los Angeles for a tidy $1 million profit.

The woman who bought the home may just be another Vanessa and Ashley in the making. Madison Beer, is a 23 year old influencer best known for being Justin Bieber’s friend and having great makeup advice, has already flipped a mansion of her own!

The three-bedroom villa from the turn of the last century has a gorgeous open floor plan, amazingly private landscaping, and an impressive Olympic-length swimming pool. It’s a perfect place for someone to take gorgeous pictures and encourage followers to live their best lives.

Will Smith’s Impressive Estate

Over the years, Vanessa has made movies with lots of celebrities, but few rise to the talent and fame of Will Smith. In 2020, she starred in Bad Boys for Life, a continuation of the series from the 1990s.

Will Smith’s Calabasas estate is as big as his reputation. The house itself is at least 25,000 square feet, has nine bedrooms, a meditation room, pool room, recording studio, and home theater, and that’s just inside! Outside, there’s a lake, a pool, a basketball court, volleyball court, and more.

Looking back, Vanessa has done a lot in Hollywood! She’s made several hit movies with massive celebrities, and become a celebrity herself, had #1 Billboard hits,and made good much money flipping homes. And she’s only 34! It’s a sure bet she has lots more planned, and this year will be a great one. Happy Birthday, Vanessa!

Every year on December 10, five prizes are awarded to “those who have benefited mankind” in areas such as physics, medicine, literature, chemistry, economics, and peace. The recipients of the award, known as “laureates” receive a monetary award (around $1.4 million in 2022) and a gold medal with the image of Alfred Nobel engraved on the front.

Let’s take a little tour and learn about the man who created the famous awards, and some remarkable recipients of the recognition.

Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, a powerful explosive he intended to be used for mining and industrial purposes, but was quickly modified for wartime purposes. His inventions made him incredibly wealthy, and when he died he established the awards as a legacy, perhaps in an effort to do some good to outweigh the bad caused by his invention of dynamite.

Alfred Nobel was born in present-day Sweden, but he spent time all across Europe, and even lived in America. But after living in Paris for years, he moved to San Remo, Italy, where he spent the last five years of his life. Here, in his mansion, he died on December 10, 1896.

The home is  being converted to a museum dedicated to the scientist.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie is one of the most influential and important scientists, and she is the only person to receive a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields: both chemistry and physics. She and her husband Pierre studied radiation, its uses and effects. She and Pierre, and another scientist, were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1903. Later, after Pierre was killed in an accident, Marie was again given the award in 1911.

Marie continued to study radium until her death, demonstrating an unyielding devotion to science and the pursuit of knowledge. The University of Paris, where she and her husband taught and researched, created the Curie Institute for Marie in 1911.

On the bottom floor of the main building is a museum where people can come to learn more about the radioactive element and the revolutionary woman who devoted her life to its study.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama made history when he was elected the first Black president of the United States. Shortly after, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace, for his work to “strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”. It was a remarkable honor for the new president, and not without some controversy.

After serving two terms in office, Obama and his family moved to a residence in the popular Kalorama area of Washington, D.C. The family may either rent or own the nine-bedroom 100 year old mansion. The home has been completely updated and upgraded, and is a great place for the family to live.

Bob Dylan

Another American laureate is folk singer Bob Dylan. No, there’s not an award for music; Dylan was awarded the Literature prize for “having created new poetic expression within the great American song tradition”.

Dylan is one of the most successful artists of all time, with a net worth of more than $450 million. But he still lives in a home he bought in 1979 for $106,000! He has bought several neighboring properties and expanded the main home so that it’s at least 6,000 square feet. The quirky musician does have a little shack on his property, which he might visit when he needs to take a step back and away from the busy life of a celebrity.

Rudyard Kipling

While you may not recognize his name, you’re certainly familiar with the works of Rudyard Kipling. The creative English author wrote The Jungle Book and many other fanciful childhood stories. Raised in India, he incorporated the stories and images from the subcontinent in his stories. He was awarded the Nobel prize in Literature in 1907.

He lived a fairly transient lifestyle, moving every two or three years, until 1902, when he and his family settled down in East Sussex, in a 15th century mansion. By then he was a famed author, labeled the poet of the empire, and given many awards and accolades, including the Nobel Prize.

Kipling wrote magical tales, but also highlighted political and social problems, and his life was not without struggle, too. He was abused as a child by a nanny, suffered through the childhood death of his firstborn, and like so many, had a son die in World War I.

The Kipling home was donated to the government, and is maintained as a historical structure.

The Nobel Prize serves as a way to remind ourselves that the good in humanity can always outweigh the bad, if we allow it, and if we know where to look.