Coronado Island Celebrities (Past and Present)

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Celebrities Flock to the Hotel Del Coronado:

Since its opening in 1888, The Del has been the premier resort destination on the West Coast, hosting 11 U.S. presidents, dignitaries and discerning travelers from around the world. Hollywood has also played a special part in creating the mystique of The Del. It was here, in 1958, that Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon filmed the comedy classic Some Like It Hot. The Del has remained a playground by the sea for many celebrities through the years. Legendary beauties such as Lana Turner, Judy Garland and Lauren Bacall lounged by the pool, and leading men including Clark Cable, Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas strolled the sandy beaches. Continuing the tradition, celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson and Oprah Winfrey have all enjoyed relaxing respites at the legendary resort.

The above paragrah and photo are courtesy of the Hotel Del Coronado.

Movie Stars in Coronado:

Tony Curtis (Some Like It Hot movie was partially filmed in Coronado)

Jack Lemon (Some Like It Hot movie was partially filmed in Coronado)

Marilyn Monroe (Some Like It Hot movie was partially filmed in Coronado)

Peter O'Toole (The Stunt Man movie was partially filmed in Coronado)

Denzel Washington (Antwone Fisher movie was partially filmed on North Island on Coronado)

One time, I saw Robert Patrick walking on Orange Avenue towards the Hotel Del...true story!

Presidents and Kings:

The following United States presidents have stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado: Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

One of the resort's most famous visitors was England's Prince of Wales in 1920. He would later become King Edward VIII, only to give up his throne in 1936 to marry Coronado divorcee Wallis Spencer Simpson. Many have speculated that they may have first met at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Rumor has it that President Clinton was having an affair with Larry Lawrence's wife Sheila...yikes!

Famous & Notable Residents & Visitors:

L. Frank Baum - Wizard of Oz author who wrote books in Coronado. In the Wizard of Oz series, the name and description of "Emerald City" is said to have been inspired by the Hotel Del & Coronado Island.

Cam Cameron - NFL football coach (former head coach of the Miami Dolphins) and has a home in Coronado.

Black Belt Jones (Jim Kelly) - Famous martial arts athlete / actor and local Coronado tennis pro.

Charles Lindbergh - Famed aviator started first trans-atlantic flight from Coronado.

Donny Osmond - American entertainer, singer, musician, actor and former teen idol. See above below.

Kate Morgan - Ghost found at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Orville Redenbacher - Businessman behind the leading brand of popcorn.

Nick Reynolds - Founding member of The Kingston Trio group.

John D. Spreckels - Sugar baron whose home was the Glorietta Bay Inn and helped develop Coronado.

Scott Weiland - Stone Temple Pilots lead singer.

Vice Admiral James Stockdale - Military Hero and he ran for VP in 1992.



Donny Osmond (celebrity) & Steve Johnson (mere mortal) at Mootime.
(Please note that Elvis is alive and well in the background)



If you have any additional celebrities or famous poeple to add to this page, let us know.


Related link:

Celebrities (and non-celebs) get their hair styled & cut from the Yamaguchi Salon at the Hotel Del.