Pia Zadora Demolishes Pickfair Mansion to Build Lavish Beverly Hills Fantasy Estate
In 1988, one of Hollywood’s most iconic homes met its end. Pickfair Mansion, the legendary Beverly Hills estate once owned by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, was purchased by actress Pia Zadora and her husband, businessman Meshulam Riklis. Their decision to demolish the historic residence sparked widespread backlash across the entertainment world.
The End of an Era
Built in 1919 and expanded by renowned architect Wallace Neff, Pickfair was often called “America’s first true movie palace.” Zadora claimed the home was beyond repair, leading to its demolition in 1990. Historians and preservationists disagreed, viewing the loss as a cultural tragedy. Many believed renovation was still possible, but the wrecking ball erased decades of Hollywood history in one decisive moment.
A New Vision of Beverly Hills Luxury
In place of Pickfair, Zadora and Riklis constructed a sprawling 25,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style estate. Complete with a private movie theater and mini-golf course, the design reflected their lavish lifestyle and deep ties to entertainment. For some, it marked a shift from Golden Age glamour to 1980s opulence.
Zadora, known for her roles in “The Lonely Lady” and “Hairspray,” stood by the controversial move, insisting the original structure was unsalvageable. Still, the legacy of Pickfair lives on in memory—its story a dramatic intersection of celebrity ambition and architectural loss.
Haunted Myths Surrounding Pickfair
Following its demolition, rumors swirled that Pickfair was haunted. Pia Zadora herself cited unexplained phenomena as part of the reason for tearing the mansion down. Stories of ghostly encounters quickly became part of the estate’s larger-than-life legacy.
Skeptics, however, viewed the supernatural claims as a distraction from the controversy surrounding the demolition. With no solid evidence to support the hauntings, historians and paranormal enthusiasts remain divided.
Yet like many historic estates, Pickfair’s haunted reputation only deepened its mystique—adding one more layer to the storied past of Hollywood’s most iconic lost home.
Mary Pickford’s Enduring Legacy in Hollywood
Mary Pickford, famously known as “America’s Sweetheart,” was a trailblazer in early Hollywood cinema. More than just a beloved actress, she was a visionary producer who helped reshape the film industry from behind the scenes.
In 1919, alongside Douglas Fairbanks, she co-founded United Artists—a groundbreaking move that gave actors and filmmakers control over their own work. This bold step redefined film distribution and empowered creative voices for generations.
Though Pickfair is gone, Pickford’s legacy lives on. Her influence continues to inspire actors, directors, and producers, securing her place as one of the most important figures in Hollywood history.
The Venetian Palazzo That Replaced Pickfair
In 2002, Pia Zadora and her husband Michael Jeffries made headlines once again by demolishing the rebuilt Pickfair estate to construct their own Venetian-inspired palazzo. Originally the home of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Pickfair had long been a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Zadora cited extensive termite damage and structural instability as reasons for the demolition. In its place, the couple envisioned a lavish estate modeled after classical Italian architecture, complete with marble courtyards and ornate frescoes.
The project drew widespread criticism from preservationists who viewed the move as a cultural loss. Many saw the razing of Pickfair as the erasure of a historic landmark tied to the origins of American cinema.
Still, supporters praised the couple’s ambition to craft a personalized and luxurious home. Their decision sparked a broader conversation about the balance between heritage preservation and private property rights in Beverly Hills.
The palazzo, while opulent and grand, came to symbolize more than architectural taste—it represented the evolving identity of Beverly Hills, where legacy and modern luxury often collide.
Hollywood’s Pickfair Gates: A Controversial Reunion
In 2008, Pia Zadora once again stirred headlines by purchasing the original gates from the historic Pickfair estate. Famous for their intricate design, the gates had been listed at auction by developers of the now-demolished property.
Zadora’s acquisition reignited debate over her connection to Pickfair. Critics, including preservation groups, argued the gates should remain part of a public heritage initiative rather than return to private ownership. The purchase, seen by some as symbolic, reflected her ongoing—and complicated—relationship with the estate’s legacy.
Zadora defended the decision, calling the gates a meaningful piece of history and personal nostalgia. Legal discussions surrounding the sale underscored the tension between property rights and cultural preservation.
To some, her effort to reclaim part of Pickfair represented a gesture of reconciliation—an attempt to honor Hollywood’s past while incorporating its remnants into her own evolving story. The transaction became yet another chapter in the long debate over what pieces of history truly belong to the public, and which remain private.
