Rita Hayworth, the Hollywood legend known as the Love Goddessled a life as captivating as her on-screen roles. From her modest beginnings in Woodside, Queens, to her royal marriage and glamorous residences, Hayworth’s life was a tapestry of extraordinary moments. Her homes, scattered across the globe, offer a glimpse into her personal world, far from the spotlight.
Born Margarita Carmen Cansino in 1918, Hayworth’s journey from a dancing prodigy to a Hollywood icon is a story of talent, resilience, and glamour. Her residences, from a Beverly Hills mansion to a villa on the French Riviera, reflect the different chapters of her life. Let’s explore the homes that shaped the life of this extraordinary woman.
Early Years and First Steps in Hollywood
Hayworth’s early life was marked by her passion for dance. At just five years old, she began studying classic Spanish dancing. By the age of 10, she was performing with her father in an act called The Dancing Cansinos. A pivotal moment came when she was scouted by executives from Fox Studios while performing in Mexico. This led to her debut in the 1935 film Dante’s Infernoalongside Spencer Tracy.
The family’s move to Los Angeles in 1928 marked a new beginning. They lived in a bungalow on Stearns Drive, where young Margarita honed her skills. Her first Hollywood home was a modest dwelling, a far cry from the glamour that would later define her life. However, it was here that the seeds of her future stardom were sown.
The Rise to Stardom and Marriages
By the 1940s, Hayworth had become a household name. Her roles in films like GildaCover Girland You Were Never Lovelier cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Her personal life was equally eventful. In 1937, she married Edward Judson, and the couple briefly lived in a 14-room mansion. However, their marriage ended in 1942.
Hayworth’s marriage to Orson Welles in 1943 brought her to a rented Brentwood mansion on Carmelina Drive. The home, featuring 10 rooms and a swimming pool, was a haven for the couple and their daughter, Rebecca. Welles even built a roofless solarium for Hayworth to sunbathe. Despite the comfort and contentment they found, the marriage ended in 1947 due to Welles’ infidelity and his inability to establish a true family life.
Royal Life and Later Years
In 1949, Hayworth married Prince Aly Khan, becoming a real-life princess. The couple resided in a three-story villa on the French Riviera, known as the Château de l’Horizon. The estate boasted 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a swimming pool with a slide leading directly into the Mediterranean Sea. It was adorned with artwork by renowned artists like Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
After separating from Khan in 1951, Hayworth returned to the United States and settled at a lakefront estate in Glenbrook, Nevada. She later moved to a modest bungalow in the Crystal Bay area of Lake Tahoe with her then-beau, Dick Haymes. Despite her glamorous life, Hayworth found comfort in these simpler surroundings.
Hayworth’s later years were marked by her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She spent her final days in an apartment in New York, cared for by her daughter Yasmin. Her legacy, however, lives on through her iconic films and the homes that witnessed her extraordinary life.
