You know those celebrity homes that just scream personality? The Buddy Hackett house is exactly that. This isn’t your typical Beverly Hills mansion with boring beige walls and zero character. We’re talking about a legendary comedian’s longtime residence—where comedy royalty gathered, stories flowed, and memories were made. Hackett owned this place from 1952 until he died in 2003, and it tells a story that goes way beyond square footage. If you’re curious about where one of Hollywood’s funniest voices actually lived, hung out, and hosted his crew, you’re in the right spot.
The Man Behind the Mansion
Buddy Hackett made a name cracking jokes and stealing scenes in classics like “The Music Man” and “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” He served in World War II before launching his acting career in the 1950s. His roles in “Walking My Baby Back Home” and “The Love Bug” cemented his status as a household name across America. You’d also catch him as a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” where his wit kept audiences hooked. The sitcom “Stanley” even featured him in the lead role, proving his range went beyond just movie screens. When he passed away in 2003 at his Malibu beach house, he left behind a legacy that still makes people laugh today.
Where Comedy Legends Gathered
The Buddy Hackett house sits on a corner lot spanning an entire acre, directly across from the Los Angeles Country Club. His widow, Sherry Cohen, currently owns the property and has listed it for $18 million. The single-story home covers approximately 7,800 square feet and features a distinctive U-shaped layout. Two separate driveways lead to the entrance, where a custom elephant statue stands guard at the center. Gene Shacove, the legendary hairstylist-to-the-stars, gifted that elephant to Hackett personally. It’s quirky, memorable, and perfectly captures Hackett’s playful spirit.
The location itself carries serious prestige. Beverly Hills Flats has been home to Jimmy Stewart, Diane Keaton, and Simon Cowell over the years. This neighborhood of tree-lined streets and stately residences has seen its share of Hollywood history unfold. Howard Hughes famously crashed an experimental plane here in July 1947, taking out three homes in the process. Just a month earlier, gangster Bugsy Siegel was gunned down at his girlfriend Virginia Hill’s place nearby. History runs deep in these streets, and Hackett’s home sits right in the middle of it all.
The Dining Room That Defined an Era
Here’s where things get interesting. The dining room in the Buddy Hackett house could seat over 32 people at once, thanks to its impressive size and layout. Hackett hosted weekly luncheons for fellow comedians, turning his home into comedy’s unofficial headquarters. Don Rickles, George Burns, and Jack Carter were regular guests at these legendary gatherings. Phyllis Diller once said, “If you’ve been invited to one of Buddy Hackett’s lunches, you know you’ve arrived as a comedian.” That quote alone tells you everything about the weight these luncheons carried in the comedy world back then.
The dining room features wood-paneled walls and mirrored ceilings that create a dramatic, unforgettable atmosphere. You can almost picture the scene: comedians swapping stories, testing new material, and roasting each other over lunch. These weren’t formal affairs—just talented people enjoying each other’s company in a space designed for connection. The room itself became a character in countless untold stories from Hollywood’s golden age of comedy.
Inside the Property’s Unique Features
Beyond the famous dining room, the home offers plenty of spaces designed for entertainment and relaxation. The living room includes a brick fireplace that adds warmth and classic charm to the space. A massive lounge area comes complete with a wet bar and billiards room for hosting guests. Outside, the property features a swimming pool with a diving board and a sunken tennis court with stadium seating. The tennis court setup suggests Hackett enjoyed watching matches as much as playing them, creating a mini-venue right at home.
The home’s condition tells an interesting story about potential and possibility. The interiors could definitely use a remodel, giving buyers two distinct options moving forward. They can either update the existing structure while preserving its storied past and unique character. Or they can erect a brand-new mansion of up to 20,000 square feet and add a second story. That second story would take full advantage of the stunning golf course views overlooking the Los Angeles Country Club.
A Property with Multiple Identities
Here’s something worth clarifying: Buddy Hackett actually lived in two different Beverly Hills properties during his time there. Before settling into his longtime home, he resided at 718 Walden Drive, just a few doors down the street. That Spanish-style compound, known as Walden House, dates back to 1929 and sits on almost a half-acre lot. The current owners recently completed an extensive top-to-bottom renovation, transforming it into essentially a brand-new house. Rochelle Maize of Nourmand & Associates handled the listing for this property when it hit the market.
The renovated Walden House features four bedrooms and seven bathrooms across just over 7,700 square feet of living space. The overhaul preserved original architectural details like creamy white stucco, terracotta roof, and exposed wood ceilings throughout. New electrical and plumbing systems were installed, along with high-definition security cameras and a Nest thermostat home automation system. The chef’s kitchen boasts an impressive 12-foot center island and top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. An entertainment lounge with a wet bar, a 40-foot swimming pool, and even space for a regulation pickleball court round out the amenities.
Real Estate Value and Market Positioning
Both properties carry the Buddy Hackett name, but they serve different markets and buyer preferences in today’s real estate landscape. The $18 million price tag on his longtime family home reflects the land value, location, and historical significance. That acre lot across from the country club represents prime Beverly Hills real estate, regardless of the home’s current condition. Buyers looking at this property are essentially investing in the land and the stories that come with it.
The renovated Walden House, also priced around $18 million, appeals to buyers wanting move-in-ready luxury with historical character. The complete renovation means no immediate work is required, just unpack and enjoy. Both properties sit in the prestigious Beverly Hills Flats neighborhood, where homes regularly command premium prices. The Los Angeles Country Club location adds another layer of exclusivity and desirability to either property.
Why This Home Matters Beyond Square Footage
The Buddy Hackett house represents more than just celebrity real estate—it’s a piece of entertainment history. Those weekly luncheons shaped comedy in ways most people never realized, creating connections and collaborations that influenced television and film. The home witnessed countless moments of creative genius, where legends bounced ideas off each other in an informal, supportive environment. You can’t put a price tag on that kind of cultural significance.
For buyers, owning this property means becoming a steward of that legacy, whether they preserve it or build something new. The stories embedded in these walls don’t disappear just because the structure might change. They become part of the property’s permanent DNA, adding depth and meaning to whatever comes next. That’s what makes historic celebrity homes like this one so fascinating—they bridge past and present in ways regular real estate never could.
The Buddy Hackett house stands as a testament to a comedian who knew how to live, entertain, and bring people together. Whether you’re drawn to the property’s entertainment history, its prime Beverly Hills location, or the potential it offers, there’s no denying its unique appeal. This isn’t just another luxury listing—it’s a chance to own a piece of Hollywood’s comedy history.