While Marilyn Monroe may have been the defining blonde bombshell of the 1950s, Jayne Mansfield might have been the most branded.
The actress and model was famous not only for her playful public persona that carried over into her on-screen self, but also her adoption of the color pink for her signature. In fact, it not only carried into her brand, but also her home.
Don't believe us? Check out Jayne's famed home in Sunset Boulevard, which she'd affectionately dubbed the "Pink Palace," and all the extravagant features that accompanied it…
© Getty ImagesThe Hollywood setting
In 1957, shortly before her second marriage, Jayne bought a Mediterranean style mansion at 10100 Sunset Boulevard in Holmby Hills. Reports on how large it really was vary, with some reports saying it was a property on three acres and had as many as 40 rooms, with others saying it had seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It was bought at the time for a reported $76,000.
© Getty ImagesPainting it pink
Quickly after purchasing the home, the Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? star got to work on giving it a complete makeover – aka, painting it pink all over. And for the task, she recruited her partner, bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay, who worked as a carpenter and plumber before he got into bodybuilding. Hence it became known as the "Pink Palace."
© Getty ImagesA family home
The "Pink Palace" was the home where Jayne welcomed her two children with Mickey, sons Miklós and Zoltán, her daughter with Nelson Sardelli, actress Mariska Hargitay, and her son with her third husband Matt Cimber, named Antonio. After her divorce with Mickey was finalized, Jayne kept the home until her death in 1967.
© Getty ImagesIts unique furnishings
Certainly, the emphasis on pink as a color scheme was one thing, but it wasn't the only eye-catching detail in the abode. From manicured lawns, a visitor would find themselves surrounded by a spiral staircase, Jayne's grand piano, and heart-shaped bathtubs. In fact, the bathrooms were also lined with pink shag rugs, from floor to ceiling.
© Getty ImagesThe heart-shaped motif
In fact, it wasn't just the bathtubs, but also the massive outdoor pool that was built into a heart shape. Mickey prepared a special gold inscription on the pool which sweetly read: "I love you Jaynie." Reportedly, there was also an outdoor fountain that spewed champagne instead of water.
© Getty ImagesWhat happened to Jayne's home after her death?
After her death, Mariska only lived in the home for a few years before moving away with her father, although she has visited the home several times since. British singer Engelbert Humperdinck was the home's next owner, and he eventually listed it for sale in 1990 for $8 million.
