This place has a fascinating history. Schwab’s Pharmacy wasn’t just somewhere you’d go for prescriptions; this Hollywood institution was a legendary hangout for movie stars, moguls, and dreamers alike. For a deeper dive into the pharmacy’s captivating past and eventual closure, explore LA-Future insights.
The Pharmacy’s Grand Opening
The story of Hollywood’s most iconic and longest-running pharmacy began with four Schwab brothers: Jack, Leon, Bernard, and Martin. Their parents, Polish immigrants, settled in Philadelphia, where the boys were born. All four pursued pharmaceutical degrees at the University of South Carolina, setting the stage for their future venture.
In 1932, the family purchased a run-down pharmacy located at 8024 Sunset Boulevard. This spot turned out to be right in the heart of modern-day Hollywood.
Across the street stood the famous Garden of Allah Club, and a trendy residential area was just next door. RKO, Columbia, and Republic studios were all nearby. While the location was prime, the pharmacy’s immense popularity truly stemmed from the owners’ resourcefulness, top-notch service, and genuine kindness.
Leon Schwab often recounted how thousands of struggling actors could count on a warm welcome and a free meal at Schwab’s. Their parents had always instilled in them the belief that no one should ever be turned away hungry.
Schwab’s Pharmacy: More Than Just Meds
Back in 1932, when the pharmacy first opened its doors, it was typical for such establishments to be a true hybrid. Schwab’s was a pharmacy, a newsstand, a shoe-shine stand, and a haberdashery all rolled into one. Los Angeles residents would swing by to cash checks, pick up their mail, and grab a cheap, quick bite. Patrons fondly remembered their hamburgers, eggs with onions, meatloaf, delicious pies, soups, and stews. Soda fountain drinks were another huge draw. The “soda jerks,” as they were called, were like non-alcoholic bartenders, expertly mixing malts, egg creams, and phosphate sodas.
The Schwab brothers went a step further, adding a bank of telephones and a paging service. This brilliant move allowed agents to connect with their clients around the clock. Satisfied customer reviews spread like wildfire, far more effectively than any advertisement. The establishment quickly became synonymous with a gathering place for successful individuals, aspiring artists, and those just beginning their journey to stardom. It’s worth noting that a monthly column in Photoplay, aptly titled “From a Stool at Schwab’s,” also boosted the pharmacy’s reputation. The column was penned by entertainment journalist Sidney Skolsky.
Leon Schwab even provided Sidney Skolsky with an office on the pharmacy’s second floor. Skolsky later produced the film “The Jolson Story,” which premiered right there at Schwab’s Pharmacy.
Schwab’s: Where Stars Met the Street
It was truly remarkable how stars and everyday Angelenos mingled at Schwab’s. Regulars included Hollywood royalty like Robert Taylor, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, the Marx Brothers, Shelley Winters, and Gloria Swanson, among many others. Records even show Charlie Chaplin was a frequent visitor, often making his own soda and playing pinball with fellow comedic legend Harold Lloyd. F. Scott Fitzgerald was another loyal customer, stopping by daily for a newspaper, a Coca-Cola, and some chocolate bars.
Lana Turner: A Hollywood Legend’s Mythical Start
The enduring legend claims Schwab’s Pharmacy was the spot where a chance encounter changed a 16-year-old girl’s destiny. The story goes that in January 1937, Judy (later known as Lana Turner) skipped class at Hollywood High to grab an ice cream at Schwab’s. There, director Mervyn LeRoy supposedly spotted her, transforming her into the ultimate sex symbol of the 1940s and 50s. It’s a fantastic tale, one that inspired countless aspiring stars to dream of their own lucky break. However, this widely circulated narrative is a myth. According to Lana herself, she was actually discovered a block from Hollywood High by Billy Wilkerson, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter.
Interestingly, when asked about the incident, Leon Schwab always insisted that the star was indeed discovered at his and his brothers’ establishment, even if she never admitted it.
The Curtain Falls: Schwab’s Closure
Schwab’s Pharmacy closed its doors in 1983. What remains? Memories and its enduring presence in cinema. For instance, at Paramount Studios, Schwab’s Pharmacy served as a set for the 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard,” a classic American film noir directed by Billy Wilder. The pharmacy also makes an appearance in the Netflix miniseries “Hollywood,” where Jack Castello’s wife, Henrietta, works alongside Erwin Kaye.
The closure of the beloved institution was abrupt, with Leon Schwab publicly citing “family reasons.” The news shocked both employees and loyal customers. In 1988, the building was demolished to make way for a large retail complex. A Virgin Megastore opened in 1992, but it never achieved the legendary status of Schwab’s Pharmacy.
In 2003, plans were even drawn up to bring Schwab’s Pharmacy back as part of the Sunset + Vine complex. But these remained just plans, and the hoped-for revival never came to fruition.