Schwab’s Pharmacy

Ronald Reagan: “Who knows, maybe there’s an actor in you. This could be your big break. Beats hanging out at Schwab’s…”

This Lt. Reagan reference (which goes completely over Ollie’ head) is to Schwab’s Pharmacy, where, local legend had it, an aspiring actor or actress could be discovered.

The following is from Historical Hollywood Photographs, which is worth visiting for its fabulous collection of photographs of this classic Hollywood landmark.

“Schwab’s Pharmacy, located at 8024 Sunset Boulevard, was a popular hangout for movie actors and industry dealmakers from the 1930s to 1950s. Like many American drug stores in the mid-twentieth century, Schwab’s had a counter that served ice cream dishes and light meals, in addition to medicines and sundries. The Schwab enterprise was a family affair: Jack Schwab founded the Sunset Blvd location and brother Leon, after earning a pharmacy degree from USC, took it over after Jack’s death. Leon understood the potential of the pharmacy, which was close to motion picture studios, and began setting up delivery and charge accounts, even extending credit for out-of-work actors. Soon after the store opened in 1932, Hollywood’s famous began coming down from the hills to pick up sundries, gather to meet friends, or just relax over a soda or a coffee. Schwab’s became known for star sightings, attracting the attention of locals and tourists alike.

“One of the most popular legends was that Lana Turner was “discovered” while sipping a soda at the counter. (In reality, she was discovered at Tops Cafe across the street from Hollywood High School, which she attended). Among the patrons of the famous soda fountain were Orson Wells, Ava Gardner, Elvis Presley, Jack Nicholson, and columnist Sidney Skolsky. Charlie Chaplin and his son were also regulars. James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland had their prescriptions filled there. Schwab’s was also featured in the Paramount Studios film “Sunset Boulevard” starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden. The 50th anniversary of their Sunset Blvd location in 1982 was a major press event, but as the press was reporting on Schwab’s illustrious past, Leon was struggling to keep the business afloat. Schwab’s closed two years later and the building was demolished in 1988.”