In the 1970s, two of Hollywood’s most iconic actors—Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando—became next-door neighbors on Mulholland Drive, the winding ridge that overlooks Los Angeles.

Along with Warren Beatty, their presence gave the street its notorious nickname: “Bad Boy Drive.”

Known for their rebellious spirits and disregard for convention, Nicholson and Brando shared not only fame and fortune but also an enduring, if unconventional, friendship that spanned three decades.

Neighbors and Confidants

For 30 years, Nicholson and Brando lived side by side, sharing a driveway and a quiet mutual respect that transcended their wild reputations.

In a 2004 Rolling Stone tribute, Nicholson reflected, “Hell, he’s Brando—but we shared more than a driveway.

As a neighbor, he was perfect, a great guy who was always there for you.”

Both men valued privacy, yet their bond deepened as they aged, with Nicholson often visiting Brando as the latter’s health declined.

Brando’s Final Years

By the early 2000s, Brando’s health had severely deteriorated.

He suffered from diabetes, liver problems, and heart issues, eventually succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis in 2004 at the age of 80.

In his later years, Brando’s eccentricities were well-known—he even padlocked his refrigerator in an attempt to curb his eating, though it famously led him to sneak next door into Nicholson’s kitchen for food.

Despite his fame, Brando died deeply in debt, reportedly owing around $20 million.

Nicholson’s Purchase and a Difficult Decision

After Brando’s death, his home at 12900 Mulholland Drive was put up for auction to help settle his debts.

In 2005, Nicholson bought the property for $5 million, initially intending to preserve it or perhaps gift it to Brando’s many children.

However, the house had fallen into severe disrepair. Reports described it as “derelict” and infested with mold, making restoration nearly impossible.

A Tribute in the Form of a Garden

Rather than allow the structure to collapse completely, Nicholson made the emotional decision to demolish it in 2006.

In its place, he planted a garden of frangipani flowers—Brando’s favorite. The quiet, fragrant space became a living tribute to his late friend.

For Nicholson, the act was both practical and symbolic: a way to honor Brando’s memory while clearing away the decay that time and neglect had left behind.

Legacy of a Friendship

The demolition marked the end of an era for Mulholland Drive. What once symbolized Hollywood’s rebellious glamour became a story of friendship, respect, and impermanence.

Nicholson and Brando’s relationship—filled with humor, pranks, and mutual admiration—remains one of the most storied neighborly bonds in show business.

Though Brando’s home is gone, the garden that replaced it stands as a quiet memorial to two of cinema’s greatest icons and the strange, loyal friendship they shared above the city of dreams.