Chris Cooper

The Muppets (2011)

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The 2011 film version of “The Muppets” was shot primarily in the Los Angeles area.  The opening dance number, set it “Smalltown USA,” was filmed on the Warner Bros. Studios Lot.

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LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Gary, played by Jason Segel, runs into this school, where he meets up with Mary, played by Amy Adams.  This is also a set on the Warner lot.

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The Muppets studio was filmed at the real Jim Henson Company in Hollywood. It is the former site of Charlie Chaplin’s studios. Old photos of Chaplin standing outside can be found online, with much of the buildings still looking the same.

LOCATION: 1416 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Muppets Theater is the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood.

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LOCATION: 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The exterior gate of Kermit’s mansion is located in Encino.

LOCATION: 4545 White Oak Ave, Encino, CA 91316

The interior of Kermit’s mansion was filmed at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.  While the outside of the Greystone grounds is open daily and free to the public, opportunities to tour inside are somewhat rare.  The property is owned by the City of Beverly Hills and regularly accommodates productions and private events.  Therefore, only a few times a year is access to the inside of the estate possible.  Planning ahead is required if you’d like to see inside.

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LOCATION: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The same mansion has been featured in countless films, such as “The Big Lebowski,” “There Will Be Blood,” “The Social Network” and dozens more.

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Kermit begins trying to round up the Muppets and makes his way to Reno, Nevada to find Fozzie Bear.  The famous Reno Arch is seen during this scene.

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LOCATION: 155 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

The office of Tex Richman, played by Chris Cooper, can be found in Downtown Los Angeles.  The same building was seen in such films as “Barbie,” “Night Of The Comet,” “Cutter’s Way” and “Pretty Woman.”

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LOCATION: 333 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

This building serves as Gonzo’s factory. It has been featured in countless films and television series, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Divergent,” “Wrath Of Man,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “License To Drive,” “Unlawful Entry,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Child’s Play 2,” “Enough” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 635 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

American Beauty (1999)

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It is common practice in Hollywood to film exteriors of homes on location, while filming interiors on studio lots.  For the 1999 Sam Mendes film, “American Beauty,” an unusual approach was taken to film the exteriors on a studio lot and the interiors in real locations.

Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, lived at this house, the exterior of which was located on the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California.  The ranch was a small lot located apart from the main studio lot, and not open to public tours.  The entire ranch was demolished in 2023, with sound stages taking over the space. The house was also well known for having been used as the Griswold home in 1989’s “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”  It also appeared in “WandaVision,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Small Soldiers,” “Pleasantville” and more.

LOCATION: 411 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 (demolished)

The interiors of Lester’s home were filmed at this house, located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The exterior of the house was also featured in the TV series “Lizzie McGuire,” starring Hilary Duff.

LOCATION: 11388 Homedale St, Los Angeles, CA 90049

To the right of the Bernham house at the Warner Bros. Ranch was the exterior of the Colonel’s house.  This house was most well known for being Danny Glover’s home in the “Lethal Weapon” films.  Known as the Lindsay house, it also appeared in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “WandaVision,” The Three Stooges serials, “Pushing Daisies,” “The Middle” and many more. This set has also since been demolished.

LOCATION: 411 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 (demolished)

The interior of the Colonel’s house was filmed at this home near Hancock Park. The same house appeared in the film “Lady Bird.”

LOCATION: 330 S Windsor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90020

To the left of the Burnham house was the house of the two Jims, played by Scott Bakula and Sam Robards.  To stand on Blondie Street at the Warner Bros Ranch, where all three of the house exteriors were located, it really felt like you’re standing in a real neighborhood.  It’s only when you approach up close that the facades began to show. This set has likewise since been demolished.

LOCATION: 411 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 (demolished)

Lester takes a job at a fast food restaurant, where his wife unknowingly visits him at the drive through.

LOCATION: 20105 Saticoy St, Winnetka, CA 91306

Carolyn, played by Annette Bening, has an affair at the Top Hat Motel. The building can be found in North Hills.

LOCATION: 8525 Sepulveda Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343