About

Paul R. Williams, architect

History:

This was the residence of Lawrence Gray, a prominent actor who was was born on July 28, 1898 in San Francisco. When he was living with his parents on Ambrose Avenue in 1930 he was a popular leading man in films. He had first started working as a production superintendent at Paramount Studios when friends (including Bebe Daniels) pushed him into acting. He had his big break in 1925 when he starred in “The Dressmaker From Paris.” He was one of those who successfully transitioned into talking films. During his career (1925-1936), he appeared in 45 films and appeared opposite such female stars as Marion Davies, Joan Crawford, and Louise Brooks. After 1936, he was involved in production and acted as a liaison between American and Mexican film companies. He passed away February 2, 1970 in Mexico City.

See article in Los Angeles Times, 5/10/92.

See biography of architect Paul R. Williams in Los Angeles Times, 8/8/99, E p. 1 & 3)

See real estate brochure. Offered at $899,000, March, 1998

1930 Census:
5112 Ambrose Avenue (Value: $35,000): (some not possible to read): 1) Henry Gray, owner and head of household; 66 year old white married male; married at age 26; born in Northern Ireland; parents born In Northern Ireland; to U.S. in 1883, a naturalized citizen; not working. 2) Mamie L. Gray, wife; 60 year old white married female; married at age 20; born in California; father born in Northern Ireland, mother in California; not working. 3) ??? H. Gray, son; 31 year old single white male; born in California; an actor in the motion picture industry. 4) Hardy Lewis, servant; 45 year old married Negro male; married at age 42; born in Texas; parents born in Texas; a servant in a private family. 5) Rose ? Lewis, servant; 24 year old married Negro female; married at age 17; born in Texas; parents born in Texas; a servant in a private family. 6) Suzanne ? F???p, servant; 24 year old divorced Negro female; married at age 18; born in Ohio; parents born in Ohio; a servant in a private family. (71st ED, page 25A, lines 25-30).

1940 Census:
5112 Ambrose Avenue (Value $25,000): 1) Alfred Broadbent, head of household; white married male 50 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; chemist; earns $3,600. 2) Grace Broadbent, wife; white married female 48 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; not working. 3) Lindsey Broadbent, son; white single male 20 years of age; born in Delaware; in school. 4) Gwendolyn Broadbent, daughter; white female 14 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; in school. (ED 60-80; Page 8B; Lines 64-67).