“ We did the show in our backyard ,” he says . Together , the duo centered their lip-synched spectacular around their pool at their property , where big name stars came to show their support . Without prompt , Jillson proudly recalls one name from the guest list that was hard to forget : “ Even Cher was there ,” he says . “ The Big Splash ” ran for over 25 years and raised over $ 8 million towards ASF and the fight against AIDS .
This was one of the many reasons the community could call Jillson and Roberts ’ house on the hill “ historic .” In fact , the first ASF meetings took place in their very own living room here , where the pair dwelled for 42 years .
Today , Jillson recalls the significance of his current home on Graceland Drive in Laguna , recently placed on the Historic Registry , which Roberts had built in 1969 . “ It was his beach house ,” he says . “ It was where we first met .” Not only is Jillson ’ s home one that commemorates his lifelong love , it ’ s one where he can continue to celebrate his passion for a life in pictures .
A LIFE IN PICTURES While there ’ s so much to cherish about Jillson ’ s home , there is one space that takes center stage : a vintage-style home movie theatre that he calls “ the Safari Cinema .” A spacious leopard rug , striped electric curtains and a neon “ Exit ” marquee are amongst the standout features of this guest-room-turned theatre .
From mocha leather chairs to a 1955 coinoperated horse , Jillson ’ s personality is present in every inch of the space , which he says was not “ designed by a designer . Every aspect of it is real ,” says Jillson . Likewise , memories and pieces of his life line the cinema ’ s walls in the form of safari artwork memorabilia and signed headshots from industry friends like Michael Jackson and Bea Arthur .
Jillson reveals that his favorite space , inspired by his friend , Rock Hudson , will be featured as part of an upcoming HBO Max documentary , which will also feature interviews with Jillson himself . When asked if he will be showing the movie at his theatre upon its release , he replies , “ Of course !”
There ’ s no other home more fit for the screen .
Top and above : The Graceland Drive guest house is a 1927 singlewall construction classic Laguna Beach cottage with two bedrooms and a loft . The main house , which Al Roberts built in 1969 , has 16-foot ceilings , a spiral staircase , an upstairs master bedroom , office , mini den and the new Safari Cinema Movie Theatre ( opposite page , right ), which will be featured in a new upcoming HBO Max documentary on Rock Hudson . Left : A painting by John Beezely , a Christmas gift from Jillson to his late partner , Roberts .
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