Explore the individuals, which were well known as a resident, major contributor to the community or frequent visitor to the city.
There are 1,000s of historical images of these and many more people in our archives.
Come back often to see more Who’s Who!
Baron Michele Leone - The Baron Wrestler
Baron Michele Leone, world renowned wrestler who came to Santa Monica in 1949 and that began his lifelong love affair with Santa Monica. He loved everything about the city, from the people to its many scenic attractions like the pier, but he especially loved the sun, the beach and the ocean.
The Baron (as he became known) was extremely popular in southern California during his career as a professional wrestler from the Ocean Park Arena and many Hollywood starlets and actors would attend his matches.
Mrs. Leone’s donation sponsored a permanent exhibit featuring highlights of The Baron’s career.
Photo: Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.3084) – view archives
Shirley Temple Actress
Shirley Temple, born in Santa Monica, was a famous child actress, a singer, dancer and diplomat. Shirley Temple continues to have a big following here in Santa Monica and The Santa Monica History Museum holds an annual tea party event in her honor.
The museum has hosted several exhibits of her child movie film dresses and many rare memorabilia, most notably: “The Depressions’s Box Office Doll“, “Biggest Little Star“, “Love, Shirley Temple”.
The Santa Monica History Museum had one of the largest exhibitions of Shirley Temple artifacts.
In 2021, an online exhibit was released in honor of her birthday.
John F. Kennedy President
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. JFK was a frequent visitor to Santa Monica. He swam in the ocean and visited the surrounding area. His brother Robert (Bobby) Kennedy visited the Georgian Hotel here in Santa Monica.
Other members of the Kennedy family often came to the Los Angeles area to give speeches, attend ceremonies and visit Santa Monica.
Kennedy images in our archives
Photo: Bob Smith Collection (1998.2.143) – view archives
Arnold Schwarzenegger 38th Governor of California / Bodybuilder / Actor
Arnold Schwarzenegger was the 38th governor of California and previously a bodybuilder and actor. Shortly after arriving to the United States, he chose Santa Monica to live. In the 1970s, he attended Santa Monica College and UCLA extension. His restaurant, Schatzi On Main, opened in Santa Monica in 1992 and later sold in 1998. It was located at 3110 Main Street.
Photo: Outlook Collection (1998.1.33) – view archives
Gift Shop: Muscle Beach
Arcadia Bandini de Baker Wife of City Founder
Arcadia Bandini de Baker was the daughter of Juan Bandini, one of the wealthiest landowners in California. Arcadia purchased her husband’s holdings on February 4, 1879 for business and personal reasons. She became a business partner of Senator John P. Jones. Together they donated land for schools, churches and parks, including the Palisades Park, then called Linda Vista Park. After her husband’s death, she lived in a modest cottage on Ocean Avenue. Arcadia died in September, 1912.
A statue of her can be found in the rose garden at Palisades Park, Santa Monica.
Photo: Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.4) – view archives