Hollywood Pacific Theatre

Posted: 10.17.2019 | Updated: 11.14.2025

When we imagine a haunted place, it’s usually the dark and gloomy that come to mind: The dusty old Victorian mansion, the Civil War battlefield, or the deteriorating, abandoned old hospital. But sometimes, it’s the glitzy places, the glamorous locations filled with secrets of their dramatic pasts. That’s often the case in Hollywood, where some of the spirits of the golden age of cinema still linger, like the ghost at the Hollywood Pacific Theater. 

If you’re intrigued by the surprising stories of just how haunted a seemingly bright and sunny city can be, join LA Ghosts to discover the dark secrets that lurk amidst the glittering city lights. You’ll visit some of the most haunted hotspots around, led by an expert local guide. 

Is the Hollywood Pacific Theatre haunted?

Like most glittering Hollywood icons, this place has a fascinating past with some unexpected secrets. The Hollywood Pacific Theater, also known as the Warner Theater, is said to be haunted by the ghost of its founder, Sam Warner. Although Sam died in the 1920s, he has been spotted here regularly over the years. 

The Historical Hollywood Pacific Theater

The name “Warner” has conjured images of Hollywood for over a century now. In 1925, Sam Warner invested a fortune in creating the most cutting-edge movie theater possible. What was originally known as the Warner Brothers Theater became the first theater specifically designed for movies with sound – a brilliant way to market Warner Brothers movies by showcasing them at their very best. 

Originally, the theater was supposed to open with the premiere of the film that was expected to be the Warner Brothers’ next big success, The Jazz Singer. This was the very first “talkie”, with dialogue that played with the film instead of just background music – the exact kind of film this theater was designed to showcase. However, as with most big projects, delays kept popping up, and the film premiere had to be moved to the Warner’s theater in New York instead. 

Unfortunately, Sam Warner did not make it to the premiere of his new theater, or even the film. Just six months before the theater’s grand opening, his sinus infection spread into his brain. Despite multiple surgeries, he also developed pneumonia and died at just 40 years old, on the night before The Jazz Singer premiere.

Thanks to its prime location on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the theater has a film career of its own, appearing in the background of countless movies. 

The building went through nearly constant updates as film technology evolved, but after being seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1994, it never quite recovered. Although the theater has been protected as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, its future remains uncertain. Today, it has been boarded up and vacant for over a decade, but the spirit of the place remained, and so did Sam. 

A Fright at the Movies

Sam may not have physically made it to opening night at what’s now the Hollywood Pacific Theater. Still, his dedication to the movies seems to have left his spirit unable to leave unfinished business behind. 

The Ghostly Greeter

LA locals have spotted Sam standing near the entrance to the theater or pacing near his memorial plaque in the lobby. Since the building has been empty for so long, some think he is hanging out near the entrance to try to drum up business. 

The idea is a bit sad from both sides: Sam probably can’t quite figure out why nobody is accepting his invitation to come in and watch a film, while passersby have no idea they’re right next to a Hollywood legend, who just happens to be invisible most of the time. 

The Work is Never Done

Security guards in years when the building was still in regular use got an impressive show on nights when Sam was feeling especially dedicated to his work. They’d watch as Sam crossed the lobby, pressed the elevator button, and got on. They watched the numbers, noticing that it always stopped on the floor where the executive offices were.

So far, every attempt to revitalize the empty theater has failed. Maybe it’s bad luck, or maybe Sam has come to enjoy having the theater to himself. He poured so much of himself into its design and planning, but it seems he’s not done with it yet.

Haunted Los Angeles

Although you can no longer catch a film at the Hollywood Pacific Theater, you may catch Sam there if your timing is lucky. Even if you don’t see him, you can see the Walk of Fame star of one of the theater’s former ushers, Carol Burnett, right outside.

Whether she chose the location because she loved working here or because she’s still a bit bitter about being fired from her usher job remains a mystery. In fact, you’ll find quite a few mysteries nearby.

Dramatic lives and deaths are a perfect recipe for ghosts, and the Hollywood Pacific Theater is far from the only haunted place around. To learn more about Los Angeles’ storied past and the tragic tales that led to it being so haunted, take a tour with LA Ghosts. 

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Sources:

• https://afterthefinalcurtain.net/2017/07/18/warner-pacific-theatre-hollywood-ca/

• https://www.britannica.com/list/8-hollywood-haunts-that-are-seriously-haunted

• https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2017/02/warner-hollywood-overview.html