Anderson, Eddie "Rochester," House
historic place
This is the Eddie "Rochester" Anderson House, located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Built in 1940, this two-story Colonial Revival residence was the home of Edmund "Rochester" Anderson. Anderson, a prominent African American radio, film, and television actor, lived here from 1940 until his death in 1977. He was known for his role as Rochester on The Jack Benny Program, becoming the first African American to have a regular role on a national radio show. By 1940, Anderson was the highest-paid African American actor in Hollywood. During World War II, he used his public platform to advocate for Black military aviators. After his death, Anderson willed his home to benefit individuals struggling with substance abuse. The property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020 and designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2022. This house is historically important as the residence of a pioneering African American entertainer and advocate.