Explore the bath spaces of celebrities who made it big in the decade.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

In the 1980s, culture was defined by bright, brash color, loud, upbeat music and, of course, celebrities who reached fame through popular movies such as Fatal Attraction and Sophie’s Choice. In this article, we’ll explore the baths of the big names of that decade, stepping into spaces that span from a European-inspired mansion in LA to a sophisticated penthouse in NYC.

1. Eddie Murphy’s LA Bath

Located in the famed Beverly Park neighborhood in California, Eddie Murphy’s expansive, mid-century villa includes 10 bedrooms, 17 baths and grounds with a swimming pool, a tennis court and a four-car garage. One of the many baths, pictured here, features a floral tiled floor, a dome vaulted ceiling with a waterfall-style chandelier and a tub that is the focal point of this luxurious space.  Murphy still lives in the home, which is worth a reported $30-$40 million. 

2. Glenn Close’s Country Bath

Famous in the ’80s for movies including Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons, actor Glenn Close’s country house was just an hour outside of New York City. Built in 1910, the five-bath, five-bedroom estate on nearly 11 acres was renovated by Reno, Shope and Wharton — making it a charming and contemporary home. This bath reflects that style, with its classic all white interior, mosaic tiling and wood paneling balanced by a marble surround and tub with jets and antique-style modern fixtures. (Close sold her longtime country house in 2020 for a reported $2.7 million.) 

3. Kurt Russell’s Beachfront Bath 

In 2011, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn put their beachfront home in Malibu on the market after living there for over 20 years. The two-story property featured a large courtyard, a meditation room, a guest house and a private path that led straight to the Pacific Ocean. Much of the home had stunning beach views, including the primary suite with its spa-inspired bath that featured wood paneling, marble surfaces and an oversized tub. The famous couple finally sold the home after a couple of years on the market for a reported $9.5 million, down from the original asking price of $14.7 million.

4. Meryl Streep’s NYC Penthouse Bath

Meryl Streep was already well-known in the ’80s, but she shot to super stardom with her dramatic turns in Sophie’s Choice and Out of Africa. In 2018, she put her Manhattan penthouse on the market, which included a wraparound terrace with gorgeous NYC views, natural light and this simple yet glamorous primary bath. The traditional and elegant clawfoot tub paired with  the fiddle-leaf fig plants along the window ledge created an idyllic, peaceful space. Streep sold the penthouse for a reported $15.8 million, down from an asking price of nearly $25 million.

5. Denzel Washington’s LA Bath 

Denzel Washington reportedly paid nearly $11 million for a Century City condo, which spans 8,150 square feet and features impressive LA views. The opulent space included six bedrooms, two living rooms, two entrances and eight baths, including this one. Featuring a shower with a view and a sunken tub, the retro black and white tiling give the bath a lavish yet refined feel.