One of the evolving entertainment industry’s newest career paths is one that might have seemed unthinkable a short time ago: that of the actor/YouTuber. Even just five years ago, most “serious” actors shunned YouTube, dismissing it as a place for wannabes and failed Hollywood hopefuls. But the platform’s popularity has only continued growing, with increasing numbers of young watchers craving the format’s more personal approach over what they consider staged and stilted traditional TV. Today, many popular YouTubers earn more money than big-name actors. And crafty actors, even successful ones, have realized the appeal of connecting to fans on a more intimate level. (It’s also a good way to keep the money rolling in when you’re in between acting projects, too.)
Madelaine Petsch is arguably one of the most successful hybrid actress-YouTubers. The “Riverdale” star already was famous thanks to her lucrative role as Cheryl Blossom on the hit CW series, but her new YouTube career has only broadened her appeal. To date, the 26-year-old has racked up nearly seven million subscribers and more than 250 million lifetime views on the platform, with her vlog-style, day-in-the-life approach reminiscent of Emma Chamberlain. Those sort of numbers, coupled with her “Riverdale” accolades, have enabled her to pay about $3.4 million for a stylish home in the Hollywood Hills.
Tucked away within the star-studded Outpost Estates enclave, where some of her nearest neighbors include Felicity Huffman, Winona Ryder and Danai Gurira, the Petsch residence is fully walled and gated for privacy, plus protected with a state-of-the-art security system. Built in 1937, the two-story house has a Mediterranean-inspired architectural bent, though the listing notes its interiors have been recently “reimagined with a focus on style and comfort.”
That reimagination includes clean-lined, contemporary decor. The step-down living room flaunts herringbone oak floors and a marble fireplace, while the combo office/den features oversized steel casement windows and doors, flooding the space with natural light. There’s also a well-scaled dining room adjoining a fully renovated chef’s kitchen with Wolf and SubZero appliances, plus a Calacatta marble island. All three of the home’s bedrooms are located upstairs, each with their own ensuite bath and the master with dual closets and a soaking tub.
A balcony outside the master bath overlooks the backyard, which is ensconced in a forest-like setting of tall trees. A spiral exterior staircase leads down to a back patio and faux grass lawn. For al fresco diners, there’s built-in banquette seating and a firepit, though the property does not currently contain a pool. But all those other amenities must’ve been highly enticing to Petsch, as records reveal she paid nearly $300,000 over the home’s asking price — always a strong indicator of a bidding war.
Born in Washington state to South African parents, Petsch spent her childhood between South Africa and the U.S., eventually moving permanently to Los Angeles in her early 20s. Now 26, the famously flame-haired entertainer is also known to the public for her current relationship with Miles Chamley-Watson, an Olympic bronze medal-winning foil fencer and former world champion.
Victoria Massengale and Michael Maguire of Compass held the listing; Danelle Lavin, also of Compass, repped the buyer.
-
alexis11
