Gia Scala’s Tragic Death—The Actress Was Found Dead at 38
Though best known for her role in The Guns of Navarone, Gia Scala's life ended tragically at just 38—some believe her spirit still lingers in her Hollywood Hills home.
Best known for her role as Anna in the 1961 Gregory Peck film The Guns of Navarone and as Theresa Renata in the 1957 drama The Garment Jungle, Scala also made memorable appearances in TV shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Tarzan, and The Islanders.
How did the young actress die?
On the night of April 30, 1972, 38-year-old Scala was found dead in her Hollywood Hills home. According to Los Angeles County Coroner Thomas Noguchi, the cause of death was accidental acute intoxication from ethanol and barbiturates.
Haunted house
Gia Scala resided at 7944 Woodrow Wilson Drive in the Hollywood Hills, a charming 1940 Cape Cod-style home she shared with her husband, actor Don Burnett. The residence featured two bedrooms, three bathrooms, maid’s quarters, and a den. Following their divorce in 1970, Scala retained ownership of the property.
After her passing, the house was purchased by actress Sally Kellerman, known for her role as Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan in M*A*S*H. Kellerman lived there for several decades and, in 1983, collaborated with architect Frank Gehry to renovate the property, adding a three-story contemporary wing with a rooftop garden.
In 2015, the home was acquired by singer Niall Horan of One Direction for $4 million. The property, encompassing 4,412 square feet, includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, spa, and gardens.
Notably, some former residents have claimed the house is haunted, attributing unexplained occurrences to Scala’s presence.