Notable Figures
from the Cockatoo Inn universeA short and sweet title for this section.
Owner, Cockatoo Inn
Milwaukeean Andy Lococo moved to Southern California in 1943, and worked in Oceanside before purchasing a dingy place called the Cockatoo Cafe. When a fire destroyed it in 1958, Lococo relaunched with lavish improvements. He ran for office in 1968. Labeled by the FBI as a member of organized crime, Andrew J. Lococo was convicted of perjury in 1970. After divesting of the Cockatoo, he was known for owning the largest tuna fishing vessel in the world.
He died in 1973 at the age of 55. Ownership of the Cockatoo Inn changed hands a number of times after his death. Despite the various legal battles and questions surrounding certain events, Andy led an extraordinary life that we will continue to detail on this site.
Manager, Cockatoo Inn
Frank was Andy Lococo’s cousin. According to an LA Times interview he gave, Frank was a manager at the Cockatoo Inn during the 1950s and 60s. He later purchased the Kopper Kart Restaurant in 1964. His love of restaurants and people was evident in his many workplaces from the Cockatoo Inn, Lococo’s, Del Rae, Kopper Kart and Hungry Tiger establishments.
Born in the Third Ward of Milwaukee, WI to Rose and Joseph Lococo, Frank was the oldest of four sons. After graduating from Lincoln High, Frank served in the US Army Air Corps. On his return, Frank married Mary Maggiore and raised sons Joe, Tony, Frank and Steve.
He passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in 2016.
(Source: The Los Angeles Times, Legacy)
Architect, Cockatoo Inn
Roy A. Sealey was a prominent architect who played an integral role in creating spaces that facilitated community. That included the Cockatoo Inn.
Working under renown architect, Paul Revere Williams, Sealey grew quickly and left to start his own firm. The famous story was that Williams said it should be a “leave of absence” in case it didn’t work out. Luckily for Sealey, that wasn’t the case.
Roy A. Sealey established himself as a premier architect in LA and of the Googie-style design. He worked for prominent institutions and even movie stars.
Read our full profile of Roy A. Sealey, including his early life, and some of his work around Los Angeles.
35th President of the United States
JFK was the 35th President of the United States. According to a 1997 New York Times article, he was rumored to have had a reserved room at the Cockatoo Inn. On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas – one of the most infamous and debated history events of the 20th century. Countless books, films and programs have been made discussing the various theories surrounding his assasination, life, and the “Kennedy Curse.” After his death, Congress enacted many of his proposals, including the Civil Rights Act and the Revenue Act of 1964.
Kennedy ranks highly in polls of U.S. presidents with historians and the general public.
American Actress
In the same New York Times article from 1997, actress and socialite Marilyn Monroe was rumored to have had rendezvoused at the Cockatoo Inn with at least one of the Kennedy brothers. As a child, Monroe – born Norma Jeane Mortenson – lived in Hawthorne, CA for a short time, a stone’s throw from the Cockatoo. By 1953, Monroe was one of the most marketable Hollywood stars; she had leading roles in the noir film Niagara, and the comedies Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. She was married retired baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman, The Crucible). She died August 4, 1962 in Los Angeles.
Film Director
Quentin Tarantino is the only known director to have captured the Cockatoo Inn on film with 1997’s Jackie Brown. This effort forever preserved the image of the now-razed Cockatoo Inn. He shot specific locations in the South Bay, and the Cockatoo had to be reopened and prepped before appearing in the film.
Tarantino burst onto the scene with the critically acclaimed, Reservoir Dogs (1992), and followed up with his magnum opus, Pulp Fiction in 1994. Other classics followed, including Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, Death Proof, and The Hateful Eight.
His most recent film, 2019’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino.
Former Cockatoo Inn Owners, Employees, Staff and Acts
This is a running tally of Cockatoo Inn associates that we have encountered, and those who have performed at the Cockatoo Inn or were have known to have performed there. If you know anyone on this list, their obituaries, photos, current whereabouts, or know of others not on this list, please email us or DM us @cockatooinn.
Singer, Pianist, Comedienne and Impressionist. Her “great piano styling was laced with comedy and a saucy hint of hi-camp.” c. 1980s.
Live music band who often played at the Cockatoo Inn late nights. c. 1980s.
The instrumental, vocal and comedy group performed at the Cockatoo Inn, c. 1960s. They were previously seen on the Arthur Godfrey Show.
Live band who played at Oktoberfest parties held at the Cockatoo Inn. c. 1980s.
Val had various jobs, like Assistant Bell Captain, chauffeur, etc. c. 1978. Check out these great pictures and more from our interview with Val!
Cook at the Cockatoo Inn, c. 1964-65. Check out our interview with Peter!
Assistant Manager of the Cockatoo Inn and former chef. c. 1981. Left the Cockatoo in 1982 to join the famous restaurant, Perino’s before it closed in 1986.
Director of Purchasing, c. Late 1980s – Early ’90s. Mary was kind enough to answer our questions in this interview – check it out!
Room service waiter from 1989 to 1994. Check out our interview with Favian!
Maître d’, c. 1981
Executive Housekeeper at the Cockatoo Inn, c. 1981. Formerly of Hilton Hotel Corp, Mrs. King had a long, distinguished career in hospitality management.
Maître d’, c. 1989
Bartender at the Cockatoo sometime between 1950-60s. View Allan’s picture and story.
Former owner of the Cockatoo Inn c. 1980s – early ’90s.
General Manager, c. 1981. He left in 1984 when he became vice president and general manager of the Palm Springs Marquis. Check out our write-up on Richard.
Cockatoo Inn Bell Service, c. 1978
Waitress, c. 1960s. Read what her daughter had to say about her fond Cockatoo memories.
Director of Sales, c. 1981. Formerly employed wth the Hacienda Hotel, El Segundo.
Food and Beverage Director, c. 1981. Formerly employed at the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Sales Manager, Cockatoo Inn, c. 1981. Graduated from Humboldt State, formerly worked at Hyatt Hotels. Was invited to try out for the US Olympic Soccer team.
Manager, interviewed new hires. c. 1978.
Manager, interviewed new hires. c. 1981.
Manager, interviewed new security. c. 1981.
Dining Room Manager, c. 1983.
Manager, interviewed new hires. c. 1980.
Manager, interviewed new clerical and admin hires. c. 1981.
Senior VP at California Hotels Corp. which managed the Cockatoo Inn, c. 1994.