Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are not the first people one would associate with caravanning. Neither is critically acclaimed actor and director Sean Penn. And while former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is famous for many things, owning a caravan is not one of them.
Yet all of the above are united by their professed love of the Airstream caravan. Since the first Airstream was made over seventy-five years ago, the camera fell in love with the iconic silver bullet. Now it seems that stars of the screen have also fallen for the distinctive aluminium trailer. Here we take a look at how Airstream Caravans have become part of Hollywood culture.
When one Airstream is not enough
The undoubted king of celebrity Airstream owners has to be Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. The Texan reputedly owns three Airstreams including an Ocean Breeze model, a refurbished 1958 classic, and a 2010 “Timeless” version which has been fully customised to the star’s tastes.
In 2008 McConaughey was permanently living in the $80,000 Ocean Breeze model with his pregnant girlfriend Camilla Alves at a Malibu caravan park. The large four-berth trailer boasts a queen sized bedroom as well as a full-sized washroom. A well appointed kitchen and roomy dinette made this the perfect home for the free-spirited star.
Batchelor pad
Brad Pitt is said to have a special fondness for his Airstream, a vintage 345 model which he nicknamed the “Luv Sub”. Yet when love hit the rocks in 2005 after separating from wife Jennifer Aniston, the actor was reported to have taken refuge in the Airstream for comfort and sleep. He may need an awning now, as the six berth caravan will not be enough to accommodate him, partner Angelina Jolie and their six children.
Whenever playboy Colin Farrell is filming in the US he likes to take his own accommodation in the form of his $120,000 Classic Airstream. The well-appointed caravan features a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom and shower, and a kitchen with its own pantry.
Three years ago Sean Penn had a scare when his Safari Airstream survived a fire at the house in Malibu he used to share with ex-wife Madonna. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are also reported to have owned and enjoyed the Airstream trailer.
The Airstream in pop culture
Perhaps the Airstream is so beloved by celebrities for the durability of its exterior, meaning vintage models can be brought right up to date and customised to the owner’s taste. And one owner recently pushed the boundaries of taste when she refitted her trailer to include a vibrating bed and stripper’s pole. Step forward Pamela Anderson, owner of an Airstream painted in custom white.
Finally, directors seem to turn to the silver bullet during filming. When Paris Hilton took a cross country trip with Nicole Ritchie in “The Simple Life” she towed an Airstream with a pink pickup truck. Two years ago leading music video director Anthony Mandler practically made an Airstream the co-star alongside Rihanna and Justin Timberlake in the promo for song “Rehab”. And last week Airstreams were seen on the set of Guy Ritchie’s latest film Sherlock Holmes 2.
With an ever-growing band of admirers, the Airstream seems to be the classic choice for stars needing a home from home.
If you would like to join the Airstream Group in the Caravan Times Community please click here.
