You’ve probably heard the name in passing if you're a fan of classic Hollywood trivia or California real estate history. Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr. isn’t exactly a household name for the average person today, but he sat at the intersection of fame, hospitality, and a very specific era of American celebrity culture.
Most people know him through his connections. He was the son of a prominent developer and the ex-husband of actress Tina Cole, best known as Katie Miller from My Three Sons. If you dig a little deeper, you find a man who spent a significant chunk of his life managing a landmark that became a sanctuary for travelers and actors alike.
The Legacy of the Beverly Garland Motor Lodge
It’s impossible to talk about Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr. without talking about the North Hollywood hotel scene. His father, Fillmore Crank Sr., was a successful contractor and developer who married the legendary actress Beverly Garland. Together, the elder Crank and Garland built the Beverly Garland Motor Lodge (now known simply as The Garland) in 1972.
Fillmore Jr. didn't just sit on the sidelines of the family business. He jumped into the thick of it. He served as the owner and general manager of the lodge for years.
Running a hotel in North Hollywood isn't just about clean sheets and continental breakfasts. It’s about managing personalities. In the late 70s, the lodge was a hub. You’d see athletes, stars, and business moguls passing through the lobby. There’s actually a preserved photo from around 1979 in the Sacramento History archives showing Fillmore Jr. wishing Olympic speed skating legend Eric Heiden luck before a major race. It’s a tiny snapshot, but it tells you everything about the circles he moved in. He was the guy behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly while the big names took the spotlight.
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A Marriage in the Spotlight
In 1979, Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr. married Tina Cole. At the time, Cole was coming off the massive success of My Three Sons and was part of the "King Family" musical dynasty.
The marriage brought together two very different worlds: the gritty, logistical world of California real estate and the polished, melodic world of Hollywood variety television. They had three children together: Fillmore Pajeau Crank III, Samantha Crank, and Chelsea Yvonne Crank.
While the marriage eventually ended in divorce, the family ties remained complex and deeply rooted in the industry. Through his father’s marriage to Beverly Garland, Fillmore Jr. was also the brother of actress Carrington Garland, known for her role as Kelly Capwell on the soap opera Santa Barbara.
Basically, the family dinners must have been fascinating.
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Why People Still Search for Him
Honestly, the interest in Fillmore Jr. usually stems from a mix of nostalgia and genealogy. People look up the "Crank" name because they are fans of Beverly Garland’s noir films or Tina Cole’s wholesome TV image. They find Fillmore Jr. as the link between these two icons.
But there’s also the business side. The Beverly Garland Motor Lodge was a pioneer in "boutique" hospitality before that was even a buzzword. It was a sprawling, mission-style retreat that felt like a home rather than a sterile hotel. Fillmore Jr.’s tenure as general manager covered the period where the hotel solidified its reputation as a Hollywood staple.
Navigating the Private Life of a Public Name
Unlike his wife or his stepmother, Fillmore Jr. didn't spend his life in front of a camera. He was a businessman. He was a father.
There are plenty of "where are they now" threads on old TV forums asking about Tina Cole’s family. You’ll see fans piecing together the lineage. They mention the kids—Fillmore III, Samantha, and Chelsea—and they wonder about the man who helped manage one of the most famous motor lodges in the Valley.
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It’s a reminder that for every star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there’s usually someone like Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr. in the background, keeping the engines of the family legacy running. He navigated the transition of the family business and maintained a private life despite being surrounded by public figures.
Key Takeaways and Insights
If you’re looking into the life of Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr., keep these specific details in mind:
- The Business Focus: He wasn't just a "celebrity husband." He was a deeply involved operator in the hospitality industry, specifically at the Beverly Garland Motor Lodge.
- The Historical Context: His work in the late 70s and 80s coincided with a massive shift in how North Hollywood developed as a commercial and residential hub.
- The Family Web: He is the central link between the Garland, Cole, and Crank families. Understanding his biography helps clarify the history of the "The Garland" hotel, which remains a popular destination today under the leadership of his half-brother, James Crank.
To get a true sense of the world Fillmore Pajeau Crank Jr. helped build, you can visit The Garland in North Hollywood. While it has been renovated to fit modern tastes, the mission-style bones and the atmosphere of old Hollywood hospitality—something he was instrumental in maintaining—are still very much present.
For those interested in the archival side, the Center for Sacramento History holds several photographic records of his involvement in California’s business and sporting communities during the 1970s. These records offer a rare visual glimpse into his professional life outside of the tabloid mentions.