Jiddu krishnamurti
Jiddu Krishnamurti was a speaker and writer on matters that concerned humankind. In his early life he was groomed to be the new World Teacher but later rejected this mantle and withdrew from the Theosophical Society. He indirectly established the intellectual climate of the Ojai Valley. He attracted people from all over the world who traveled to interview him and attend his yearly talks in the Oak Grove. Among those were Aldous Huxley and Charlie Chaplin. Others influenced by his teachngs include Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lee, and the Dalai Lama.
ALDOUS HUXLEY
Aldous Huxley was an English writer, novelist and philosopher. He was best known for writing Brave New World and The Doors of Perception, which would be later appropriated by Jim Morrison as the name for his legendary rock group, the Doors. Huxley, along with Krishnamurti, would go on to create the Happy Valley School in Ojai. He was instrumental in developing the school's educational philosophy of balancing academics and creative expression, as well as the principle of respecting the unique potential of each student.
JOHN LENNON
John Lennon was a brilliant singer, songwriter and peace activist who co-founded the Beatles. His impact was felt in many different levels of human endeavors, including a charity concert for the UNICEF Children's Fund. Lennon's writing continued to be particularly fruitful, with such songs as "Imagine," recognized as one of the greatest hymns of peace.
BEATriCE WOOD
Beatrice Wood was an American artist and studio potter involved in the Avant Garde movement in the United States. Wood was characterized as the "Mama of Dada." She was the inspiration for the character of Rose DeWitt Bukater in James Cameron's 1997 film, Titanic after the director read Wood's autobiography.
In 1948, Wood settled in Ojai to be near the Indian philosopher and speaker J. Krishnamurti. She became a lifelong friend of Alan and Helen Hooker, making the restaurant's dishware and hand painting the chairs.
PAUL NEWMAN
Paul Newman was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, environmentalist, activist and philanthropist. He was a co-founder of Newman's Own, a food company from which Newman donated all post-tax profits and royalties to charity. He is quoted as saying: “The Ojai Ranch House is the best restaurant in the world.”
JIM HENSON
Jim Henson was an American puppeteer who achieved international fame as the creator of the Muppets. In his early years as a puppeteer, Henson would dazzle the staff of The Ranch House with impromptu performances as "Rowlf The Dog." (Rowlf the Dog was the first Muppet to reach national stardom as a cast member of The Jimmy Dean Show from 1963 to 1966.)
JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
MARLON BRANDO
Marlon Brando, Jr. was an American actor, film director and political activist. He is widely known for his Academy Award-winning performances as Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972), as well as his performances in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Julius Caesar (1953), and Apocalypse Now (1979).
JULIA CHILD
Julia Child was an American chef, author and television personality. She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her television program The French Chef.