Greg Bautzer

Gregson Edward Bautzer (April 3, 1911 – October 26, 1987) was an American attorney, representing such stars as Ginger Rogers, Ingrid Bergman and Joan Crawford, Kirk Kerkorian, Howard Hughes and William R. Wilkerson.

Gregson Edward Bautzer was born in San Pedro, California to Edward H. Bautzer, a descendant of German immigrants, and his wife Blanche Buckhout. The elder Bautzer was a noteworthy member of the San Pedro community, a civic leader, political activist and attorney. Bautzer's mother, before her marriage, had been a schoolteacher.

Bautzer attended San Pedro High School where he was an exemplary student. A self-disciplined young man of considerable scholastic achievement, he was also endowed with a congenial, enthusiastic personality that easily attracted friendships.

While in high school, Bautzer took an active interest in public speaking and while yet a teen-ager, garnered community recognition for his debating skills. He proceeded to enter national oratorical competitions. In 1926, he took second place in the West Coast division of the National Oratorical Contest, winning two hundred fifty dollars.

Bautzer's father died when he was ten years old. From a young age, Bautzer stated his intent to follow in his father’s footsteps by practicing law. After his father’s death, Bautzer’s widowed mother returned to teaching. Bautzer contributed financially by taking after school jobs, selling newspapers, performing janitorial work on yachts harbored in San Pedro and waiting on tables in local eateries.

In 1927, Bautzer and his mother relocated to Los Angeles where she had accepted an appointment as principal of an area school. In 1928, Bautzer entered the University of Southern California on a scholarship. He went on to become a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, the Skull and Dagger honor society, and captain of the varsity debate team. In 1930, he was honored by being selected as one of three university students to be on the All California Collegiate Debate team. Bautzer graduated with a bachelor’s degree from USC in June 1932. Before continuing his education at USC Law School, Bautzer took a year off from his studies to work and save money. Bautzer obtained his law degree in 1936.

While attending law school, Bautzer met socialite Marion Jahns; they were married on January 2, 1935 and divorced in 1937. After becoming established in Hollywood, Bautzer was engaged to actresses Barbara Payton, Dorothy Lamour and Lana Turner. Turner was only 16 when she and Bautzer started to date. He had a brief marriage to actress Buff Cobb, divorcing after six months.

His most infamous romance was with actress Joan Crawford. Their four year relationship was reportedly on and off as well as publicly heated at times. with Bautzer seen by many as Crawford's "escort".

Bautzer later married actress Dana Wynter on June 10, 1956. They had one son, Mark Ragan Bautzer. The couple divorced in 1981.

Bautzer died of heart failure at his Beverly Hills home on October 26, 1987 at the age of 76. He is interred at Westwood Memorial Park.