Hollywood Walk of Fame

History

Kiefer Sutherland will be honored with a star in 2007

California artist Oliver Weismuller created the concept of the Walk of Fame in 1958, in an attempt to reinvent Hollywood. In 1960, 2,500 blank stars encompassed the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Actress Joanne Woodward was the first to receive a star on February 9, 1960. In the first 16 months of existence, 1,558 stars were filled.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame extends from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard, and from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard on Vine Street in Los Angeles, California. Reading like a Who’s Who of Hollywood royalty, the Walk of Fame has become the most famous sidewalk in the world. This hall of fame includes a plaque for each celebrity that graces the pavement, forever immortalized by a bronze star.

Since 1960, a little over 2,300 stars have been filled. With the star power quickly approaching the original allocation of 2,500, an expansion project added stars at the west end of the Walk. Typically, about two stars are filled per month.

The Walk of Fame not only salutes film stars, but also television actors, radio personalities, stage performers, directors, singers, songwriters, and other celebrities. Even animal celebrities have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. A symbol on each star indicates the celebrity’s category of contribution. The symbols include:

• Motion picture camera (indicates movie stars & directors)
• Television set (for television celebrities)
• Phonograph record (for singers, songwriters, and recording artists)
• Radio microphone (for radio personalities)
• Theatrical comedy and tragedy masks (for stage performers)

Britney Spears was honored with a star in 2003

The Star Process

To be considered for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a nomination must be submitted. Annual nominations are submitted by May 31, with a committee determining who will receive a star. The public may attend star ceremonies, which are officiated by Hollywood’s honorary mayor, Johnny Grant.

One would assume that being a huge celebrity would automatically earn you a star on the famed sidewalk, but that’s not the case. In fact, big time stars like Robert Redford and Clint Eastwood have yet to have a star named in their honor.

Amazingly enough, stars aren’t just handed out on merit. A $15,000 fee must be paid to the Hollywood Historic Trust to get a star on the Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains the Walk, uses the money for security at the star ceremony, among other costs. Typically, this fee comes from a sponsor, whether it is a record company or movie studio. In some cases, a celebrity’s fan club may pay the money.

The Walk of Fame Committee receives several hundred applications each year. Those celebrities who don’t make the cut are rolled over to the next year for a second review. If the star is not approved in the second year, the nomination must be resubmitted. The committee looks for the following:

• Professional achievement
• Five years or more in the entertainment industry
• Community contributions

2007 Honorees

Donald Trump received star number 2,327 in January 2007

There are a number of celebrities slated to get new stars in 2007, including:

• Matt Damon
• Jamie Foxx
• Michelle Pfeiffer
• Robert Altman
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Barbara Walters
• Erik Estrada
• Mariah Carey
• Sean Combs
• Shania Twain

Walk of Fame Facts

• Gene Autry, the famous singing cowboy, has the most stars of any celebrity, representing each of the five categories.
• The stars on the Walk of Fame often become a place to honor or support a celebrity. Beatles fans come together at John Lennon’s star to remember him on the anniversary of his death each year.
• At the west end of the Walk, there is a silver gazebo with statues of four actresses: Dolores Del Rio, Dorothy Dandridge, Mae West, and Anna May Wong.
• Kermit the Frog is the only muppet to have a star. Other fictional characters with stars include Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Bugs Bunny and The Simpsons, among others.
• Four stars have been stolen from the Walk of Fame: Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Gene Autry, and Gregory Peck. Cameras are being placed in the Walk district to catch thieves.
• There are two Harrison Ford stars on the Walk. One honors a silent film star, and the other is for the actor who is famous for playing Indiana Jones.
• The City of Los Angeles deemed the Walk of Fame a cultural/historic landmark in 1978.