If you are in Los Angeles, it is almost a mandatory ritual to take a photo with a Hollywood star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Honoring notable figures in film, television, radio, theater, and music since 1960, this famous sidewalk spans both sides of Hollywood Boulevard, from Gower to La Brea, and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset. The beautiful stars (each costing about $30,000 to install and maintain) are unveiled at free public ceremonies, often attended by guests and the stars’ entourage, a great opportunity to see celebrities up close. E.M. Stuart, then volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, is credited with the idea for the Walk of Fame in 1953. In 1955, a design was proposed to the Los Angeles City Council.
No one is entirely sure of the origin of the stars, but by 1956, a final design with terrazzo and bronze stars was approved. Within a year, more than 1,500 artists from all areas of the entertainment industry were selected to receive a star. After some legal wrangling, the first permanent star dedicated to director Stanley Kramer was completed. Since the initial installation of 1,500 stars in 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has experienced ups, downs, and reconstructions.
The latest project, called the “Walk of Fame Master Plan,” has completed the planning phase and is now seeking funding for construction, with the goal of completion by 2026. This project aims to create an inclusive space with wider sidewalks, more trees for shade, a protected lane for movement, and improvements to pedestrian safety.
WHO DOES THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME HONOR?
Honoring notable figures in film, television, radio, theater, and music since 1960, Hollywood’s stars are unveiled at free public ceremonies, often attended by the stars themselves and their celebrity entourage. And don’t think this is just a way to honor past artists! Receiving a star on this walk continues to be a major accomplishment, both for the informed public and for the industry itself. The list of recent honorees includes big names like Uma Thurman, Mindy Kaling, Ralph Macchio, and the Jonas Brothers.
Anyone, including fans, can nominate a celebrity, as long as the nominee or their management accepts the nomination. Each year, a committee reviews about 200-300 applications and selects about 30 stars for the following year. Once a star is approved, the celebrity is responsible for a $50,000 fee, which covers the creation, installation, and maintenance of the star on the Walk of Fame.
WHO HAS A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME?
Almost 2,800 stars are located along the boulevard including famous names of art and cinema such as Antonio Banderas, Drew Barrymore, Kim Basinger, The Beatles, Halle Berry etc. Attending a “Walk of Fame” ceremony is free as a great opportunity to see celebrities up close! There are no tickets or fees. All ceremonies take place at 11:30 in the morning and end at 12:25.
