With more than 2,600 terrazzo and brass stars laid in the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard (and Vine Street) in Hollywood, California, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a permanent public monument dedicated to the achievements made in the entertainment industry. With the names of actors, musicians, producers, fictional characters, and other entertainment type folk, the Walk of fame is administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Historic Trust.
In 1978, the Cultural Heritage Board of the City of Los Angeles designated the Hollywood Walk of Fame as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #194. Hollywood at this time was suffering urban decay and the Chamber of Commerce was having trouble sustaining and maintaining the Walk of Fame. As Hollywood has changed since the 80’s, so has the Walk of Fame. In the 80″s more room was made for the stars by adding a second row on the sidewalks, and the fifth category was added. As Los Angeles has become a safer place to visit, the stars on the sidewalk have become more and more or a tourist attraction.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Facts
- More that 10 million people visit the Walk of Fame each year.
- In the Walk of Fame’s earliest days there were just four: Motion Pictures, Television, Recording or Music, and Radio.
- Mohammad Ali only agreed to have a star on the walk if it would not be placed on the ground. It is the only star placed on the side of a building.
- A fifth category for Theatre/Live Performance was added in 1984.
- Of the approximately 24 stars dedicated each year, only one is given posthumously, and only if the recipient has been deceased for at least five years.
- Bob Hope, Roy Rogers, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Martin each have stars in four categories.
- Four stars have been stolen, and since they are quite heavy it’s more difficult than you might think.
- Legendary entertainer Gene Autry is the only celebrity to have a star in all five categories.
- On 28 March, 1960, filmmaker Stanley Kramer was the first honoree to have a star laid.
- Two U.S. Presidents have stars on the Walk of Fame.
