The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles and one of the few that can be entirely enjoyed for free. This two-mile stretch is walked by 10 million people a year. The number of stars on the Walk of Fame exceeded the 2,750 mark in February 2023, with the jubilee star awarded to TV actress Courteney Cox.
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History of the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The idea to create a sidewalk that would pay tribute to the stars of show business emerged as early as 1953. From the outset, the symbol of a star, its points radiating in all directions, was chosen to represent the fame of the award-winning artists. The construction of the walkway began in 1958 following a series of proposals, lawsuits, and other complications.
The star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a pink terrazzo tile set within a black square of the same material. The honoree’s name and the symbol of the industry in which they have achieved fame are inscribed in gold lettering at the center of the star. The award is given for five disciplines:
- Film Camera – Film
- Television Receiver – Television
- Microphone – Radio
- Recorder – Music
- Theatrical Masks – Theatre and Live Performances (this category was added in 1984)
Before the initial launch, 1,558 award winners were selected. Although all were eventually honored, the large number of recipients did dilute the value of the star from the beginning. Perhaps that is why no new stars were added in the eight years following the monument’s installation.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame became popular and was added to the City of Los Angeles’ list of landmarks on July 5, 1978. The number of honorees grew quite rapidly, and in 1994 the stars even had to be extended from the original Hollywood Boulevard to North La Brea Avenue. At the same time, the 2,000th star was added, awarded to Sophia Loren.
As of February 27, 2023, there were a total of 2,750 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Facts About the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Artists pay for their star to be placed on the Walk of Fame, with the price significantly increasing over the years. As recently as 2002, the fee was $15,000. In 2012, it was increased to $30,000, and as of 2022, the fee stands at $50,000. This amount covers the cost of making the star and the ceremony itself.
Singer Michael Jackson was the first artist to receive two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one as a member of the Jackson Five and the other for his solo career. The only artist to win five stars in all five categories is Gene Autry, also known as the Singing Cowboy.
On the sidewalk, you’ll encounter several stars of animated characters. Mickey Mouse was the first to receive one in 1978, followed by the Simpsons, Shrek, and Donald Duck. Animals have also been honored with awards, starting with Strongheart the dog, then his canine colleagues Rin Tin Tin and Lassie.
At the intersection of Hollywood & Vine, there is a star for the trio of Apollo 11 astronauts who were the first to land on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin officially earned it in the television category.
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Tips for Hollywood Walk of Fame Visitors
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches down Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The nearest subway station is the Hollywood/Vine Station on the Red Line, with the exit conveniently located by the stars. You can catch a glimpse of the legendary Hollywood sign directly from Hollywood Boulevard.
Before visiting Los Angeles, I recommend checking out the website of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the walkway. Upcoming ceremonies, where new stars are unveiled, are posted there with about 14 days’ notice. These are free to attend.
When visiting the Walk of Fame, be sure to stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. Directly in front of it, the handprints and footprints of some famous artists are sculpted into the concrete. While there are far fewer of these than stars, you won’t miss ones from Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Bruce Willis, and others.
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List of Names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
With a large number of award-winning artists, you can find the list of names on the Walk of Fame on a separate page. The address next to the name indicates the building in front of which the star is located. The house numbers go sequentially, with odd-numbered houses on one side of the street and even-numbered houses on the other.
The names of the following artists and characters are not missing:
- Chuck Norris has a star for his movie at 7024 Hollywood Blvd.
- The Simpsons have a TV star just down the street at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.
- Bruce Willis has a movie star at 6915 Hollywood Blvd.
- Michael Jackson has two stars – for radio production at 1541 Vine Street and for music at 6927 Hollywood Blvd.
- Johnny Depp has a movie star at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.
- Tom Hanks has a movie star at 7000 Hollywood Blvd.
- Scarlett Johansson has a movie star at 6931 Hollywood Blvd.
- Director Steven Spielberg has a movie star at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
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Photos of the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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