The Value of the Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame is a famous sidewalk strip along Hollywood Boulevard. It symbolizes the American dream of eternal fame. Every meter is studded with the names of successful actors, directors, and musicians.
The Walk of Fame is closely linked to the tourism industry, as fans visit one of Hollywood's largest attractions, representing their favorite movies, series, and shows.
The Significance of the Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises over 2,500 stars in honor of men, women, and fictional characters who have made significant contributions to cinema, television, radio, and theater. The stars are given in five categories, denoted by different symbols:
- A movie camera for contributions to the film industry.
- A television set for contributions to broadcasting television.
- A vinyl player for contributions to the recording industry.
- A microphone for contributions to the radio broadcasting industry.
- A mask for contributions to theater.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in Los Angeles, a major highlight of Hollywood, and one of the best free tours in Los Angeles.
Fictional non-human characters honored with stars on the Walk of Fame include Bugs Bunny, Donald Duck, Godzilla, Kermit, Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Tinker Bell, Winnie the Pooh, Shrek, and many others.
The History of the Walk of Fame
The idea for the Walk first came from artist Oliver Weismuller, hired to make Hollywood appealing to tourists and locals. It took time to choose the concept and color scheme. Among the presented options was a star with a caricature of the honoree. The idea was rejected as caricatures were complex to execute.
The Walk was designed in 1958, and construction began in 1960. The sidewalk itself stretches over 18 blocks, making it an easy twenty-minute walk. Stars pay a hefty sum of $25,000 to submit their candidacy to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, after which they receive their star on the Walk.
Interesting Facts about the Walk of Fame
- The first star to grace the Walk was director Stanley Kramer.
- The only star they wanted to remove is Donald Trump's.
- Boxer Muhammad Ali has a star, but it's on the wall of the Kodak Theatre. Ali demanded that his star not be on the ground because he did not want people walking on it.
- Former President Ronald Reagan also has a star on the Walk of Fame thanks to his young days acting in movies and leading a union.
Several individuals have received multiple stars. The most (five) have been received by:
- Gene Autry — the only performer to receive stars in all five categories. He received his 5th star for live performance in 1987, three years after creating the new category.
- Mickey Rooney received three stars in 1960 and a fourth in 1984. He effectively has a 5th star jointly with his wife Jan, which they received in 2004 as a duo.
- Tony Martin and Bob Hope — four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
There are also several dozen personalities who have received two or three stars.
As we conclude our journey through the famous Walk of Fame, we hope this article has helped you learn more about each star and the stories they tell. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a living history of cinema, music, and television that continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
Don't forget that with American Butler, your journey through Hollywood can become even brighter and more saturated. We offer individual tours and unique routes that will help you see this famous Los Angeles district in a new light.
Share
