Hollywood Walk of Fame, Entertainment monument in Hollywood, Los Angeles, US.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk installation spanning over 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) that features more than 2,600 brass stars embedded in terrazzo tiles, honoring achievements across various entertainment fields. Each star displays an honoree's name in pink terrazzo surrounded by a brass ring. The installation extends along both sides of the boulevard and includes sections on Vine Street, with many stars positioned in front of historic theaters, shops, and neighborhood landmarks.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce started the project in 1958 to revitalize the district after many film studios moved to other neighborhoods. The first official ceremony honoring Joanne Woodward took place in 1960. The installation received designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1978 and National Register of Historic Places status in 2023.
Stars appear in six fields: motion pictures, television, recording, radio, live theater, or sports entertainment, each marked by a small bronze emblem. Unveiling ceremonies for newly added honorees regularly attract fans, journalists, and industry professionals, showing the ongoing interest in this tradition within American entertainment.
The installation runs along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, easily reached via Metro Red Line at Hollywood/Vine station. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as walking the full length takes around 45 minutes. Maps showing specific star locations are available online or at visitor centers, and early morning hours offer fewer crowds for photos and exploration.
Gene Autry is the only person with five stars, one in each category except sports entertainment. Mohamed Ali initially declined a sidewalk star because he did not want people walking on his name, later accepting one mounted on a building wall. Maintenance costs are covered by sponsorship fees rather than public funds.
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