Hollywood's Most Famous Star-Studded Street
Whether you've been to Hollywood and walked down its famous star-studded street before or not, you've likely heard countless things about this popular tourist attraction. But just how much do you actually know? If you're ready to learn more about the Walk of Fame, here are 20 fun facts about this iconic landmark.
1. It's 1.3 Miles Long
The iconic Walk of Fame stretches 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers), or a total of 15 blocks, along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. This means it'll take you at least 25-30 minutes to walk the whole length—and that's only if you're not stopping to snap photos.
2. Attracts 10 Million Tourists Year-Round
Considering Los Angeles in itself attracts millions of visitors each year—nearly 50 million flocked to the city in 2023—it's no surprise that the Walk of Fame draws in just as many numbers. It's estimated that around 10 million tourists vacation in LA just to see its star-studded path.
3. Original Concept Included Caricatures
Planning this walkway took time and lots of brainstorming. Among the ideas that sprang up was having a caricature to be included with the honoree, planted along a brown-and-blue walkway. These suggestions were eventually rejected as the palette clashed with a building being erected on Hollywood Boulevard.
4. Only Four Categories Were Initially Considered
Though there are now six categories in total—motion pictures, television, radio, recording, live theater/performance, and sports entertainment—there were only four initially. Live theater wasn't added until 1984, and sports entertainment in 2023.
5. The Idea First Came About in 1953
The concept of constructing a Walk of Fame came in 1953, from volunteer president E. M. Stuart of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The approval came a few short years later, in 1955, and plans were submitted to the Los Angeles City Council in January 1956.
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6. There's an Application to Get a Star
Contrary to what you might believe, there's a whole process behind getting your name on the star-studded walkway. While anyone can nominate a celebrity or athlete, there's a $275 application fee to cover. Then, if the nominee agrees, there's a sponsorship fee to bear, which costs $85,000 for creating, installing, and maintaining the terrazzo-brass star.
7. Lawsuits Delayed Its Construction
Nearby landowners didn't take kindly to the prospect of paying taxes for the creation of the Walk of Fame. On top of that, Charlie Chaplin Jr. filed a lawsuit demanding $40,000 because his father wasn't nominated as one of the first eight stars. Both cases were dismissed, and Chaplin did eventually receive a star in 1972.
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8. Stanley Kramer Was the First Star
When construction began on February 8, 1960, American film producer and director Stanley Kramer received the first honor. His star was laid on March 28, 1960, near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street.
9. Movie Stars Make Up Most of the Walk
Though there are just over 2,800 stars on the Walk of Fame, a majority of the names embedded into the pavement are those of movie stars. Following that are television celebrities, with athletes being the category with the fewest honorees.
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10. You Can't Step on Muhammad Ali's Star
Professional boxer Muhammad Ali had his name inducted into the Walk of Fame in 2002, under the live theater/performance category. At his request, his star was planted on the wall of Dolby Theatre, because he didn't want his name to be stepped on by those who held no respect for him. His name remains the only one perched above the ground.
11. Fictional Stars Are Included
Believe it or not, fictional characters have also been inducted. Mickey Mouse was the first one, having his star planted in 1978, but Big Bird from the children's show Sesame Street, Shrek, Tinker Bell, and The Simpsons are other notable examples.
12. Some Stars Have Been Stolen
Being laid on the sidewalk, the stars on the Walk of Fame are prone to damage and deliberate defacing—though they're always maintained and kept polished. And yet, over the years, four stars have been stolen: Gene Autry, James ("Jimmy") Stewart, Kirk Douglas, and Gregory Peck. It's an impressive feat to steal a star, considering they weigh about 300 pounds (136 kilograms) each!
13. Stars Have Never Been Removed
Once a celebrity has been inducted and has their star planted, this honor is permanent. In fact, because the Walk of Fame is a registered historic landmark, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has stated that every star that's added is considered a part of the historic fabric. No celebrity, even those who are highly controversial, will be removed.
14. There's a Time Capsule Beneath the Walk of Fame
Placed in 2010, a time capsule commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Walk of Fame was buried under the corner of Hollywood and Highland. There are reportedly (and fittingly) 50 items encased in the capsule, including autographed photos, a script of Casablanca, DVDs, and a note from Bob Barker that reads, "Have your pets spayed and neutered." The time capsule is set to be opened in 2060, during the 100th anniversary of the star-studded walkway.
15. Typos in Names Happen
Yup, mistakes do happen, and some celebrities have come to the unveiling of their star only to be met with a typo in their name. One classic example is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the famed actress of shows like Seinfeld and Veep, who had "Julia Luis Dreyfus" on her Walk of Fame star, which both omitted the hyphen and forgot the "o." She had a good laugh, and the star was quickly replaced with the correct spelling, while Louis-Dreyfus was gifted the typo one as a memento.
16. Celebrities Can't Choose Where Their Star Is Planted
Despite all the fees involved with the application and nomination, celebrities can't choose where their star is placed. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce states that there are "many logistical issues to contend with," but they do their best to select an appropriate spot.
17. Celebrities Must Be Present During the Unveiling of Their Star
Eight years after Stanley Kramer's star was planted, radio personality Johnny Grant made the rule that honorees must attend their unveiling ceremony. The only person who failed to make an appearance was Barbra Streisand when she was inducted in 1976, though she did attend her husband's when he received his own star in 1998.
18. Posthumous Nominations Are Allowed
You can make posthumous nominations for celebrities and athletes, but there are stricter rules. First, there's a two-year waiting period before they can be nominated. On top of that, of the (approximately) 30 stars that are added each year, only one posthumous award is given out.
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19. You Can Have Multiple Stars
While rare, it's not impossible for celebrities to have more than one star, if they qualify for different categories. Gene Autry, for example, has five stars on the Walk of Fame, one for each category sans sports entertainment. Bob Hope and Tony Martin each have four. While 33 celebrities have been awarded three stars, only two of them are female—Dinah Shore and Gale Storm.
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20. Takes Around Four Days to Make a Star
Made of terrazzo, an Italian marble, and brass, the stars on the Walk of Fame are costly and hefty. But despite how grand they are, they, surprisingly, don't take long to make. In fact, it only takes around four days, from curing the star and proofing the name plate to waiting for it to dry.
