Stepping on Hollywood Stars
Hollywood has a unique tradition for honoring entertainers who have made significant contributions to the industry. Their names are permanently memorialized in star-shaped plaques set into the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, famously known as the Walk of Fame, located in Los Angeles.
During my second visit last April, I found myself walking over familiar names once again – iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, former actor-turned-president Ronald Reagan, and multi-talented performer Jennifer Lopez, known for her role on American Idol.
This particular visit began on Vine Street, where I was staying at a conveniently numbered hotel – 777 Vine Street. The late afternoon sun still shone brightly though it was beginning its descent, creating dramatic diagonal beams of light across the sky.
The Walk of Fame Experience
After a pleasant fifteen minute stroll, I reached Hollywood Boulevard. No matter which direction I turned, famous names appeared beneath my feet along the entire stretch from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue.
The northern section of Vine Street, between Yucca Street and Sunset Boulevard, was already lined with its own collection of stars. Here I recognized Lumière, the cinema pioneer from the late 1800s who developed early motion picture technology, alongside the legendary Michael Jackson.
The sidewalk features distinctive pink five-pointed stars with bronze borders, embedded in black granite squares dotted with white specks. Each star displays an honoree’s name above a small symbol indicating their field of achievement – music, television, radio, theater, or film.
While some stars appear in small groups, most follow an orderly single-file arrangement. I noticed several blank stars awaiting future recipients.
To date, approximately 2,600 individuals and entities have received this honor, including current U.S. President Donald Trump, who earned his star in 2007 for producing Miss Universe and The Apprentice. The term “figures” applies broadly here, as even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Snow White, along with the Disney corporation itself, have been immortalized with stars.
In 2012 marked a milestone when the Walk welcomed its first Asian honorees – South Korean actors Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Sung-ki, well-known to fans of Korean cinema.
Lesser-known recipients include Gene Autry, the only person honored in all five entertainment categories, and Stanley Kramer, the first film director honored in 1960 whose recognition many may have forgotten.
Throughout my walk, I observed visitors pausing to examine particular stars, taking photos or selfies before continuing on their way.
How Stars Are Selected
Since the Walk’s establishment in 1960, the nomination process has remained open to the public. Anyone – from devoted fans to media professionals – can submit nominations to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce by May 31 each year. A six-member committee then reviews applications and selects about two dozen new honorees annually, though some years have seen as many as thirty-four additions.
Selected recipients must cover the $30,000 installation cost personally or through sponsors, plus contribute to ongoing maintenance. However, the Walk’s condition tells another story. Despite cleaning efforts, many stars show visible wear – cracks, chips, and erosion – particularly the blank ones awaiting names.
With over ten million visitors walking across these stars each year, the wear is understandable. One might expect the wealthy celebrities residing in multi-million dollar Beverly Hills mansions to contribute more to preservation efforts.
Behind the Glamour
The reality of Hollywood’s streets contrasts sharply with its glittering image. Homeless individuals often camp near the stars, while costumed impersonators of famous figures like Michael Jackson or Marilyn Monroe solicit money for photos. These interactions can become complicated when additional performers join uninvited, each demanding payment. A two-dollar tip often leads to persistent requests for more.
For those wanting celebrity photos without the hassle, Madame Tussauds offers free opportunities to pose with wax figures.
A Guardian report revealed many street performers are actually homeless, including one man named Dennis who portrays Superman after seven months of homelessness. His colleagues include Darth Vader and Joker impersonators, most sharing similar difficult circumstances.
Recent statistics show Los Angeles’ homeless population has grown to 47,000 – a 5.3% increase since 2015 – with nearly 80% being working-age adults.
The Walk of Fame’s stars may shine brightly, but they reflect a more complex reality beneath Hollywood’s glamorous surface.
