Hollywood Boulevard is at the heart of the American dream. Every year millions of tourists come to see the avenue’s world-famous Walk of Fame and its historic movie theaters.
why are we here?
What is the Walk of Fame? Look down at the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard. You see five-pointed stars. There are over 2,400 of these stars. They run for 2.1 kilometres along the avenue. They commemorate the lives and achievements of Hollywood’s greatest celebrities.
big names
The first stars were set in place on February 8th, 1960. They celebrated actors like Joanne Woodward, Ronald Colman and Burt Lancaster. Today there are celebrities from film, television, radio, music and the theatre. There are stars for everyone, from Michael Jackson and John Lennon to Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin. Muhammad Ali has a star, but his is set into a wall. He didn’t want anyone to walk on him!
decline
Hollywood Boulevard lost its magic in the 1970s. The stars moved out to Beverly Hills. The avenue soon had a reputation for crime and violence. However, today the area is safe again. There are new developments, like the enormous shopping mall – or centre – Hollywood and Highland, and the adjacent Kodak Theatre. The Kodak Theatre is now the venue of the Oscar Awards ceremony. Visitors can walk up the ‘Awards Walk’ into the theatre and imagine they are stars on the famous red carpet.
enter the dragon
Next door there is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This is the most famous movie theatre in the world. A huge dragon and two lion-dogs guard the entrance. Its forecourt is famous for the hand and foot imprints set into the cement. They belong to over 200 Hollywood stars.
pretty woman
Visitors must also visit Las Palmas Hotel. Julia Roberts was Richard Gere’s guest here in the film Pretty Woman. The Capitol Records Building is world-famous. It was the world’s first circular office building. And don’t miss the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. Exhibits include the bridge of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise and the bar from Cheers.
Walk of Fame History
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president EM Stuart had the original idea for the Walk of Fame in 1953. The projected stars included a caricature of the celebrities, but that was too expensive. A committee chose the first stars to be commemorated.
They chose eight stars, including Charlie Chaplin. However, Chaplin was then excluded because of his socialist beliefs. Today, to nominate a star for the Walk of Fame costs $30,000! You need a sponsor,
of course.
Tips on Hollywood Boulevard Tours
A wonderful way to see Hollywood Boulevard is on Starline’s Hollywood Trolleybus Tour. Alternatively, follow the Hollywood Historic Society’s signposts. Each signpost gives details and a photograph of a historic building, plus directions to the next sign.
Are you interested in film-making? Then visit the Los Angeles Permit Office and get the day’s Shoot Sheet. This is a list of films currently on location in Los Angeles.
See film stars working on their new films!