Here are 7 things you need to know about Walk of Fame.
Things you didn’t know about the Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Celebrities always share photos of themselves down on their knees beaming at a plaque on the ground, proudly showcasing a star with their name in it on one of the most famous landmarks in the world. There is no doubt they are also cementing their place in Hollywood history when they get their star, as well.
While it is certainly an honor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it comes at a cost. As of 2012, that cost was $30,000, most of which is designated to its upkeep.
With over 2,500 stars on it, the Walk of Fame is sure to span a great distance. Indeed, it spreads over 15 blocks and has a total distance of 1.3 miles, spanning east to west.
While it’s hard to keep track of who is actually visiting the Walk of Fame and who is simply walking over it, there’s no doubt it’s one of the busiest attractions in Hollywood. In 2003 alone, it boasted over 10 million visitors.
Since 1968, over 40 potential ingrates have turned down their chance to have a star. These include big names like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Clint Eastwood.
Most stars have an emblem below the name that represents the category to which they belong. There are 5 categories: Motion Pictures, Broadcast Television, Audio Recording/Music, Broadcast Radio, Theatre/Live Performance. There have been some exceptions to these categories and a few stars, like the one for the lingerie company Victoria’s Secret, don’t fit in any.
It’s hard to imagine how a star placed in cement could be stolen, but some sneaky crooks have figured it out. In 2005, Gregory Peck’s star was forcibly removed and never seen again. In 2000, when some stars were being relocated, those belonging to James Stewart and Kirk Douglas were stolen, and later found in the home of a construction worker.
When poster Michael Jackson died in 2009, fans flocked to what they thought was his star on the Walk of Fame. They left flowers, notes, candles, and other items, but it turns out, they were at the wrong star. The star that thousands of people flocked to actually belonged to talk show personality Michael Jackson. There is, however, a star for the poster Michael Jackson, but many fans missed the mark.
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