Hollywood Walk of Fame

Since 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been one of the most highly trafficked landmarks in the U.S., and one of Los Angeles’ most beloved (and free!) tourist attractions traditionally draw an estimated 10 million international visitors each year. There are more than 2,600 five-pointed stars (and counting!) decorating the sidewalk along the 15 blocks between Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

This site pays homage to some of the most famous and talented celebrities in the entertainment industry. There are five categories that a public figure can be nominated into the Walk of Fame: motion pictures, television, radio, live theatre, and recording.

The Walk of Fame is an enjoyable destination for tourists and locals to visit since there are always new stars being inaugurated into the Walk of Fame. These stars are introduced during city-hosted “star ceremonies” with designated public viewing areas for spectators to witness these pop-culture historical events. Walk of Fame star ceremonies are free and do not have assigned seating from the designated public viewing area — they’re also streamed live at walkoffame.com.

The collection of stars offers an interesting mix of performing talent; 47% of them are in the Motion Pictures category, followed by Television with 24%, Music with 17%, Radio with 10%, and Live Performance with less than two percent. Well-known honorees on the Hollywood Walk of Fame include Minnie Mouse, Muhammad Ali (who was given a star when it was determined that boxing was a form of live performance) and Michael Jackson.

In fact, Celebrities are not limited to just having one star: icons including Bob Hope, Roy Rogers, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Martin each have stars in four categories. More than 30 people have stars in three categories, including Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Jack Benny — and Gene Autry is the only celebrity to have a star in all five Walk of Fame categories.

Of the approximately 24 stars dedicated each year one is awarded posthumously — but the star must have been deceased for a minimum of five years to receive the honor. Honorees have five years to plan their ceremonies so they can ensure that everyone they’d like to be with them can attend, or to dedicate their celebration to promoting an upcoming project.