Hollywood Walk of Fame Celebrates 50 Years
This year marks the 50-year long tradition of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and it all started with one STAR who just happens to be related to the PCD community in a very unique way.
Joanne Woodward, cousin to PCD owner Brian Folb, is best known for her Oscar-winning performance in The Three Faces of Eve back in 1957, a role that confirmed both her name and presence in Hollywood. But it wasn’t until Feb 8, 1960 that her legacy was authenticated with the honor of the very first STAR at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, a place that is now famously known as Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
And like they say in the movies, the rest was history.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
Today the Hollywood Walk of Fame has more than 2,400 stars, and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary the city has scheduled events all year round.
To kick things off, Ringo Starr was joined by massive crowds on February 8th and honored with his landmark star joining Beatles band mates John Lennon and George Harrison in front of the Capitol Records building.
And the celebration continues with “Festival of the Stars” on Sunday, July 25th when everyone in the Hollywood community is invited to attend the daylong festivities on beautiful Hollywood Boulevard.
The activities start at 11am with an American Indian Blessing at the Montalban Theatre. There you will have the rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A, and be able to go behind the scenes at TV Guide Studio on Hollywood & Highland.
At 11:30, the Walk of Fame will honor Luis Prima, Sr., with the first star ceremony ever conducted on a weekend, followed by the live performance with Louis Prima, Jr. & The Witnesses with special appearance by Lena Prima concluding the ceremony
At noon, you will have the chance to play soccer with Nike at the rooftop of the Montalban Theatre, including pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids.
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts will also be performing the original production “Music of the Stars,” a tribute to the Walk of Fame Music Stars among many other activities and performances.
And throughout the entire afternoon, there will be screenings of films that marked the ‘History of Hollywood,’ starting with Forever Hollywood, followed by the classic To Kill a Mocking Bird and later Remembering Ricardo, a film dedicated to Ricardo Montalban.
In addition to the free entertainment, the festival will also include Hollywood tours and various themed events at key locations at the Hollywood & Highland Center to showcase the five categories of stars including Motion Pictures, Radio, Recording, Television and Theatre.
“The Walk of Fame is the heart and soul of what this community is and has become over the years,” tells Brian.
“And we at PCD are all very much looking forward to the daylong celebration in its honor.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Each year ten members of the Hollywood Chambers Nominating Committee come together to nominate 12-15 stars and conduct up to 30 ceremonies for the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But what you may not know is that the famous star comes with quite a large price tag.
“It costs $25,000 to get a star on the Walk of Fame,” tells Brian.
Part of that money is how the Chamber generates revenue for the Hollywood Chamber Foundation and it then goes to nonprofit organizations that are trying to help the Hollywood community.
“It’s a very elite honor and selective process to get a star on the Walk of Fame and sometimes takes years to make happen,” says Brian.
And while most big stars can usually move the process along in six months, some have been waiting 10 years for their honor.
Most recently in 2010 we’ve celebrated alongside Russell Crowe, Adam Sandler and Bill Maher and the much-anticipated recipients for 2011 include Gwyneth Paltrow for Motion Picture, Oprah Winfrey for Television and Will.i.Am for Recording.
WHAT IT MEANS
Some people may look at Hollywood and think it’s just a city and others may see stars in a line and think it’s just a sidewalk.
But as Brian explains, “The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the fan’s opportunity to reconnect with their favorite movie star or performer.”
“It’s more than just a star, it’s a landmark.”
Over the years the stars on the Walk of Fame have gone from being a representation of Hollywood idols to a solid link for the fans to communicate with those they admire most.
And a prime example of that was the massive response on Michael Jackson’s one-year anniversary of his death last month where fans left flowers, notes, pictures and gifts on his star to honor the King of Pop.
“That kind of response happens a lot,” tells Brian.
“Through the years the Hollywood Walk of Fame has become a chance for the fans to reach the stars they love.”
PLANNING THE GALA
On Wednesday, November 3rd, the 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the Walk of Fame VIP Gala, where celebrities who have been previously honored with their star will gather for a red carpet event held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
Some of the stars confirmed to attend are Honorary Co-Chairs Sir Tom Rice in the Live Theatre category, Tim Robbins in Motion Pictures, Ryan Seacrest in Radio, Celine Dion in Recording and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Television.
“Imagine what it would be like to put those stars together,” suggests Brian.
“It’s going to be a very VIP event.”
YOU’RE INVITED!
WHAT: “Festival of the Stars” Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Featuring live entertainment, Hollywood tours, and a variety of themed activities and events
WHEN: Sunday, July 25th, 11am – 6pm
WHERE: Hollywood Walk of Fame – Hollywood Boulevard, Vine Street and beyond.
- Hollywood & Highland Center – 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
- Egyptian Theatre – 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
- Capitol Records – 1750 N. Vine Street
- The Montalban – 1615 N. Vine Street
UPDATES: http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/
Read below for the schedule of events…
HOLLYWOOD’S HOPPING ON SUNDAY, JULY 25
From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. there are performances, tours and activities scheduled throughout Hollywood. There are four main locations where you can find an information table where you can pick up a free printed program
- Hollywood & Highland Center – 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
- Egyptian Theatre – 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
- Capitol Records – 1750 N. Vine Street
- The Montalban – 1615 N. Vine Street
Activities are free unless otherwise noted.
11:00 a.m. American Indian Blessing starts the morning at The Montalban Theatre
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
11:30 a.m. Walk of Fame Ceremony for Louis Prima, Sr., in front of The Montalban
(First weekend star ceremony in history, stop by to see unveiling)
Performance by Louis Prima, Jr. & The Witnesses, special appearance by Lena Prima – concludes the special ceremony
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
12:00 p.m. Soccer on the rooftop court – Nike @ The Montalban – Pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids – parents enjoy the incredible view from atop the historic Montalban theatre – all day sponsored by Nike
Historic Egyptian Theatre – tour architectural landmark built by Sid Grauman in 1922, home of the first Hollywood movie premier, restored and run by American Cinematheque
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
12:30 p.m. Screening of Remembering Ricardo, 22-minute film tribute to Ricardo Montalban, The Montalban Theatre
Historic Egyptian Theatre – tour architectural landmark built by Sid Grauman in 1922, home of the first Hollywood movie premier, restored and run by American Cinematheque
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
1:00 p.m. Screening of Forever Hollywood, 55-minute film showcasing a century of film making and Hollywood glamour $5 per person, Egyptian Theatre
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
Soccer on the rooftop court – Nike @ The Montalban – Pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids – parents enjoy the incredible view from atop the historic Montalban theatre
1:30 p.m. Performance of “Music of the Stars,” an original production, tribute to the Walk of Fame Music Stars, performed by The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Singers, at The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
2:00 p.m. Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird, 1hr 30 min., Hollywood Pacific Theatre, 6443 Hollywood Blvd., presented by Ecclesia Hollywood, panel discussion follows
Performance of When She Danced, by Theatre of Arts, the story of the extraordinary life of dancer Isadora Duncan, The Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas, $8 adults/$5 students-seniors.
Screening of Remembering Ricardo, 22-minute film tribute to Ricardo Montalban, The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
Soccer on the rooftop court – Nike @ The Montalban – Pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids – parents enjoy the incredible view from atop the historic Montalban theatre
2:30 p.m. Performance of “Music of the Stars,” an original production, tribute to the Walk of Fame Music Stars, performed by The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Singers, at The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
3:00 p.m. Historic Egyptian Theatre – tour architectural landmark built by Sid Grauman in 1922, home of the first Hollywood movie premier, restored and run by American Cinematheque
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
Soccer on the rooftop court – Nike @ The Montalban – Pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids – parents enjoy the incredible view from atop the historic Montalban theatre
3:30 p.m. Performance “Ballet Folklorico Mi Linda Nicaragua” The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Behind the scenes at TV Guide studio at Hollywood & Highland –TV Guide Network is opening its studio to the public, sign up at the information table at Hollywood & Highland to join the tour and see how live television is made
4:00 p.m. Screening of Forever Hollywood, 55-minute film showcasing a century of film making and Hollywood glamour $5 per person, Egyptian Theatre
Sign up for the 4:30 p.m. Kodak Theatre tour – register at the information table at Hollywood & Highland, space is limited to first 50 people, must be 18 or older and wear closed toe shoes
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
Soccer on the rooftop court – Nike @ The Montalban – Pick-up games, competitions and prizes for the kids – parents enjoy the incredible view from atop the historic Montalban theatre
4:30 p.m. Performance “Tierra Blanca Dance Troupe” The Montalban
Inside the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland – future home for Los Angeles’s first long- run Cirque du Soleil show. Be one of the last to see the historic space before it’s closed to the public to accommodate preparations for the performances, opening in August 2011
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
5:00 p.m. Performance “Mariachis” final show of the day at The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
5:30 p.m. Screening of Remembering Ricardo, 22-minute film tribute to Ricardo Montalban, The Montalban
Inside Capitol Records – rare opportunity to step inside the iconic tower and legendary Studio A
6:00 p.m. Festival concludes
HOLLYWOOD BUSINESSES AND ATTRACTIONS GET ON BOARD WITH “WALK THE WALK” STOP BY FOR ONE-DAY-ONLY SPECIALS
Restaurants
Capitol City, 1615 N. Cahuenga Blvd., 323-465-1750 Pepperoni pizza +2 beers $10
Café Audrey, 6701-B Hollywood Blvd., 323-465-5359 50% off Turkey Pesto Panini or Ham and Provolone Panini
Delphine @ W Hotel, 6250 Hollywood blvd., 323-798-1355 $5 Fusion drinks (reg. $14)
Dillon’s Irish Pub, 6263 Hollywood Blvd., 323-465-1680 Specials from the 1960s
Famima, 6759 Hollywood Blvd., 323-836-0200 $.79 for 20 oz. coke w/fried food purchase
The Farmer’s Kitchen/Hollywood Farmer’s Market 1555 N. Vine St., 323-467-7600 Fresh produce classics from 3 famous Hollywood eateries til 2p.m.
The Grill @ H&H Center, 4th Floor, 323-865-5530 $5 Bloody Marys, screwdrivers & mimosas through 4 p.m.
Hard Rock Café, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., 323-465-7625 Free Hard Rock Access Card
Hooters, 6922 Hollywood Blvd., 323-962-3373 Free appetizer w/entrée
Sandella’s, 7021 Hollywood Blvd., 323-469-3035 10% off
The Juices Fountain, 6332 Hollywood Blvd., 323-464-8986 Fresh juice for $.50 w/sandwich purchase
The Kress, 6608 Hollywood Blvd., 323-785-5000 Special Hollywood menu, historic building open to the public
McDonalds, 6776 Hollywood Blvd., 323-464-2720 Free Frappe w/purchase of extra value meal
Pig ‘n Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Blvd., 323-463-0485$4 wine, $5 drinks, $3 drafts, $5 apps.
Shelly Café, 7013 Hollywood Blvd., 323-467-2233 10% off
Skooby’s Hot Dogs, 6654 Hollywood Blvd., 323-468-3647 Original hotdog for $.99
Station, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., 323-798-1360 $5 drinks (reg. $14)
Zen Zoo Café, 1517 Vine St., 323-962-9969 Buy 1, get 1 free
Retailers
Amoeba Records, 6400 Sunset Blvd., 323-245-6400 $3 off, 50% off Amoeba t-shirts
Bettie Page Clothing, 6650 Hollywood Blvd., 323-461-4014 Buy 1 dress get 50% off 2nd
Camera Creations, 6141 Afton Place, 323-466-3909 Professional portrait for $175
Capital Rock, 6739 Hollywood Blvd., 323-957-1480 10% off
CVS Pharmacy, 7021 Hollywood Blvd., 323-836-0304 $3 off photo developing
Hollywood Book & Poster Co., 6562 Hollywood Blvd., 323-465-8764 $10 DVDs
Hollywood Mini Market, 6411 Hollywood Blvd., 323-462-4120 50% off
Lallure, 6378 Hollywood Blvd., 323-463-1141 20% off t-shirts
Larry Edmunds Bookshop, 6644 Hollywood Blvd. 323-463-3273 20% off
Napoleon Perdis, 6621 Hollywood Blvd., 323-817-3600 Free 10 min. makeover; 50% off
Sunset & Vine, 1555 N. Vine Street, 323-460-4849 Free bottled water & balloons
Wright Color Graphics, 9051 Sunland Blvd., 818-246-8877 Free 1000 digital 1-side/color bus. Cards
Attractions
Amazing LA Race, West Hollywood, 1171 S. Robertson Blvd., 310-779-1263 2 for 1; free “I Walked the Walk” medal
Arclight Theatre, 6360 W. Sunset Blvd., 323-464-4226 Free caramel corn w/movie
Clear Channel Radio KFI at Hollywood & Highland Center; KLAC at The Montalban
Hollywood Museum, 1666 N. Highland Ave., 323-464-7776 $5 off admission, children under 5 free til 5pm
Hollywood Wax Museum, 6767 Hollywood Blvd., 323-462-5991 Buy 1 get 1 free admission, til 6 p.m.
International Family Film Festival, 4531 Empire, Burbank, 661-257-3131 2011 VIP for films, receptions
LA City Tours, 6806 Hollywood Blvd., 323-960-0300 $5 off movie stars home tours
Madame Tussauds, 6933 Hollywood Blvd., 323-798-1670 $10 off admission for LA residents
Ripleys Believe It or Not!, 6780 Hollywood Blvd., 323-466-6335 Buy 1 get 1 admission, 50% off
The Second City Hollywood, 6560 Hollywood Blvd., 323-464-8542 All ages “Really Awesome Improv Show”
Star City Tours, 6561 Hollywood Blvd., 310-228-8003 35% off 6 or more; 25% off single
Starline Tours, Free eastbound service along Hollywood Blvd.