The Stars in Hollywood

By Melissa Unger-- 03/03/10
They are stars cemented in time. This is known as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The special sidewalk runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, California. It serves as an entertainment museum containing more than 2,000 five- pointed stars. They feature the names of celebrities and fictional characters honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The Hollywood Historic Trust maintains The Walk of Fame.

Garrie Thompson and Gordon McWilliams came up with the idea as a way to generate business for their company. In 1955 a prototype star was created out of brown terrazzo with John Wayne's name embedded in shiny brass. But 50 years ago Joanne Woodward was the first performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sage Corona from Star light Movie Tours explained the process of obtaining a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was complicated. "First you have to being in the business for five years that's one. Then you have to be nominated and finally you have to pay 25 grand for upkeep," said Corona. He points out that Julie Roberts is one of the biggest stars not to have a star because she refused to pay the 25- thousand dollars.

The stars on the Walk of Fame range from musical artists to actors to even animals. Strongheart was the first of three dogs to receive a star, while Lassie and Rin Tin Tin were the other two dogs to get stars. Michael Jackson was the first and one of only a few of celebrities to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He received one as a solo artist and the other as a member of The Jackson Five.