A Jaunt Through Stardom

Bus tours of Hollywood—such as the ones you’ll find at Star Track Tours—include a drive along the world-famous Walk of Fame. Virtually everyone knows about the stars that line Hollywood Blvd—they’re an iconic part of a visit to Hollywood. However, do you know how long the Walk of Fame has been here? What about the first celebrities to receive a star?

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, situated on the bustling sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, is an iconic tribute to the entertainment industry’s most celebrated figures. Comprising more than 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, this renowned cultural landmark immortalizes the contributions of actors, musicians, directors, producers, and other luminaries in the world of entertainment. The Walk of Fame serves as a tangible representation of Hollywood’s rich history, attracting millions of tourists each year who come to witness the footprints of their favorite stars. In this exploration, we delve into the origins, significance, and the first ten celebrities to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Origins and Inception

The idea of the Hollywood Walk of Fame was conceived by E. M. Stuart, the volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in the late 1950s. Stuart envisioned a public attraction that would not only honor prominent personalities in the entertainment industry but also serve as a draw for tourists. The Walk of Fame concept gained traction, and in 1956, the Chamber of Commerce enlisted the help of the Hollywood Improvement Association to bring the idea to fruition.

The design of the stars was entrusted to artist Oliver Weismuller, who crafted the distinctive pink terrazzo five-pointed stars adorned with the emblem of the Chamber of Commerce. The first stars were unveiled on February 9, 1960, and the Walk of Fame was officially dedicated on November 23, 1960. Ever since, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Selection Process and Criteria

Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are not automatically granted; instead, they must be nominated and selected through a rigorous process. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce oversees the administration of the Walk of Fame and ensures that nominees meet specific criteria. To be eligible, candidates must have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in the categories of motion pictures, television, radio, recording, or live performance.

Moreover, nominees are required to have been in the industry for a minimum of five years, and posthumous nominations can only be made five years after the individual’s death. The selection committee carefully reviews each nomination, considering the nominee’s professional achievements, longevity in their field, contributions to the community, and overall impact on the entertainment world.

The First Ten Stars: Inaugural Inductees

The first ten celebrities to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame represent a diverse array of talent spanning various entertainment genres. These inaugural inductees set the precedent for the countless stars that would follow, leaving an indelible mark on the Walk of Fame’s storied history.

1. Joanne Woodward (Motion Pictures) – Star Unveiled: February 9, 1960: Joanne Woodward, an Academy Award-winning actress, was the first recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Known for her roles in films such as “The Three Faces of Eve” (1957), Woodward’s contribution to the film industry was duly recognized on that historic day in 1960.
2. Burt Lancaster (Motion Pictures) – Star Unveiled: February 9, 1960: Renowned actor Burt Lancaster, recognized for his powerful performances in classics like “From Here to Eternity” (1953) and “Elmer Gantry” (1960), was among the first to be honored on the Walk of Fame. His star was unveiled alongside Joanne Woodward’s, marking a momentous occasion for Hollywood.
3. Olivia de Havilland (Motion Pictures) – Star Unveiled: February 9, 1960: Academy Award-winning actress Olivia de Havilland, famous for her roles in “Gone with the Wind” (1939) and “The Heiress” (1949), received her star on the same day. De Havilland’s enduring legacy in the film industry made her a fitting choice for this prestigious recognition.
4. Paul Newman (Motion Pictures) – Star Unveiled: February 9, 1960: Iconic actor Paul Newman, known for his charismatic performances in films like “Cool Hand Luke” (1967) and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in its inaugural year. Newman’s impact on cinema and philanthropy remains influential to this day.
5. Donald O’Connor (Motion Pictures) – Star Unveiled: February 9, 1960: Versatile performer Donald O’Connor, celebrated for his roles in musical films such as “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), received a star on the Walk of Fame alongside his illustrious peers. O’Connor’s contributions to the entertainment industry spanned acting, singing, and dancing, making him a fitting recipient.
6. Palm Springs Walk of Stars: Desert Hollywood Walk of Fame – Situated in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars pays homage to individuals who have significantly contributed to the entertainment industry. Similar to its Hollywood counterpart, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars features brass plaques embedded in the sidewalk, each commemorating the achievements of notable personalities.

The concept of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was inspired by the success of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1992, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce established the Walk of Stars to honor individuals who have made substantial contributions to the fields of film, television, theater, music, and sports.

7. Regis Philbin (Television) – Star Unveiled: February 14, 1981: Television personality Regis Philbin, best known for his hosting duties on talk shows like “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981. Philbin’s charismatic presence and decades-long career in television made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
8. Walt Disney (Motion Pictures and Television) – Star Unveiled: February 8, 1960: A pioneer in the world of animation and entertainment, Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse and founder of Disneyland, was among the first to be immortalized on the Walk of Fame. Disney received stars in both the motion pictures and television categories, reflecting his profound impact on various facets of the industry.
9. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (Motion Pictures) – Stars Unveiled: February 8, 1960: The comedic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, known for their timeless contributions to slapstick comedy in films like “The Music Box” (1932) and “Sons of the Desert” (1933), received stars side by side. Their enduring popularity and comedic legacy secured them a place among the inaugural honorees.
10. Louis Armstrong (Recording) – Star Unveiled: February 15, 1960: Renowned jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong, a true icon in the world of music, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the recording category. Armstrong’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz and his distinctive voice left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning him a well-deserved place among the first ten stars.

Legacy and Impact

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has evolved into a symbol of achievement and recognition, immortalizing the stars of the entertainment industry for generations to come. Over the years, the Walk of Fame has expanded to include a diverse array of talent, from actors and musicians to directors, producers, and even fictional characters. The induction ceremonies, during which celebrities are honored with the unveiling of their stars, have become star-studded events, drawing attention from fans and the media alike.

While the first ten stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame represent a snapshot of the entertainment industry’s landscape in the 1960s, the subsequent decades have seen the inclusion of countless other luminaries, reflecting the ever-changing nature of Hollywood. Each star tells a unique story of talent, dedication, and the enduring impact of these individuals on the world of entertainment.

In conclusion, the Hollywood Walk of Fame stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the entertainment industry. From its humble beginnings in 1960, this iconic sidewalk has become a must-visit destination for tourists and a source of pride for those in the entertainment business. The first ten celebrities to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame paved the way for the countless stars that would follow, leaving an indelible mark on the storied history of Hollywood. As visitors stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, they not only encounter the names and achievements of their favorite stars but also experience a tangible connection to the glamour, talent, and magic that define the world of entertainment.

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