It’s not enough to have your name in lights – in Hollywood it has to be set in concrete too!
The frantic pulse of LA moves to a slower beat along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These fifteen blocks along Hollywood Boulevard are one place where being first counts for nothing. Hurry past and you’ll miss out on this unique LA phenomenon.The walk of fame was first conceived in the 1960s as a way of attracting visitors back to an area of Los Angeles which had lost much of its former glory. The once-elegant theatres and cinemas had given way to down-at-heel diners and tacky discount shops and its illustrious history was in danger of being lost forever.The first batch of pink terrazzo stars commemorated the showbiz icons of the day, including Burt Lancaster and Joanne Woodward. Set into the pavement and embossed in brass, the eight original stars started a trend and soon multiplied. Now there are over 2,400 stars, some featuring long-forgotten names, others reminding us of enduring talent or conferring posterity on the latest celebrities.As well as famous actors, directors and musicians, the stars also pay tribute to the many people who work behind the scenes. Each star contains a symbol representing the featured person’s professional contribution to the entertainment industry, encompassing film, television, radio, theatre and music.The stars are specially planned out so that it is possible to follow the trail in both directions without missing any of the names. You might notice groups of people gathering around the locations of the most popular film stars and musicians, while others spend time tracking down their favourites and taking photographs for the fans back home. Along the route you’ll find celebrity impersonators and other colourful characters who add to the fun, but keep your eye out for pickpockets who prey on unwary tourists.
