HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

It is probably the most famous of all Hollywood landmarks. "The Walk of Fame runs from North La Brea Avenue to North Gower Street on Hollywood Boulevard, and from Sunset Boulevard to Yucca Street on Vine Street. The idea came from E.M. Stuart, president of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce: in 1953, he proposed to immortalize the names of the great stars of the time. The stars were inspired by the ceiling of the Hollywood Hotel, which was painted with these stars, in which the names of celebrities were inscribed. Even today, about 20 star awarding ceremonies are held each year.

In total, more than 2,600 celebrities have their own slab, made of granito, a material made of cement and imitating marble. In the middle of the slab is the famous pink five-pointed star, engraved with the name of the celebrity. Then, underneath, there is a brass emblem recalling the category in which the celebrity has distinguished himself. You can choose between film, radio, theater, music and television.

To appear on the Walk of Fame, you must be nominated by production companies, by members of the film industry, by fans... Or you can nominate yourself. In all cases, you must have at least five years of experience in your field of activity and be involved in charitable works.

In addition, a star on the Walk of Fame is subject to the validation of the artist: for example, Julia Roberts and Clint Eastwood, who refuse to own one. Some are stolen: in 2005, a group of burglars took away the plaque of Gregory Peck - who was famous for his role in Roman Holiday, in 1953, with Audrey Hepburn - using a chainsaw. Others have a cult following and are regularly covered with flowers, votive images and candles, such as those of Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor - among others. Then, a rather painful detail for the fans, some stars suffer from their location, like the one of Marilyn Monroe, located in front of a McDonald's: instead of being covered with flowers, it is regularly covered with grease and hamburger remains.

If going in search of stars is sometimes mentioned in the Hollywood must-see list, it has to be said that the activity - which can only be described as touristy - is of very limited interest. We advise you instead to take advantage of a visit to the neighborhood to keep a curious eye on the sidewalk.