BEHIND THE STARS
Did you know Dick Van Dyke's name is misspelled on the Walk of Fame?
Published on October 26, 2024
Credit: De'Andre Bush
Renowned across the globe and standing as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the explosive city of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame hasn't always been the iconic landmark we know today. With a long history spiced with humorous anecdotes and moments of glamour, but also with its percentage of disputes, delays, mistakes, and even thefts, the stars on Hollywood Boulevard are an irresistible spectacle, captivating the attention of everybody.
So, read on if you're up to discover 10 fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the iconic Walk of Fame in the City of Angels!
The very first one
Credit: Auke Bakker
Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame spans over 15 blocks, boasting the celebrated names of the entertainment industry's most iconic stars. But every tale begins with a single step, right? Once upon a time, there was the inaugural star.
That honor went to producer and director Stanley Kramer, a true visionary in early 20th-century American cinema. This inauguration took place on February 8, 1960, that's right, more than 60 years ago.
While there had been temporary displays of stars featuring various names before Kramer's, his star was the first to be immortalized permanently on the iconic Walk.
A (really good) strategy
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Did you know that, besides the intention of honoring celebrities, the Walk of Fame emerged as a clever strategy to beautify that area of the city and thus attract more tourists? The stars permanently engraved on the sidewalks would give visitors the impression that they are even closer to their beloved idols.
Although the idea first came up in 1953, it took a long time to materialize fully: about 7 years. And that's not all; legend has it that the initial prototype not only featured the name inside the star but also included a caricature of the honoree.
Eight more years
Credit: Oxana Melis
But the path forward was far from easy. After the initial placement of 1500 stars on the Walk, eight long years passed without any new additions. Those years marked a period of low traffic in the area.
However, after considerable effort, film producer Richard Darryl Zanuck—you know him for producing films such as The Sting (1973) and Cocoon **(1985)**—was honored in 1968 with an eye-catching ceremony, setting a precedent that would shape the way new stars were introduced at the now iconic location.
Some typos
Credit: Daniela Holzer
We all make mistakes; it's part of being human. And even those responsible for designing the stars on the Walk aren't immune to a slip-up.
Adding to the charm of the place, a couple of stars had some unexpected typos in the honorees' names. For example, in 1993, the iconic Dick Van Dyke found his last name transformed into "Vandyke" on his star. Fortunately, the blunder didn't stick for long before it was corrected.
However, some stars kept their typos. One particularly paradoxical example is the first name of cinematography pioneer Auguste Lumière, which was spelled as "August."
Assistance required
Credit: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez
With the beginning of the prestigious ceremonies in the Walk of Fame, a set of guidelines came into play.
Among these guidelines there is one pivotal rule: as the star on the Walk is considered an award shared by the celebrities and their fans, the honoree must give prior confirmation that they will attend the unveiling.
Rumor has it that many years ago**, Bruce Springsteen**, the legendary musician, declined to attend his ceremony upon nomination. His decision sparked a significant conversation about the importance of participation in the esteemed event. Thus, this regulation is now known as the "Springsteen Clause."
Fictional stars
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Attendance is requested, with no exceptions, even for those who live beyond the realms of our reality!
Many characters, beloved by fans around the globe, exist in the fantasy world. However, it would be unfair to deny these icons their rightful place among the stars on the Walk of Fame just because of their fictional nature.
As a result, multiple animated characters and even puppets have been honored at the Walk. Among them are Disney celebs like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Snow White; iconic movie stars like Shrek and the great Godzilla; as well as classics like Bugs Bunny and Snoopy.
No, thanks
Credit: Jake Blucker
There are some undoubtedly established names whose absence from the famous Boulevard may strike you. Well, in some cases, this is because the nominated celebrity did not agree to go through with the process. Of course, each superstar has their own peculiar motivations and considerations guiding their choices.
Among the celebrities who reportedly rejected their star or just remained indifferent to their nominations are the legendary Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the iconic Queen of Pop, Madonna herself!
Not free of charge
Credit: Kenny Eliason
The stunning Walk of Fame stars glow under the bright lights, drawing in both locals and visitors alike. But what many don't realize is the intricate process that lies behind each of these iconic symbols.
From design to production and installation to the pomposity of the opening ceremony, every step has its price. So let's not forget the bulky fees, which currently hover around $75,000 per star!
Crime and mystery
Credit: Scott Rodgerson
Even in this world of glam, crime lurks in the shadows. Believe it or not, some stars adorning the Walk of Fame have been stolen.
Back in 2000, during a construction modification at the site, Kirk Douglas' and James Stewart's stars mysteriously vanished from their spots. Shortly after, the thief was apprehended, bringing relief to fans and authorities.
But there is a third case that remains unsolved. In 2005, someone took the star of the iconic Gregory Peck, using tools to remove it from the concrete (it's worth mentioning that each star weighs an impressive 300 pounds!). The perpetrator and the original star were never found.
Buried surprise
Credit: Deleece Cook
As we walk these streets, we are captivated not only by the glamour on the surface but also by the hidden treasures that lie beneath.
In 2010, a time capsule was buried 4 feet under the iconic Walk, precisely at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Within the small metal box are 50 carefully selected items, symbolizing the 50th anniversary of the site. Among these treasures lie a miniature replica of the iconic Capitol Records building, a script from the classic Casablanca, a fragment of Elvis Presley's star, and a collection of newspaper articles about the Walk of Fame.
In 2060, exactly 50 years after its burial, the capsule will be unearthed, revealing its secrets to a new generation.
