Throwback Thursday Trivia: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Image: reeseypeasy.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most visited attractions in the world. Over 10 million people visit it annually along the famous Hollywood Boulevard. As well as actors, the Walk of Fame celebrates the achievements of musicians, directors, producers and musical and theatrical groups. Rather charmingly, fictional characters are also paved in the stars, including: Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog and Bugs Bunny.

So why is there a Hollywood Walk of Fame? What is the point? Who came up with the idea?

The beginnings of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  Image: walkoffame.com

E. M. Stuart has been credited with the concept. He served as the volunteer president of the

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 1953, he proposed the Walk as a means to "maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour and excitement in the four corners of the world".

It's not entirely certain where the original idea came from, however it is said that the inspiration is down to the Hollywood Hotel's dining room ceiling which featured stars and the names celebrities painted on them. Initially though, the stars were to have caricatures of each individual but was deemed too difficult to create so the idea was dropped.

Between 1956-1957, the committee chose from the four industries at the time: motion picture, television. audio recording and radio. They selected 1,558 honorees for the sidewalk. These included big names such as Walt Disney, Cecil B. DeMille and Samuel Goldwyn. However, there was controversy when one of the most famous film stars was not selected - Mr Charles Chaplin.

Charlie Chaplin's controversial star. Image: boyculture.com

Although chosen in the original 1956 line up, Charlie Chaplin's name was omitted as the selection committee objected to his questionable morals and left-leaning political views. It wasn't until 1972 that Chaplin had his star firmly on the Hollywood sidewalk - the same year he won his Honorary Academy Award.

As of March 2014, there are 2,518 stars across the 1.3 mile Boulevard. On average, two stars are added each month and include the individual ceremonies for the recipients. Announced two days ago, Peter Jackson will have his star placed outside the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars is held, on December 8th.

Sheffield's imitation of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 
Sean Bean being presented with his Sheffield Legends plaque.
Image: themightybean.com

Imitations of the Hollywood Walk of Fame include one in Sheffield outside the Town Hall. Aptly named Sheffield Legends, the plaques celebrate the South Yorkshire city's talent - including the likes of Sean Bean and Michael Palin. The picture on the right doesn't quite have the same glamour as Hollywood though, does it?! 

To find out more about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, click the link to go to the official site.

Don't forget to follow Ticket Stub Film Club on Twitter. 

Join in the conversation and keep up to date on all things film.