Happy 50th Birthday Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Today, I turned on the TV in my parents room to watch The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother since I didn't tape them out in the front TV in the living room. Getting ready to make myself comfy I wasn't really paying attention that much. Finally, right when I was comfy I heard the reporter talking about the Hollywood Walk of Fame and how today was it's 50th anniversary. So, I decided to make my post today about the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I remember my first time going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It wasn't a trip to see all of my favorite movie stars' stars after planning a huge trip to Hollywood, it was going to see a movie at The El Capitan Theater when I was very young. Just a 20 minute drive to Hollywood and Highland and I was there. My mom told me how special this place was, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and I remember being so afraid and astonished that people were stepping on these stars like it was side walk. I remember tip-toeing that night and trying not to touch the pink colored stars as a way of honoring these people. Now, like everyone else, I just walk on them like it's no big deal, but, I still like to see who is star I am walking by.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is also a place where fans a grieve a death of their beloved star. When Michael Jackson passed I remember people telling me about how people were hovering over his star and remembering him. It's times like these that I am thankful that I live somewhat close to Hollywood, a place where people come to embrace the craziness that this place is.

When I googled Hollywood Walk of Fame and here are some interesting facts that I wanted to share with you.

• The Hollywood Walk of Fame originally began as a way to lure in people after WWII.
• It is estimated that over 10 million people come annually.
• The idea of the Walk began when people starting moving to the suburbs in the 50's and TV was moving to the East Coast
• Before the walk was built, a group of Hollywood property owners mounted a campaign to keep Charlie Chaplin's name off the sidewalk, later, Chaplin's son sued to put his father's name on the Walk of Fame. The suit was dismissed and Chaplin got his star in 1972.
• There are 5 different types of emblems on that you can see on the Walk. Each one representing a different part of the industry. Also, it is what the star received the star for.
• The Motion Picture Camera is for one who has made contribution to the film industry.
• The Television is is for one who has made contribution to the television industry. The
• Phonograph is for one who has made contribution to the recording industry. The Radio
• Microphone is for one who has made contribution to the broadcast radio industry.
• And lastly, the Comedy/Tragedy masks is for one who has made contribution to live theater.
• Gene Autry is the only person to have been honored with all five possible stars.
• One-time actor Ronald Reagan is the only President of the United States to have a star, and one of the two Governors of California to have a star, the other one is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
• On April 29, 2004, 18-year-old twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen became the youngest people in any category ever to receive a star.
• On November 18, 1978, in honor of his 50th anniversary, Mickey Mouse became the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• In 2005, companies became eligible for Walk-of-Fame-type stars; the first recipient was Disneyland, in honor of its 50th anniversary. Company awards are on private property near the Walk, and not part of the Walk itself. Companies must have a strong Hollywood presence and be at least fifty years old to qualify for this award.

Another thing that I found interesting is how the process works to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Apparently, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame Committee is responsible for selecting a new group of entertainers each year to receive stars on the Walk. New recipients are announced each June for the next year. In order for a person to get a star on the Walk, he or she must agree to attend a presentation ceremony within five years of selection, and a fee must be paid to the Trust; some of it which is set aside for maintenance and repair, with the rest going towards the installation, security, publicity, staging costs and other items.

No matter how you look at it, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a place that holds a special place in many peoples' hearts. Happy Birthday Hollywood Walk of Fame!