Hollywood Walk of Fame: The First Stars Revealed
Discover the origins of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the first actors to be honoured with a star. Uncover the stories behind the initial eight stars and why this tradition still matters.
“The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the ultimate honour for a performer,” Steve Carell remarked at Jennifer Garner’s star ceremony in 2018.
“Induction into this rarefied group is a celebration of career excellence.”
For many in the industry, the idea of seeing one’s name set in terrazzo and brass along Hollywood Boulevard is the stuff of dreams—a tangible nod to years of graft, a marker that one’s work has left a proper mark. Those who’ve received this distinction often echo Carell’s sentiment, having witnessed the transformation of the Walk from a modest local tribute to a global symbol of showbiz recognition.
Tim Burton, reflecting on his own experience, offered a rather different take. As a youngster, he’d assumed the stars were gravestones for the city’s legends, his imagination running to the macabre. Over time, though, he came to appreciate the meaning behind the tradition, albeit for reasons that might surprise.
“I used to come down here and visit the Larry Edmunds bookshop and come here, and when I found out it was here, I almost started crying because I’ve been coming here ever since I was a little child, and the store hasn’t changed at all,”
he shared.
“So for me, it’s such an honour to have a star but also to have it right here in front of this incredible shop, museum, toy shop, everything… I used to spend my life here; thank you so much.”
How the Walk of Fame Began
The concept for the Walk of Fame was first floated by EM Stuart, a volunteer with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, back in 1953. Stuart’s aim was to preserve “the glory of a community whose name means glamour and excitement in the four corners of the world.” It took several years of planning and negotiation before the first stars were ready to be revealed. In 1958, the initial batch of eight was installed, marking the start of a tradition that would become synonymous with Hollywood itself.
Among the first to be immortalised were Olive Borden, Ronald Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Burt Lancaster, Edward Sedgwick, Ernest Torrence, and Joanne Woodward. While Woodward is often cited as the inaugural recipient—largely thanks to a well-known photograph of her beside her star—all eight were honoured simultaneously. The ceremonies of the time were a far cry from today’s elaborate unveilings, with little of the fanfare or spectacle now associated with the event.
Changing Significance Over the Years
Since 1960, the number of names on the Walk has swelled to over 2,800. Yet, as with many accolades in the entertainment world, there’s been ongoing debate about whether the Walk still carries the same weight it once did. Some point to the lengthy eligibility process—candidates must be nominated, then considered by a committee—as evidence of its continued prestige. Others question why certain luminaries remain absent, despite careers that arguably merit the honour.
Regardless, the Walk of Fame endures as a touchstone for the industry. These days, unveilings have become opportunities for colleagues to pay tribute, often blending humour with heartfelt anecdotes. The tradition has shifted from a simple act of recognition to a more personal celebration, with each new star adding another layer to Hollywood’s ever-evolving story.