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"I believe that God felt sorry for actors, so He created Hollywood to give them a place in the sun and a swimming pool."
- Sir Cedric Hardwicke |
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| The First Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
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By the 1920s, the world knew Hollywood. The mere mention of the word conjured up images of immense motion picture studios and stars. Year after year, thousands poured into an area that had become as famous as her people. Klieg lights pierced the darkness of obscurity to fame, while the path to fortune was lined with California palm trees. |
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| Although films were produced elsewhere around the globe, Hollywood was the supreme place to make movies. A factory town, Hollywood had become the center of the entertainment universe. |
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| In 1927, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (named after President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt) opened its doors on the popular street. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences headquartered there that same year. |
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| In 1958, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce voted to give the stars a permanent home on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Actress Joanne Woodward received the first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There were many more to come. |
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| Marilyn Monroe, who had been ignored by the Academy, was thrilled to learn that she would be honored with her own beautiful terrazzo Walk of Fame star. It was the recognition she craved. |
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| The show has been going on ever since, with more than 2,300 stars. |
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