Strolling Down Memory Lane: The Og Stars Of The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The Origin Story of a Hollywood Icon

There's no place like LA's Hollywood Walk of Fame – a stretch of sidewalk that's become as legendary as the legends it honors. With its glimmering stars lining Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, this iconic strip has played host to starstruck fans for over six decades. But how did this famous walkway come about?

The brainchild of E.M. Stuart, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's volunteer president back in 1953, the Walk was envisioned as a tribute to Hollywood's glitzy status as the entertainment capital of the world. Stuart described it as a monument to "maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour and excitement in the four corners of the world." Talk about setting the bar high!

The Spark of an Idea

Legend has it that the Walk's starry motif was inspired by the Hollywood Hotel, a now-gone local haunt that once had stars painted on its dining room ceiling. These stars bore the names of celebrity patrons, and from there, it was a short leap to the stars underfoot that we know today. After much planning, the Chamber enlisted various entertainment industry icons – including Cecil B. DeMille and Walt Disney – to select honorees worthy of this celestial sidewalk.

“The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a fabulous idea. It brings back old memories and reminds us of those who paved the way in showbiz,” remarked a local historian.

The First Stars: Not Just Hollywood's A-List

Come August 15, 1958, Hollywood unveiled its first batch of stars with a grand showcase at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. These eight prototype stars were temporary but generated buzz like a blockbuster premiere.

The names included Joanne Woodward, Burt Lancaster, and Ronald Colman – a mix of active stars and those who'd faded from the limelight. The eclectic selection, chosen at random, also featured Olive Borden, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Edward Sedgwick, and Ernest Torrence. Though not a greatest hits list, it remains a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood's early tapestry.

Joanne Woodward: The "First" Star

While Joanne Woodward is often mistaken as the first to receive a Walk of Fame star, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Her star was among the eight prototypes, and she ceremonially posed with it in 1960 when the permanent stars were set. Her association with the Walk has only bolstered her legacy as a celebrated actress.

The Bright and the Forgotten

Burt Lancaster's rise from East Harlem to Hollywood royalty is the stuff of legend, earning him a place among the prototype stars. An acrobat turned actor, Lancaster's versatility saw him transition from action roles to Oscar-winning performances. His legacy is immortalized in the American Film Institute's rankings of classic cinema's finest.

Meanwhile, Ronald Colman, an English gentleman adored for his transition from silent film to talkies, and Olive Borden, Hollywood's "Joy Girl" whose life was tragically short, also made the cut. Each honoree, like Ernest Torrence and Preston Foster, carried unique stories that contribute to the Walk's rich history.

A Tapestry of Hollywood's Past

The eight prototype stars were a snapshot of Hollywood, representing both the industry's glamour and its forgotten faces. From icons like Lancaster to underappreciated talents like Borden, the Walk of Fame captures a diverse slice of Tinseltown's history.

Today, the Walk spans over 2,700 stars and keeps growing, a testament to Hollywood's ever-evolving story. As you tread this historic path, remember those early names – they're still there, hidden among the glitter, waiting to be discovered.