18 Sep 2023
 Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

John Waters

September 18, 2023

John WatersWHO | HONOREE John Waters                       

EMCEE Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Nissen

GUEST SPEAKERS Ricki Lake, Mink Stole, and Greg Gorman

WHAT Dedication of the 2,763rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Monday, September 18, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6644 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Larry Edmunds Shop

WATCH LIVE The event was streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com 

Director John Waters was honored today with the 2,763rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of his favorite store, Larry Edmunds Bookshop. Waters received his star in the category of Motion Pictures.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally iconic star ceremonies for decades. Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

 

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“John Waters has been a huge part of pop culture for many years,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He has created and directed some of our historic and favorite film moments and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome him to our landmark location for this well-deserved and permanent tribute,” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Steve Nissen for the star unveiling as guest speakers were Ricki Lake, Mink Stole and Greg Gorman.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, John Waters was drawn to movies at an early age.  He subscribed to Variety at the age of twelve, absorbing the magazine’s factual information and its lexicon of insider lingo.  This early education would prove useful as the future director began his career giving puppet shows for children’s birthday parties.  As a teenager, Waters began making 8-mm underground movies influenced by the likes of Jean-Luc Godard, Walt Disney, Andy Warhol, Russ Meyer, Ingmar Bergman, and Herschell Gordon Lewis.

Using Baltimore, which he fondly dubbed the “Hairdo Capitol of the World,” as the setting for all his films, Waters assembled a cast of ensemble players, mostly native Baltimoreans, and friends of long standing:  Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole and Edith Massey.  And the rest is history!

John Waters has directed sixteen movies including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby, Serial Mom and A Dirty Shame. Both Pink Flamingos and Hairspray have been added to the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.

He is the author of ten books: Shock Value, Crackpot, Pink Flamingos and Other Trash, Hairspray, Female Trouble and Multiple Maniacs, Art: A Sex Book (co-written with Bruce Hainley), Role Models, Carsick, Make Trouble, Mr. Know-It-All, and in May, 2022 his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance. In 2022 Liarmouth was optioned by Village Roadshow Pictures for John to possibly direct the movie version.

Two music compilation CDs have been released by New Line Records, “A John Waters Christmas” (2004) followed up by “A Date with John Waters” (2007). In 2017 Third Man Records released a 7” EP of Waters reading “Make Trouble” and in 2021 Sub Pop Records distributed his “Prayer to Pasolini” as part of its Singles Club. John’s audiobooks “Carsick” and “Mr. Know-It-All” were both nominated for Grammy Awards in the Best-Spoken Word Album category. Sub Pop Records released the 7” single, “It’s in the Book”, in 2022, Waters’ cover of a 1952 hit comedy recording by Johnny Standley.

In September 2014 Film Society of Lincoln Center honored John Waters’ filmmaking with a 10- day celebration entitled “Fifty Years of John Waters: How Much Can You Take?” featuring a complete retrospective of his work. The next year the British Film Institute also honored John’s contribution to cinema with their own program called “The Complete Films of John Waters…Every Goddam One of Them”. In 2015, Waters was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the same by the Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA) in May 2016, as well as two by School of Visual Arts (SVA), in 2020 and 2022. The French Minister of Culture bestowed the rank of Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters to Mr. Waters in 2015. In February 2017 John Waters was honored with the Writers Guild of America East’s Ian McLellan Hunter Award for his body of work as a writer in motion pictures.

Outfest, who is honored to have nominated Waters for his star on the Boulevard, has had a long history with John’s creative work.  He was honored in 2012 with the 16th Outfest Achievement Award joining an exclusive group of notable recipients. The award was presented by Ricki Lake at the 30th anniversary opening night of Outfest Los Ángeles in 2012 just before the premiere of Jeffrey Schwartz’s, ‘Vito’.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures presents John Waters: Pope of Trash, the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the filmmaker’s contributions to cinema, on view September 17, 2023 – August 4, 2024. The exhibition features more than 400 works that journey through Waters’s complete filmography, from his do-it-yourself independent beginnings to his rebellious Hollywood productions, including four shorts and twelve feature films. John Waters: Pope of Trash is accompanied by a retrospective film screening series, a fully illustrated catalog co-published by the Academy Museum and DelMonico Books, and is curated by Exhibitions Curator Jenny He and Associate Curator Dara Jaffe.

Waters was one of the faces of a Nike campaign in 2019 and the Saint Laurent fall/winter 2020 menswear campaign in 2020, and was featured with Mink Stole in the 2022 Calvin Klein Pride campaign.    

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: GREG GORMAN

08 Sep 2023
 Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Marc Anthony

September 8, 2023
marcanthony

WHO | HONOREE Marc Anthony  

GUEST SPEAKERS  Surprise guest speakers

EMCEE Walk of Famer and iHeart Media personality Ellen K   

WHAT Dedication of the 2,762nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE  6284 Hollywood Boulevard

WATCH LIVE  The event was live-streamed exclusively at walkoffame.com 

Award-winning performer Marc Anthony was honored on Thursday, September 7, with the 2,762nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard near the historic corner of Hollywood & Vine. Anthony was awarded his star in the category of Recording. There was a street closure that morning.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted globally iconic ceremonies for decades.  Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“We are very proud to honor Marc Anthony, one of the world’s most influential artists known on a global level as the top-selling tropical salsa artist of all time. I need to know how he does it!” stated Walk of Fame Producer, Ana Martinez. “Fans have been waiting with anticipation for his star ever since the announcement so I know Marc’s star will be a huge draw to the Walk of Fame! This day will make for a wonderful birthday celebration for Marc!” added Martinez.

Marc Anthony began his career as a session vocalist for freestyle music and underground New York house music acts and his big hit in the Latin music scene came in when he first recorded the salsa version of the late Juan Gabriel’s hit “Hasta Que Te Conocī.” The rest is history! Marc Anthony is known as one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has received countless gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has been credited with more than 50 Billboard chart #1 hits and over 7.1 billion views on YouTube.

On May 10, 2019, Marc Anthony released OPUS, his first new studio album in six years on Magnus Media / Sony Latin Music. OPUS is his eighth salsa album in the 26 years since Otra Nota (1993) established him. In addition to winning the 2020 Grammy for Best Tropical Album, Opus has earned Marc Anthony a #1 at Billboard’s Tropical Airplay list with “Parecen Viernes”, and four nominations to Latin American Music Awards for Favorite Album (OPUS), Favorite Artist Tropical, Favorite Song (Parecen Viernes), and Favorite Tour.  He was a finalist in four categories for the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards: Tropical Album of the Year (OPUS), Tropical Song of the Year (Parecen Viernes), Tropical Artist of the Year – Solo, and Tour of the Year (OPUS TOUR).

His previous album, Marc Anthony 3.0, released in 2013, received an American Music Award, a GRAMMY® Award nomination, five Premios Lo Nuestro, two Premios Juventud, numerous Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard Awards, and special recognitions from ASCAP, the Guinness World of Records and the Telemundo and Univision Telemundo networks.

On November 16, 2016, Anthony received the prestigious “Person of the Year” honor from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In September of 2017, Marc Anthony and Magnus created the alliance of artists and athletes, Somos Una Voz, to help provide humanitarian relief to areas affected by natural disasters throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other affected areas in the Caribbean.

His tours “Vivir Mi Vida”, “Cambio de Piel”, “Full Circle”, “Legacy” and “The OPUS Tour”, have been included in the Global Top Grossing Concert Tours lists. Recently, Marc became the first artist of his genre to receive a “6-time Diamond RIIA Certification” for his album 3.0 and was recognized with his third Guinness Record. In March 2022, Marc Anthony released his new album Pa’lla Voy.  His “Pa’lla Tour” played to sold-out audiences all over the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

Besides his music and many other accomplishments, in 2012, the seven–time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award winner launched the Maestro Cares Foundation, hosting a series of fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the non-profit organization and build orphanages in Latin America. He also has his own clothing and accessories line for Kohl’s, and he is a minority owner of The Miami Dolphins. His entertainment and sports venture Magnus Media is the leading Latin artist and athlete representation company in the nation and focuses on developing new ventures that bridge content creation and commerce. He will embark on a new concert tour in November and his new album studio is set for release in Spring 2024.

24 Aug 2023
 Recent ceremony, Television Permalink

Andy Kaufman

August 24, 2023

andykaufman

WHO | HONOREE Andy Kaufman

EMCEE Steve Nissen, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS Kristen Schaal, Kevin Nealon, and Michael Kaufman

WHAT Dedication of the 2,761st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 1541 Vine Street near the Ricardo Montalban Theatre

Performance artist Andy Kaufman was honored posthumously by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, August 24, at 11:30 a.m. with the 2,761st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted globally iconic ceremonies for decades.  Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Andy Kaufman, himself said ‘I never told a joke in my life’ and that was what was so amazing about him. This genius could make people laugh by portraying characters with wide-eyed innocence as if he was having a normal conversation” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We are proud to honor this iconic man on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and we say to him ‘Tenk you veddy much Andy’” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Steve Nissen for the star unveiling will be Kristen Schaal, Kevin Nealon, and Michael Kaufman, who will accept the star on behalf of his brother.

Though most people think of him as a comedian, Andy Kaufman considered himself to be a “song and dance man.” Andy Kaufman managed to make a name for himself in comedy clubs all around the country, displaying his unique brand of entertainment, that was in stark contrast of what you’d typically see in a comedy club during that time.  He would come onstage as a foreign character and do impressions of Jimmy Carter, Archie Bunker, and more, before segueing into a pitch-perfect Elvis Presley impression, which became one of his many signatures.

Andy Kaufman was also one of the performers on the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live.” In that first episode, he did his popular Mighty Mouse routine. After that Kaufman became one of the show’s most popular guest stars, returning many times over the years from 1975 until 1983. He also became a frequent guest on “Late Night with David Letterman,” where you might see him pan-handle in the studio audience, hit the stage as a fakir and sing Rose Marie, bring out his fictional adopted children, or tell the entire audience that he loved them.

Andy Kaufman is also fondly remembered by television audiences for his role as Latka Gravas, the lovable foreign mechanic, on ABC’s “Taxi.” Latka was based upon the character Andy did in his nightclub act, simply named Foreign Man, who hailed from the fictional island Caspiar. On “Taxi,” Kaufman became one of the show’s breakout characters, with viewers being captivated by the adorable immigrant.

Kaufman is also noted for his work in the world of wrestling. In 1978, he started incorporating wrestling into his act, where he would challenge any woman in the audience $500-$1,000 if they could pin him in a match. Kaufman became the undefeated Intergender Wrestling Champion. In 1982, he decided to wrestle a man for the first time, who just so happened to be Jerry Lawler, the King of Memphis Wrestling. His match with Lawler wound up sending Andy to the hospital before the brawl continued on “Late Night with David Letterman”. Not only did these two incidents play an important part in Andy Kaufman’s career, but they’re also responsible for helping bring wrestling into the mainstream.

After making many appearances on TV over the years, Andy Kaufman finally got to host his own 90-minute ABC special that aired in 1979. Like everything else Andy Kaufman did, it mixed his unique brand of humor with a healthy dose of childhood wonderment. To help with the latter, Andy Kaufman did an earnest interview with his childhood hero, Howdy Doody.

Sadly, Andy Kaufman would eventually pass away from lung cancer on May 16, 1984. But in the years since he passed away, Kaufman’s career has never shined brighter. In 2023 alone, Andy Kaufman has had his career cemented in the WWE Hall of Fame, and now the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many would not be surprised if he made his grand reemergence on his special day. With Andy Kaufman, anything is possible.

10 Aug 2023
 Live Performance, Recent ceremony Permalink

Melba Moore

August 10, 2023

WHO | HONOREE  Melba Moore 

GUEST SPEAKERS  Luenell Campbell, Katt Williams, and Freda Payne

WHAT Dedication of the 2,760thth star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE  1645 Vine Street near Hollywood & Vine

WATCH LIVE The event will live streamed exclusively at walkoffame.com 

Award-winning performer Melba Moore will be honored on August 10, with the 2,760th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be unveiled at 1645 Vine Street near the historic corner of Hollywood & Vine. Moore will be awarded her star in the category of Live Theatre/Live Performance.

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted globally iconic ceremonies for decades.  Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“We are very proud to honor Melba Moore who has lent her beautiful 5-octave voice to various genres of music. Not only is she an entertainer, she is an activist, a trailblazer and so much more” stated Walk of Fame Producer, Ana Martinez. “We know that many of her long-time fans will be lining up the day of her ceremony to see this musical gem as she is honored with her well-deserved Walk of Fame star” added Martinez.

Melba Moore is an American prolific 5-octave singer, TONY Award-winning actress, and a four-time Grammy-nominated artist.  She has conquered the genres of Broadway, Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical music.

Destined to be a star and with no training as an actor, Moore started out her Broadway career in the original cast of HAIR, where she replaced Diane Keaton, becoming the first African-American woman to replace a white actress in a lead role.   She would later solidify her place in America’s heart with her Tony Award-winning performance as LuttieBelle GussieMae Jenkins in Purlie.

Her other Broadway works include Timbuktu alongside Eartha Kitt and directed by Geoffrey Holder, Inacent Black, Ain’t Misbehavin, BKLYN, Chicago, and Les Miserables, setting another first when she became the first Black woman to play the lead role of Fantine.

Moore’s success only continued to expand with her recording career.  Her cover of her friend Aretha Franklin’s classic Lean On Me earned her a Grammy nomination and has become just one of her signature songs.  Her hit Read My Lips made her the first African-American woman nominated for a Grammy in the Rock category.  Melba Moore was the first solo artist to perform a non-operatic concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House, and she has also performed at the L’Olympia Hall in Paris, France.  She has received the prestigious Drama Desk Award, The Ellis Island Award, The Artist Guild Award, The Trumpet Award of Excellence, A History Makers Tribute, and invitations to the White House under Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan and to perform for the United Nations General Assembly.

Melba Moore is an entertainer who also happens to be a civil and equal rights activist, as well as an outspoken advocate for minorities’, children’s, and women’s rights. She marched arm in arm with Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson, and worked closely with Dr. Betty Shabazz, Dr. Dorothy I. Height (National Council of Negro Women), and Dr. C. Delores Tucker (National Political Congress of Black Women).

Melba Moore’s 1990 version of Lift Every Voice and Sing, which she recorded with Bebe and Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Anita Baker, Bobby Brown, Gerald Albright, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, Jeffrey Osborne, The Clark Sisters, Terri Lyne Carrington, Stephanie Mills,  Take 6, video directed by Debbie Allen and featuring Jasmine Guy, and narration by Rev. Jesse Jackson and Lou Gossett Jr., was entered into the Congressional Record as the official Black National Anthem. In 2017, it was added to the United States National Recording Registry and preserved by the Library of Congress as an “American Aural Treasure” alongside Barbara Streisand’s People and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.  Moore’s latest work is her new album titled Imagine which was released in April last year.  Moore continues to delight fans with performances at home and abroad.

 

 

12 Jul 2023
 Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Sheila E.

July 12, 2023

Sheila EWHO | HONOREE Sheila E. 

EMCEE Walk of Famer, Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Jimmy Jam

GUEST SPEAKERS Ringo Starr and H.E.R.

WHAT Dedication of the 2,759thth star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN  Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE  6752 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Musician’s Institute

WATCH LIVE  The event was live-streamed exclusively at walkoffame.com 

The Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. was honored on July 12, with the 2,759th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Musician’s Institute. Sheila E. was awarded her star in the category of Recording.

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted globally iconic ceremonies for decades.  Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Sheila E. is a powerhouse in the music industry. She has had quite an iconic career and has performed with the best!” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  “We are thrilled to have her join the iconic Walk of Fame as the first female solo percussionist on the Walk of Fame.  I cannot think of a better place but to place her star in front of the Musician’s Institute” added Martinez.

Songwriter/Producer Jimmy Jam Harris will be joined for the star unveiling by speakers H.E.R. and Walk of Famer and fellow percussionist Ringo Starr.

One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds. Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. In addition to percussionist dad Pete, the Oakland, California native counts former Santana member/Azteca founder Coke Escovedo and The Dragons frontman Mario Escovedo as uncles. Fellow Latin star Tito Puente was her godfather. In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts. Those influences ranged from the rock of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the R&B/pop of the Pointer Sisters and the funk of Sly & the Family Stone. “I used to sit on the corner outside of the local community center with Twinkies and 7-Up listening to Sly and Larry Graham rehearse,” remembers Sheila E. “The sounds of the Bay Area molded me.” So, it’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted, world-class drummer and percussionist began amassing an impressive string of credits playing not only with her dad but also with pioneering talents like George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.”

A fearless multi-instrumentalist, equally proficient on guitar and bass, actress, mentor and philanthropist. Following a Bay Area gig in the late ‘70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage. Their Purple Rain recording sessions—including her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”— morphed into launching her solo career that same year. Her debut album, “The Glamorous Life” spun off the Grammy Award-nominated top 10 hit of the same name plus a second top 40 single “The Belle of St. Mark.”

Between her ‘80s tenure as a drummer, songwriter and musical director for Prince’s backup band, Sheila E. released two more solo albums (Romance 1600 and Shelia E.) and scored another classic hit with “A Love Bizarre.” Sheila E.’s fierce, dynamic verve onstage has made her a major concert draw since the ‘90s. Along the way, she has acted in the films “Krush Groove,” “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane,” “Chasing Papi” and launched various music projects (E-Train, C.O.E.D., E Family Band). She added to her arsenal of credits by performing on the 2012 Academy Awards with pop hitmaker Pharrell Williams and composer Hans Zimmer. Sheila E. was also among the roster of stars chosen to perform at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors whose honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana.

Sheila E.’s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA’s, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2010 Sheila was nominated for an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Music Direction” in recognition for her leadership as musical director for President Obama’s Performance at The White House: Fiesta Latina and again more recently in 2020 for “Let’s Go Crazy” Grammy Salute to Prince. Other projects include The E Family Now and Forever, Pete Escovedo Live at Stern Grove Festival with her father Pete Escovedo, and brothers Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo, Sheila E. Live from Lugano Switzerland DVD, Silk Road from the group Heavenese hailing from Japan, a literary biography released by Simon & Schuster Publishing Titled The Beat of My Own Drum, ICON Sheila’s 2014 solo album and the single release Girl Meets Boy in memory of the late, great, Prince. Her 2017 studio project and tour, ICONIC, was Sheila’s effort to bring awareness to social issues and humanitarianism. Her 2020 single releases, “No Line” with the legendary Snoop Dogg, “Lemon Cake” & “Bailar” are Sheila’s continued contributions to the music industry.

Away from the spotlight, music doubles as a source of healing and giving back for Sheila E. In tandem with the city of Oakland, she and her Elevate Hope organization staged the first annual “Elevate Oakland” benefit concert on Feb. 1, 2014. A host of Bay Area artists and other acclaimed musicians performed at the city-donated Fox Theatre. The goal: to raise funds to improve student academic achievement and attendance through music and arts programming. But this wasn’t Sheila E.’s first time giving back. Between gigs, she has also crisscrossed the country, speaking at schools and colleges, shelters, church organizations, music classes and clinics about music’s effect on her life and career. “Sharing music in any way I can is my ministry,” she says. Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. As music fans across the globe recommit to live music again, the timing could not be better for Sheila E. and the E Train to drop a new album and reignite stages everywhere. Sheila E., the “Queen of Percussion” adds another exciting notch to her prolific career as a recording artist, producer and musician extraordinaire. The Queen of Percussion plans to release more new music in 2023, in the process of completing her first-ever Salsa project. Sheila E. is the CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.

07 Jun 2023
 Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Tupac Shakur

June 7, 2023

tupacshakur

WHO | HONOREE Tupac Shakur

EMCEE iHeart Media Radio Personality Big Boy

GUEST SPEAKERS Director Allen Hughes (“Dear Mama”), Jamal Joseph, and accepting the star will be Tupac’s sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur

WHAT Dedication of the 2,758th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM PT – NOTE SPECIAL TIME

WHERE 6212 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

WATCH LIVE The event was streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com

Tupac Shakur, awarding-winning rapper and film star, received the 2,758th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m. PT at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard. Shakur received his star in the category of Recording.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally iconic star ceremonies for decades. Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Tupac Shakur was a rapper, actor, activist, poet, and revolutionary.  This iconic artist has continued to be part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Surely, as one of L.A.’s own, Tupac’s star will be added to the list of most visited stars” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Big Boy for the star unveiling was celebrated filmmaker Allen Hughes, director of the acclaimed docuseries “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur” that is now streaming on F/X and Hulu. Shakur’s sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur will accept the star on behalf of the family.

Hughes directed the recently released docuseries, “Dear Mama, a deeply personal account of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur, and a definitive portrait of a global superstar and the woman who shaped him. A testament to the lasting cultural impact of Tupac Shakur, “Dear Mama” set a new ratings high for the Disney-owned FX when it premiered in May 2023 as the most watched unscripted series debut in cross-platform viewers across FX and Hulu.

The late Tupac Shakur is an internationally recognized artist renowned for his work, defying distinction between art and activism. Though his career lasted just five years, Tupac Shakur remains one of the most complex and prolific artists of his generation with over 75 million records sold worldwide. He is one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, his body of work constantly reminds us of why he is a legacy that continues to be examined and appreciated for generations. Both his 1996’s All Eyez on Me and his Greatest Hits collection have been certified Diamond, surpassing the ten-million mark and placing them among the top-selling albums of all time. In April of 2017, Tupac was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making him the first solo hip-hop artist to be recognized for inclusion in his first eligible year. Tupac also found success and critical acclaim as an actor, starring in films like Juice, Poetic Justice, Above The Rim, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related.

Tupac’s life and legacy continue to impact and influence culture today, from a groundbreaking performance via hologram at the 2012 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, to a spoken-word appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s critically praised 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly.  In 2015, the Grammy Museum opened Tupac’s first museum exhibit, All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur. In 2022, Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I’m Free, a fully immersive thought-provoking museum experience exploring the life and legacy of the acclaimed artist and activist, opened in Los Angeles, California.

30 May 2023
 Recent ceremony, Television Permalink

Ming-Na Wen

May 30, 2023
mingnawen

WHO | HONOREE Ming-Na Wen

EMCEE Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS The stars of “The Joy Luck Club” Tamlyn Tomita, Lauren Tom and Rosalind Chao

WHAT Dedication of the 2,757thth star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

WATCH LIVE The event will be streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com

Actress Ming-Na Wen was honored with the 2,757th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 30, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. The star is located at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard adjacent to the El Capitan Theatre. Wen was awarded her star in the category of Television.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally iconic ceremonies for decades. Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Ming-Na Wen has had quite an iconic career! As Mulan, she inspired women everywhere to embrace their inner warrior.” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “She has always been a supporter of and has always believed in lifting female artists especially women of color and we’re excited that we’re able to recognize her achievements on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Joining emcee Steve Nissen for the star unveiling was the actresses from the film “Joy Luck Club,” Tamlyn Tomita, Lauren Tom and Rosalind Chao.

Ming-Na Wen has been an actress for a career that has spanned more than three decades. She spent her early years in Macau and Hong Kong with her mom and older brother. They came to America when she was about six years of age and lived in Queens, New York, where she learned English. Her love of acting took root when she performed in a third-grade play and made the audience laugh.

After graduating with high honors from the prestigious School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University in 1986, Wen pursued acting in New York City. Years of working with theatre groups like the Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwright’s Horizon, and the Ensemble Studio Theatre prepared Wen for the big stage, where she fulfilled her dream to be on Broadway in 1998 with David Henry Hwang’s “Golden Child;” which received a Tony nomination and won an Obie for Best Play.

During Wen’s years in NYC, she won the part of Lien Hughes on “As the World Turns,” becoming the first contract role for an Asian American actor in a daytime drama. She would go on to pave the way for Asian Pacific Islander actors, winning roles that were not originally written for Asians. This included her seven-year run portraying Dr. Jing-Mei “Deb” Chen, working alongside talents like George Clooney and Linda Cardellini, in the Emmy Award-winning NBC series “ER.”

In 2019, Wen was named a DISNEY LEGEND, one of the highest honors and awards given by Disney, for giving life to such characters as ‘Mulan’ in the MULAN franchise, Agent May in “MARVEL’S AGENTS OF SHIELD” and ‘June’ in the seminal feature THE JOY LUCK CLUB based upon Amy Tan’s novel.

Mulan continues to inspire new generations of children and adults with her courage, heroism and integrity. Wen has since reprised her role as Mulan in numerous projects, including “Kingdom Hearts II,” “Mulan 2” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which grossed over half a billion dollars.

Wen delighted her “Mulan” fans, who cheered when she made a surprise cameo in the 2020 live-action film as the Esteemed Guest.

Wen currently can be seen as Fennec Shand, who first appeared on the hit Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” created by Jon Favreau. As the mercenary assassin Fennec, Wen’s character has quickly become a fan-favorite among the “Star Wars” audience. Wen reprises the role and stars opposite Temuera Morrison in their own Disney+ series “The Book of Boba Fett.” The two successful series have garnered a combined total of 43 Emmy nominations and 18 Emmy wins.

Up next, Wen is slated to shoot the lead of the film “Peachville” opposite Paul Giamatti and Simon Pegg. She also voices Fong Wing in HBO Max’s upcoming “Gremlins: Secrets of Mogwai,” which serves as a prequel to the 1984 film “Gremlins.”

Wen enjoys volunteering her time and energy for charities and prefers donating anonymously to people in need.

18 May 2023
 Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

May 18, 2023

ludacris

WHO | HONOREE Chris “Ludacris” Bridges 

EMCEE iHeart media personality Ellen K

GUEST SPEAKERS Vin Diesel and LL Cool J

WHAT Dedication of the 2,756th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6426 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

WATCH LIVE The event will be streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com 

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, an awarding winning rapper and film star, is set to receive the 2,756th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard. Ludacris will receive his star in the category of Motion Pictures.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally iconic star ceremonies for decades. Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.

 

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Ludacris has been a pop culture staple for many years,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “As both a rapper and actor, he has created some of our favorite music and film moments and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our historic landmark,” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Ellen K for the star unveiling will be Vin Diesel and LL Cool J.

As a recording artist, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide, with singles Stand Up, Get Back, Southern Hospitality, Number One Spot, Money Maker and My Chick Bad. These successful records were accompanied by music videos that demonstrated his imagination and innovation of how rap videos should look and feel.

With his lyrics, wit, and imagery, Ludacris has solidified himself as a premier entertainer. Ludacris’ versatility and complexity have enabled him to seamlessly transition to acting, including the fan-favorite role of “Tej” in Universal Pictures’ box office hit franchise Fast & Furious where he was introduced for the first time in 2003 in 2 Fast 2 Furious. He will reprise his role for the seventh time in Fast X, which will be released worldwide on May 20, 2023, just two days after his star ceremony.

His other feature film credits include New Year’s Eve, No Strings Attached, The Academy Award-Winning Film Crash, And Hustle & Flow which earned him a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

As a father of four girls, his new ventures include launching the educational platform “KidNation” and the animated series Karma’s World, which launched in the Top 10 on Netflix and earned two NAACP Image Award nominations. Currently in its fourth season, the children’s series about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change her world is inspired by Chris’ daughter Karma.

Ludacris founded The Ludacris Foundation to inspire youth and has participated in other charities such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, USO, Feeding America, and many others.

12 May 2023
 Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Blake Shelton

May 12, 2023

Blake SheltonWHO | HONOREE Blake Shelton              

EMCEE Kit Hoover-co-host Access Hollywood and Access Daily

GUEST SPEAKERS   Gwen Stefani, Carson Daly and Walk of Famer Adam Levine

WHAT  Dedication of the 2,755th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN  Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE  6212 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Music

Entertainer Blake Shelton was honored today with the 2,755th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Recording.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary sidewalk for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally known Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies for millions of people around the world.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Blake Shelton is one of the music and television world’s most popular entertainers. He keeps “The Voice” audiences in stitches with his witty banter and he has captured many fan’s hearts with his soulful country voice. To think that he began his at the age of 17 is amazing. We are proud to have him join the Hollywood Walk of Fame” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Kit Hoover for the star unveiling were Gwen Stefani, Carson Daly and Adam Levine.

Blake Shelton was born, raised, and currently lives in Oklahoma, where he has strong community ties. He has a championship career of his own and is still setting the mark in country music. Over the span of his career, Shelton has earned 28 #1 country singles! He has more than 11 Billion Global streams and sold more than 13 million albums and 52 million singles.

He has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice, among many others. He and “The Voice” host Carson Daly recently teamed up to executive produce and star in new celebrity game show “Barmageddon” for USA Network, which has received a renewal for a second season.

Shelton serves as a coach on Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice,” which is currently airing its 23rd season.

Season 23 will be Shelton’s final season on “The Voice,” where he has coached 9 champions over the course of the series, including last season’s winner, Bryce Leatherwood.

Shelton’s other winners are Chloe Kohanski, Sundance Head, Craig Wayne Boyd, Danielle Bradbery, Cassadee Pope, Jermaine Paul, Todd Tilghman and Cam Anthony.

Shelton recently donated $200,000 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. In response to the devastating tornadoes of 2013, Shelton and NBC teamed up on the telethon “Healing in the Heartland: Relief Benefit Concert.” With the help of Reba McEntire, Usher, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, the telethon raised more than $6 million for United Way of Central Oklahoma. He has donated $500,000 to the Jimmy Everest Center, an Oklahoma University hospital for children with blood cancer and blood disorders.

In association with Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Grand Ole Opry member has opened a string of entertainment-themed restaurants and bars called Ole Red. The first venue opened in 2017 in his hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He now has venues in Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well as in Orlando, Florida, and they recently broke ground on a new venue in Las Vegas.

04 May 2023
 Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Carrie Fisher

May 4, 2023

WHO | HONOREE Carrie Fisher

EMCEE iHeartMedia personality and Walk of Famer Ellen K

GUEST SPEAKERS Mark Hamill, and Billie Lourd accepted the star on behalf of her mother.

WHAT
Dedication of the 2,754th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN
Thursday, May 4, at 11:30 AM PT 

WHERE
6840 Hollywood Boulevard near the El Capitan Theatre

WATCH LIVE
 The event was streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com 

Actress Carrie Fisher was honored posthumously by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on May 4th, 2023, with the 2,754th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures.  Fisher’s star was unveiled near the historic El Capitan Theatre, 6840 Hollywood Boulevard.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame for millions of people around the world since 1960.

 

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Fans will be over the moon to know that their favorite movie princess, Carrie Fisher was honored with her star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame!  Carrie will join her “Star Wars” co-stars and fellow Walk of Famers Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford on this historic sidewalk” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  “I am happy to add, that her star is just a few feet away from the star of Mark Hamill and across the street from the star of her legendary mother Debbie Reynolds!” added Martinez.

Actress, writer and daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher made her film debut in “Shampoo” and went on to become a cultural icon playing Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars” trilogy.  Since then, she graced the film screen in such hits as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “The Blues Brothers,” to name a few. Her television credits include “Laverne & Shirley,” “Sex and the City” and “30 Rock,” for which she received an Emmy® nomination.

Fisher’s bestselling novel, “Postcards from the Edge,” netted her the Los Angeles Pen Award for Best First Novel.  Fisher penned the “Postcards” screenplay for the Oscar®-nominated film, starring Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep. Three novels and two memoirs have followed: “Delusions of Grandma,” “Surrender the Pink,” “The Best Awful,” “Wishful Drinking” and “Shockaholic.” Fisher performed her one-woman stage version of “Wishful Drinking” on Broadway, which went on to be filmed for HBO and nominated for an Emmy® Award.