27 Jul 2021
Live Performance Permalink

F. Gary Gray

July 27, 2021

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to present acclaimed Director F. Gary Gray with the 2,665th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. The has been dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures located at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Hollywood Suit Store.

“F. Gary Gray is a man with a mission. He is known as one of the industry’s most prolific and versatile directors known for pushing the envelope and delivering exciting content.” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He is a great addition to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and we welcome him with open arms!” added Martinez.

Gary Gray, though a native of New York, was raised primarily in South Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Gray has excelled at bringing the most predominant themes from the pop culture zeitgeist to the screen. With more than 25 years in the industry, Gray has been able to consistently and successfully maneuver between genres ranging from Comedy to Thriller to Drama to Action. For this work, Gray received the prestigious “Excellence in the Arts Award” in 2017 from the American Black Film Festival. 

Gray’s films include “Law Abiding Citizen”, which starred Gerard Butler and Academy Award® winner Jamie Foxx; “Be Cool”, based on Elmore Leonard’s best-selling novel and which starred Academy Award® nominees John Travolta and Uma Thurman; “The Italian Job”, a visually arresting thriller with an all-star cast, including Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron and Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg; “A Man Apart”, which starred Vin Diesel; The Negotiator, which starred Academy Award® nominee Samuel L. Jackson; the award-winning heist picture “Set It Off”, with Jada Pinkett Smith and Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe winner Queen Latifah; and “Friday”, which launched the extremely popular “Friday” film franchise that starred rapper/producer Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. His film, “Straight Outta Compton” made over $160 million at the domestic box office, making Gray the highest-grossing African-American director.

Gray directed the 8th installment of the “Fast and Furious” series (“The Fate of the Furious”) with Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Statham, Scott Eastwood, Kurt Russell, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  Universal Pictures released the film in 2017 and was the No. 1 movie in the world at the domestic, international and global box office for two weeks.  It broke multiple box-office records including being the biggest global and international opening of all time with $542 million ($443.2 million international, $98.8 million domestic) and highest-grossing film from an African American director ever.  It has earned over $1.2 billion at the all-time worldwide box-office.

Away from the camera, Gray stays active in his community and has been an active supporter of numerous organizations, including the Tom Bradley Youth & Family Center, My Friend’s House Foundation and Urban Compass, among others.  He has received multiple commendations from the city of Los Angeles for his philanthropic work.  Gray also received the Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement award from the office of President Obama for his volunteer service.

 

27 Jul 2021
Recording Permalink

Cypress Hill

July 27, 2021

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored entertainers Cypress Hill with the 2,660th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, April 18, 2019. The star, dedicated in the category of Recording, was placed at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Green Leaf Restaurant at Eastown.

“We are proud to honor the first Latino American hip-hop recording group,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.” “They have been successful as a group for three decades and we know they will continue their success for many years to come,” added Martinez. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce members Green Leaf Restaurant created a special drink in honor of Cypress Hill called the Dr. Green Thumb Cocktail!

Helping Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star were actor George Lopez and Xzibit. Other celebrities on hand for the event included: Alchemist, Tommy Chong, Chuck D, Billy Graziadei, Electric Boots, DJ Lord, Tom Morellos and manyothers. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Cypress Hill, comprised of B Real, Sen Dog, DJ Muggs, and Eric “Bobo” Correa, were the first Latino-American hip-hop group to have RIAA certified platinum and multi-platinum albums and are widely respected as one of the most important groups in hip-hop history.

In 1991, their self-titled debut album sold over 2 million copies. With their debut album still at the top of the charts, they became the first rap group to have 2 albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 at the same time when their second album, Black Sunday, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1993 and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The album went on to be certified triple platinum and features their hit “Insane in the Brain”, dubbed one of the “100 greatest Hip Hop songs” by VH1.

The Grammy nominated, group has gone on to sell over 18 million albums worldwide. Sampled by everyone from JAY-Z and the Black Eyed Peas to A$AP Rocky and Vic Mensa, Cypress Hill paved the way for contemporary artists like Luis Fosi and Cardi B.

The group recently released their ninth studio album, Elephants On Acid. Framed as a rap odyssey, the album takes listeners around the world and through other dimensions while preserving the dynamism for which the group became known.

Even with a relentless touring schedule, Cypress Hill have never forgotten their neighborhood of South Gate and continue to call Los Angeles home. They continue to support the community through scholarship programs and work with organizations like Guns for Goods, a gun buyback program to help get guns off the streets and away from the hands of children, the Wounded Heroes of America, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

27 Jul 2021
Television Permalink

Alvin & The Chipmunks

July 27, 2021
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored Alvin and the Chipmunks with the 2,657th  star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, March 14, 2019.The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Hollywood Toy & Costume Shop.
“Kids of all ages will be thrilled with our next star ceremony!” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Alvin and the Chipmunks played a large part in our lives growing up and it’s amazing that they can continue to play this role in the lives of our little ones. We expect this star ceremony to be filled with joy and laughter for the whole family! This will be nuts!” added Martinez.
Helping Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, to unveil the star were Ross Bagdasarian, Janice Karman, Michael and Vanessa Bagdasarian.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com, courtesy of our media partner Variety.
After more than 60 years, Alvin and The Chipmunks are more successful than ever garnering more than two billion dollars across their number one songs, platinum selling albums, top television series, Prime Time Specials, Grammy awards, Emmy nominations, and four blockbuster motion pictures.
Ross Bagdasarian Sr. first introduced Alvin and The Chipmunks in 1958 on the novelty record “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late!),” which sold 4.5 million copies in seven weeks and has gone on to become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
The Chipmunks first appeared on television in 1961 with “The Alvin Show”, which was one of the first Prime Time animated television series to air on national television. In 1981, The Chipmunks’ Prime Time television special, “A Chipmunk Christmas” aired on NBC and was seen by more than 35 million people, becoming a Holiday perennial. The success of the Christmas special led to a Saturday morning TV series, “Alvin & The Chipmunks”, which aired on NBC from 1983 to 1991,becoming one of the top rated shows in all of children’s programming. Not only did this series feature Alvin, Simon and Theodore, but also it introduced their female counterparts The Chipettes–Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette.
The show was nominated for five Emmy Awards, was seen by more than 15 million people a week and has been broadcast in over 100 countries around the world.
Given the success of the franchise, The Chipmunks and Chipettes were redesigned for the brand new CG animated television series, ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks. Created, written, designed and directed by Janice Karman, the series launched Spring 2015 and continues to garner top ratings around the world, including on Nickelodeon in the U.S., attracting over 42 million viewers per week in the U.S. alone. The show has already received broadcast orders for five seasons comprising(260) 11-minute episodes.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: A FAMILY TRADITION
The Bagdasarian family, headed by Ross Bagdasarian and his wife Janice Karman, have kept Alvin and the Chipmunks a vibrant cultural icon recognized the world over.

Janice and Ross continue as the voices of The Chipmunks and Chipettes and are joined by their children Vanessa and Michael. Michael not only acts as associate producer of the series and writes some of the episodes but also supplies voices for ancillary characters and helps edit the show. Vanessa not only acts as design associate and script consultant but also voices Eleanor of The Chipettes as well as ancillary characters.

27 Jul 2021
Live Performance, Motion Pictures, Recording Permalink

The Mötley Crüe

July 27, 2021

Mötley Crüe is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The band was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold more than 80 million album copies worldwide, with 25 million in the U.S.

The band members have often been noted for their hard-living lifestyles, and the persona they maintained. All members have had numerous brushes with the law, spent time in jail, suffered from alcoholism, long addictions to drugs, had countless escapades with women, and are heavily tattooed. Their ninth studio album, Saints of Los Angeles, was released on June 24, 2008, while a film adaptation of their best-selling autobiography, The Dirt, is due to be released in 2011.

Mötley Crüe was formed on January 17, 1981 when bass guitarist Nikki Sixx left the band London and began rehearsing with drummer Tommy Lee and vocalist/guitarist Greg Leon. Lee had worked previously with Leon in a band called Suite 19 and the trio practiced together for some time with Leon eventually deciding not to continue. Nikki and Tommy then began a search for new members. Sixx and Lee soon met guitarist Bob "Mick Mars" Deal. Mars was quickly auditioned and subsequently hired by Sixx and Lee. Although a lead vocalist named O'Dean was auditioned, Lee had known Vince Neil from their high school days at Royal Oak High School in Covina, California and the two had performed in different bands on the garage band circuit. On seeing him perform with the band Rock Candy at the Starwood in Hollywood, California, Mars suggested they have Neil join the band. At first Neil refused the offer, but as the other members of Rock Candy became involved in outside projects, Neil grew anxious to try something else. When Lee made one final appeal to audition, Neil accepted and was hired. The newly formed band did not yet have a name. While trying to find a suitable name, Mars remembered an incident which occurred when he was playing with a band called White Horse, when one of the other band members called the group "a motley looking crew." He had remembered the phrase and later copied it down as Mottley Cru-. After modifying the spelling slightly, "Mötley Crüe" was eventually selected as the band's name, with the stylistic decision suggested by Neil to add the two sets of metal umlauts supposedly inspired by the German beer Löwenbräu, which the members were drinking at the time.

The band soon met their first manager, Allan Coffman, "the thirty-eight-year-old brother-in-law of Mick?s driver friend Stick". The band's first release was the single "Stick to Your Guns/Toast of the Town", which was released on their own record label, Leathür Records, which had a pressing & distribution deal with Greenworld Distribution in Torrance, California. In November 1981, their debut album Too Fast for Love was self-produced and released on Leathür, selling 20,000 copies. Coffman's assistant Eric Greif set up a tour of Canada, while Coffman and Greif used Mötley Crüe's success in the Los Angeles club scene to negotiate with several record labels, eventually signing a recording contract with Elektra Records in late spring 1982. At Elektra's insistence, the debut album was then re-mixed by producer Roy Thomas Baker and re-released on August 20, 1982, two months after its Canadian Warner Music Group release using the original Leathür mixes, to coincide with the tour.

20 Jul 2021
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink
Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs

July 20, 2021

Marla Gibbs

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that entertainer Marla Gibbs was honored with the 2,6978th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled the star with Tisha Cambell and Norman Lear.

Marla Gibbs, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has carved her place on the international stage as a loved celebrity.

She began studying acting at PASLA (Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles). Ironically, Gibbs would eventually open a theater and school with her daughter on the same block years later. She went on to hone her craft at the Mafundi Institute and Watts Writers Workshop. She immediately loved the theater and went on to appear in a number of local productions including “Medea,” “The Amen Corner” and “The Gingerbread Lady,” before landing her first film role in “Black Belt Jones.”

A five-time Emmy-nominated actress, Gibbs is known for her memorable portrayal of the maid, Florence, on the CBS hit comedy, “The Jeffersons.” Gibbs’ talent soon won her another hit sitcom, the NBC series, “227.” She developed the sitcom from the original stage play of the same title produced by her daughter, Angela and cut her teeth as Executive Producer on the show.

Gibbs’ voice has been heard on the animated TV series, “101 Dalmatians.” She has appeared on popular shows including “This Is Us,” “Young Sheldon, “ “Days of Our Lives,” “The Carmichael Show,” ”Blackish,” “NCIS,” The Neighborhood and the list goes on. She’s enjoyed recurring roles on “Passions” and the “The Hughleys,” and gave a stellar performance in the critically acclaimed film, “The Visit.” The same is true for the film, “El Camino,” “and her tour de force portrayal of a jazz legend in, “Stanley’s Gig,” that won her critical notice.

Gibbs’ first love has always been singing. She sang and co-wrote the theme song to the sitcom, “227,” and “Checking In” and in 2006, she released her own CD, “It’s Never Too Late.” The project partnered her with the legendary HB Barnum and her friend, the late jazz luminary, Gerald Wiggins. Gibbs wrote most of the songs including two with producer, Amil Gibbs. Her message is all there, on the CD… “It’s Never too Late.”

An activist, Marla always fought to ensure diversity was not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. She stood her ground when top executives wanted her to play a single mother on the show. Her vision won out and “227” became a hit show where audiences could find two loving parents raising their daughter and dealing with real issues. Gibbs has been honored as both a maverick and living legend. An eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Gibbs has received numerous prestigious honors over the years, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year.

In addition to acting, her community support has been celebrated with several awards. She revived the legendary Los Angeles jazz supper club, “Marla’s Memory Lane, and hired local and international jazz artists to help preserve the culture. Marla co-founded Crossroads Theater and Acting school with her daughter Angela, which helped to launch the careers of several local actors. Gibbs’ universal appeal, versatility and tremendous career success spanning film, live performances and television have solidified her standing as one of the premier entertainers in the world.

 

Watch the full ceremony here:

 

12 Jul 2021
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink
Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe

July 12, 2021

Nigel Lythgoe

 

WHO: Nigel Lythgoe

EMCEE: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Rana Ghadban

GUEST SPEAKERS: Kristopher Lythgoe, Simon Lythgoe and Priscilla Presley

WHAT: Dedication of the 2,697th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
in the Category of Television

WHERE: 6258 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the W Hollywood Hotel

WHEN: Friday, July 9, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. PST

 

 

COMMENTS:

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored entertainer/television producer Nigel Lythgoe with the 2,697th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, July 9, at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 6258 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the W Hollywood Hotel.

“Nigel Lythgoe has dedicated himself to promoting the performing arts and is a mentor to many young performers seeking their dream in the entertainment industry,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We are thrilled that this visionary talent is joining our Walk of Fame family,” added Martinez.

Joining Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star were Nigel’s sons Kristopher and Simon Lythgoe as well as Priscilla Presley.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encouraged fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Nigel Lythgoe was born in St. Helen’s, Lancashire, England. He and his family moved to Liverpool, where he began tap dancing at 11 years of age. He became the only person to dance in, choreograph, direct and produce the Royal Variety Performance for Her Majesty the Queen of England. He has worked with stars such as Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Cyd Charisse, Chita Rivera, Shirley Bassey and, most prestigiously, the Muppets.

A three-time Emmy winner, Lythgoe has been a driving force in the world of performing arts as the creator, executive producer and judge on “So You Think You Can Dance,” which has won 16 Emmy Awards, and the executive producer of the TV juggernaut “American Idol,” which has been nominated for nearly 70 Emmy Awards. In 2015, Lythgoe was nominated for a Tony Award for the Broadway Musical sensation “On the Town”.

Lythgoe produced the charity spin-off “Idol Gives Back,” which raised more than $170 million for an array of worthy causes. In 2007, it received the prestigious Governors Award, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ highest honor. Additionally, Lythgoe was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award, presented to him in New York by Lady Gaga, recognizing him for his indelible imprint on the TV industry and a body of work that crosses cultural boundaries and speaks to our common humanity. Later, Lythgoe created the BAFTA/Los Angeles Nigel Lythgoe Television Scholarship providing financial aid and access to educational opportunities for British students studying in the United States. Lythgoe also created BritWeek, a non-profit organization which highlights the creative fusion between the United Kingdom and California. Now going strong for more than a decade, BritWeek hosts an annual series of events celebrating British and American collaboration in film, television, music, art fashion, design, business, sports, and philanthropy. In 2009, the U.K.’s University of Bedfordshire awarded Lythgoe with an honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to the performing arts in television. Also In 2009, Lythgoe co-founded the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to support, improve, and increase access to dance in underprivileged communities. Thereby building a healthier society through education, dance and movement. This became the American Dance Movement in 2018 and was awarded a $1 million grant by the American Heart Association. In 2010, Lythgoe created National Dance Day. Recognized by a Congressional resolution, National Dance Day falls on the last Saturday in September and promotes dance as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Also in 2010, Lythgoe was elected Chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles. In this role, he hosted Prince William and Kate Middleton at an event in Los Angeles.

Nigel has been awarded the Ellis Island International Medal of Honor, been named on Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honors List and been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his work in Education, Charity and the Arts.  He serves on the Board of Directors for American Dance Movement, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Turnaround Arts, LA’s Best, and the USC Kaufman Board of Councilors. He created the Nigel Lythgoe Endowed Dance Scholarship for USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.

Lythgoe is presently working on a new unscripted television series “So You Think You Can Fight”.

02 Jun 2021
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Jimmy Smits

June 2, 2021

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was proud to present Jimmy Smits   with the 2,696th Walk of Fame star in a virtual ceremony. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures, and took place on June 2, at 11:30 AM.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be honoring one of the hardest working actors in show business!  said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The fact that we placed his star near the star of his favorite actor and co-star Gregory Peck makes this ceremony even sweeter. We are proud to add Jimmy Smits to our Walk of Fame family,” added Martinez.

Joining Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star will be guest speakers Lin-Manuel Miranda and Paris Barclay.

Equally at home on screen or stage, Jimmy Smits has etched a string of memorable performances that have earned him more than 40 award nominations and critical acclaim. One of the most versatile actors of his generation, the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actor, activist, philanthropist, producer and entrepreneur, continues to take on new and diverse challenges, adding to a storied career that spans well over 30 years.

Smits has enjoyed an exemplary career in stage, film and television.  This Summer, 2021, he will be seen in Jon M. Chu’s feature version of the hit Broadway musical, In The Heights.  He can also currently be seen in the New Normal Rep online theater production of Nilo Cruz’s Two Sisters and a Piano.

Smits’ filmography includes such early works as Peter Hyams’ Running Scared with Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal; John Schlesinger’s The Believers; Old Gringo with Gregory Peck and Jane Fonda; Blake Edwards’ comedy Switch; and the critically acclaimed My Family/Mi Familia, directed by Gregory Nava, for which he received an IFP Spirit Award nomination.   Smits’ later works include Carlos Ávila’s Price of Glory; George Lucas’ Star Wars II:  Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Rogue One; Robin Swicord’s The Jane Austen Book Club, El Traspatio (Backyard), directed by Carlos Carrera; Who We Are Now, written and directed by Matthew Newton.

Smits is perhaps best known for his award-winning television work.  He received six consecutive Emmy nominations, winning in 1990, for his role as Victor Sifuentes on the multi-award-winning drama L.A. Law.  He received a Golden Globe Award and five consecutive Emmy nominations for his role as Bobby Simone on the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning drama, NYPD Blue, and earned an Emmy nomination for his guest star arc in season three of Showtime’s hit series Dexter. Additionally, he received an ALMA Award and an Imagen Award for Best Actor in The West Wing, has four Golden Globe nominations and eleven SAG Award nominations, receiving the honor in 1995 for “NYPD Blue.”  His highly-touted departure from NYPD Blue also won the Humanitas Award.

Smits last starred in the NBC-TV series Bluff City Law as a civil rights lawyer in Memphis; he appeared in a season-long guest arc opposite Viola Davis on How To Get Away With Murder; prior to that he co-starred in 24: Legacy, opposite Corey Hawkins and Miranda Otto, as a powerful U.S. Senator with political aspirations.  He also co-starred in Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven drama for Netflix, The Get Down, a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco.  He portrayed Neron “Nero” Padilla in the final three seasons of the much-lauded FX show, Sons of Anarchy; and takes a comedic turn in NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

In 2009, he finished a guest-starring stint in Season 3 of Showtime’s hit series Dexter, for which he was recognized with his 12th Emmy nomination.   In 2008, Smits’ El Sendero Productions company co-executive produced the CBS series, “Cane,” in which he also starred.  The show was critically acclaimed for its cutting edge and dramatic reflection of the family dynamic within a modern day Cuban-American family.  In 2006 Smits completed his role in the long-running and critically-acclaimed NBC series “The West Wing.”  As President Matthew Santos, Smits brought to the show his own infusion of energy and added even more depth to the well-written and politically relevant plot line.

Smits has involved himself in various charitable organizations over the years, such as Stand Up 2 Cancer, the Saban Community Clinic, Homeboys, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children and many more.  He has consistently been a strong advocate for education and co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) in 1997 along with actors Esai Morales and Sonia Braga and Washington attorney Felix Sanchez, to promote Hispanic talent in the performing arts.  The organization offers graduate scholarships and cash grants at prominent colleges and universities in order to expand career opportunities and increase access for Hispanic artists and professionals while fostering the emergence of new Hispanic talent.

10 May 2021
Television Permalink
stacy keach

Stacy Keach

May 10, 2021

HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS STACY KEACH WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Honoree: Stacy Keach

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Rana Ghadban

Guest Speakers: Actor Matt LeBlanc and Keach’s wife Malgosia Tomassi Keach

WHAT: Dedication of the 2,668th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
in the Category of Television

WHERE: 1628 Vine Street near the famous corner of Hollywood & Vine

 WHEN:  Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:30 A.M. PDT 

COMMENTS:

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored legendary actor Stacy Keach with the 2,668th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 31, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 1628 Vine Street near the famous corner of Hollywood and Vine.

“Stacy Keach is a triple threat, working on stage, television and film.” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He is what entertainment legends are made of and we are   happy to pay tribute to him and add his name to our historic Walk of Fame,” added Martinez.

Helping Emcee/Chamber President,  Rana Ghadban unveil the star were actor Matt LeBlanc and Stacy Keach’s wife Malgosia Tomassi Keach.

Stacy Keach was born in Savannah, Georgia to a family of entertainers. His mother, Mary Cain Peckham was an actress; his father, Walter Stacy Keach Sr., a theatre director, drama teacher, and actor; and his brother James Keach is an actor and television producer/director.

Keach started his career at the age of 4, playing Old King Cole in the school pageant in Taft, Texas and later graduated from Van Nuys High School in June 1959, where he was class president,  then earned two BA degrees at the University of California, Berkeley (1963): one in English, the other in Dramatic Art. He attended the Yale School of Drama in 1966 and was a Fulbright Scholar to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

While studying in London, Keach met Laurence Olivier, his acting hero and history was made culminating in a long and successful career for Keach. Throughout his extensive career, Keach has delivered a series of performances in top motion picture and television projects while continuing classical and Broadway stage work.  He recently finished filming the 3rd season of the CBS award-winning comedy series Man With A Plan, alongside Matt LeBlanc, and will begin filming the 4th season in the fall. He has had a recurring role on NCIS: New Orleans, playing Scott Bakula’s father, and in Blue Bloods, as The Archbishop of New York, alongside Tom Selleck. He recently portrayed Robert Vesco alongside James Spader in The Blacklist. He guest-starred on Showtime’s Ray Donovan, starring Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, and guest-starred on Starz’s second season of Blunt Talk, starring Sir Patrick Stewart. His prior television series credits include his title role performance in Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and Titus. He is the narrator on CNBC’s American Greed, now in its 13th season.

On stage, Keach is considered a pre-eminent American interpreter of Shakespeare, with his Shakespearean roles including Hamlet, Henry V, Coriolanus, Falstaff, Macbeth, Richard III and King Lear (at Goodman Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., directed by Robert Falls).

He also led the national touring company cast of Frost/Nixon, portraying Richard M. Nixon. In 2018, Keach portrayed Ernest Hemingway in The Goodman Theatre’s one-man play, Pamplona, directed by Robert Falls. He plans on bringing Pamplona to L.A. in 2021.

Keach’s memoir, All in All: An Actor’s Life On and Off the Stage, was an initial recipient of the Prism Literary Award for work addressing overcoming addictive behavior. His performance honors include a Best Actor Golden Globe Award, three OBIE Awards, three Vernon Rice Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, three Helen Hayes Awards and the prestigious Millennium Recognition Award, the Will Award and he has been nominated for Emmy and Tony Awards.

In 2015, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. In 2016, Keach received a Hollywood Film Award for Best Ensemble in the film Gold. He also won the 2011 Audie Award for best original work for the Mike Hammer radio novel “The Little Death,” in which he reprised his role as Mike Hammer and composed the musical score.

Keach is involved with various charities including: The World Cranial Foundation of which he is he international spokesman and he has been the Honorary Chair of the Cleft Palate Foundation for 40 years.

 

03 May 2021
Motion Pictures Permalink

Alan Arkin The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored  actor/director Alan Arkin will be honored with the 2,665th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, June 7, 2019  at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 6914 Hollywood Boulevard in front the Minisao Store.

“Alan Arkin is long one of the most respected artists of the stage and screen” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We are proud to add this legendary performer’s name to the Hollywood Walk of Fame” added Martinez.

Helping Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star will be Walk of Famer Steve Carrell and Alan Arkin’s son, actor Matthew Arkin.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Alan Arkin launched his career with Chicago’s improvisational revue “The Second City.” This led to his 1963 Broadway bow in the play “Enter Laughing,” based on Carl Reiner’s book, for which Arkin won a Tony Award. The following year, he starred on Broadway in Murray Schisgal’s hit “LUV.” He directed a string of off-Broadway hits that culminated in “The Sunshine Boys” on Broadway, which led to a Tony nomination for Arkin. In 1966, Arkin made his major feature film debut, starring in Norman Jewison’s comedy smash “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.” Arkin earned his first Oscar ® nomination for Best Actor and won a Golden Globe Award for his performance. He garnered a second Best Actor Oscar ® nomination for his performance in the 1968 drama “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,” for which he also won a New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) Award and received a Golden Globe nomination. Just after that he earned yet another Golden Globe nomination for the title role in “Popi.” In 1971, Arkin made his feature directorial debut when he directed and starred in the underground classic “Little Murders” film.

With more than 70 films spanning over 50 years, his long list of credits also includes “Wait Until Dark”; “Catch-22”; “Little Murders,” which marked his feature film directorial debut; “Hearts of the West,” “The In-Laws”; “Edward Scissorhands”; “Havana”; “Glengarry Glen Ross”; “So I Married an Axe Murderer”; “Grosse Point Blank”; “Gattaca”; “Slums of Beverly Hills”; “Jakob the Liar”; “America’s Sweethearts”; “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing,” receiving another Spirit Award nomination; “Rendition”; and “Little Miss Sunshine” for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, an Independent Spirit Award, a BAFTA Award, and shared a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award ® for Outstanding Motion Picture Cast, in addition to receiving an individual SAG Award ® nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. He also earned Oscar® , BAFTA and Golden Globe Award nominations for his supporting performance in the Oscar ® winning Best Picture “Argo,” which also won the BAFTA Award for Best Picture in 2013.

Last year, Arkin starred in the critically acclaimed Golden Globe Award winning comedy series “The Kominsky Method” for Netflix, which earned him SAG and Golden Globe nominations for his performance. Arkin has made appearances in “Going in Style,” “Love the Coopers”, “TV series “Bo-Jack Horseman”, “Million Dollar Arm” co-starring with Jon Hamm, director Peter Segal’s comedy “Grudge Match” with Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone; “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” with Steve Carell and Jim Carrey; “Stand Up Guys” with Al Pacino and Christopher Walken, “The Muppets,” and Tim Burton’s “Dumbo” released earlier this year. Arkin will next be featured in “Minions 2” and in the Netflix film “Wonderland.” He has also directed several short films, including “People Soup,” which was Oscar ® -nominated for Best Live Action Short.

Arkin is involved with the following charities: Doctors Without Borders and Vedanta Society.