11 Dec 2023
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Zac Efron

December 11, 2023
zacefron

WHO | HONOREE Zac Efron                      

EMCEE Marc Malkin, Variety/Senior Editor, Culture & Events

GUEST SPEAKERS Jeremy Allen White, Sean Durkin, Miles Teller

WHAT Dedication of the 2,767th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6426 Hollywood Boulevard

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

Actor Zac Efron was honored on Monday, December 11, at 11:30 a.m. with the 2,767th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard.   Efron was honored with 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     

“We are thrilled to honor actor Zac Efron who began his career as a Disney alum and has reinvented himself as a leading man by playing a wide variety of great roles” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “What a way to end our year of star ceremonies with this very popular and gifted actor!” added Martinez.

Nurturing an impressive body of work that encompasses both film and television, Zac Efron is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

Efron was born in San Luis Obispo and began his career at the Pacific Coast Performing Arts Center and became a household name with the launch of the 2006 Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel phenomenon High School Musical. He reprised his role in High School Musical 2, which broke cable TV records garnering 17.5 million viewers.  He subsequently starred in the Disney Feature Film High School Musical 3:  Senior Year, the third installment of the extremely successful High School Musical franchise.  HSM3 set a box office record as the highest-grossing opening weekend total for a musical.

Efron will next be seen starring in Sean Durkin’s upcoming film, The Iron Claw, which is set to release on December 22, 2023. The Iron Claw is a chronicle of an American family, an intimate and epic portrait of the Von Erichs, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport in the 1960s but were plagued by misfortune and loss. The film co-stars Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson.  Efron has received incredible reviews to date for his transformative performance as Kevin Von Erich, the one family member who, through tragedy and triumph, and under the shadow of his domineering father and coach, perseveres in search of love and life outside of the biggest stage in sports.

Efron recently wrapped production on A Family Affair opposite Nicole Kidman and Joey King, a romantic comedy focused on a surprising romance that results in comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex and identity.  The film will premiere on Netflix in 2024.

Zac also reunites with filmmaker Peter Farrelly in 2024 for the fantasy feature film, Ricky Stanicky, a hilarious comedy that follows three teens who create a fake person named Ricky Stanicky to take the blame for a prank gone wrong.

In 2021, Efron produced and hosted the beloved Netflix series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron.  Zac was awarded the 2021 Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Daytime Program Host for the first season and has been nominated in the same category for the second season. The show received a nomination for Travel, Adventure and Nature Program for the second season as well.  In Down to Earth, Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live. In 2022, Zac returned for a second season of the award-winning Netflix series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron: Down Under.

Last year Zac starred opposite Russell Crowe in Apple TV+’s original film, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Directed by Peter Farrelly, The Greatest Beer Run Ever followed the real-life story of Chickie Donohue (Efron) as he leaves New York in 1967 to bring beer to his childhood buddies in the Army while they are fighting in Vietnam.  Additional film credits include Firestarter;  the crime-thriller Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, in which he plays the notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy; The Greatest Showman, alongside Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams; Gold; Scoob!; The Beach Bum; Baywatch; The Disaster Artist; Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates; Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising; Dirty Grandpa; We Are Your Friends; That Awkward Moment; the historical drama Parkland; At Any Price; The Paperboy,; Liberal Arts; The Lucky One; Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax; New Year’s Eve; Charlie St. Cloud 17 Again; Me and Orson Welles, and the box office smash summer film Hairspray, which won the Critics’ Choice award for Best Ensemble.

Television credits include the animated series, Human Discoveries, on Facebook Watch; a recurring role on the WB series Summerland, guest starring roles on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, ER, The Guardian and C.S.I. Miami.

Efron has received a wide array of accolades throughout his career including CinemaCon’s Comedy Star of the Year (2016), ShoWest’s Breakthrough Performer of the Year award, the MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Performance (2008) and Best Male Performance (2009), in addition to multiple People’s Choice, Teen Choice and Kids Choice Awards.

Efron supports the charities Cool Earth and NRDC.

Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

 

04 Dec 2023
Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink
DariusRucker

Darius Rucker

December 4, 2023

DariusRuckerWHO | HONOREE Darius Rucker

EMCEE Access Hollywood and Access Daily with Mario + Kit Co-host Kit Hoover

GUEST SPEAKERS TBA

WHAT Dedication of the 2,766th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Monday, December 4, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 7065 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

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

 

Award-winning performer Darius Rucker was honored with the 2,766th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, December 4, at 11:30 a.m. PT at 7065 Hollywood Boulevard. Rucker 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

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to honor the very talented Darius Rucker,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I think he will be happy to know that his mentor and friend Charley Pride’s star is a few feet away from his star” added Martinez.

Darius Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four number #1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country Radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits.

Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021 and his latest single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” off his brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy , now available everywhere. The project features recent-release “Have A Good Time,” his cover of Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, plus co-written songs with Ed Sheeran, HARDY and more.

Hootie & the Blowfish will return to the road in 2024, as the foursome sets out on the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour produced by Live Nation featuring special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain, scheduled to tour May 30th through September 28th.

The group comprised of Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, who formed the band during their time as students together at the University of South Carolina, will visit 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada. This marks the first full tour since 2019 for the band, whose chart-topping GRAMMY-award winning career has featured more than 25 million albums sold, including their 2x Diamond-certified debut album Cracked Rear View – which remains among the top 10 best-selling albums in all of music history – plus 17 Billboard-charting songs to date.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, a part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee, and serves as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

For more information, visit www.dariusrucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

 

01 Dec 2023
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink
MackCulkin

Macaulay Culkin

December 1, 2023

MackCulkinWHO | HONOREE Macaulay Culkin

EMCEE Steve Nissen, President and CEO Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS Catherine O’Hara and Natasha Lyonne

WHAT Dedication of the 2,765th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Friday, December 1, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6353 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

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

 

Actor Macaulay Culkin was honored with the 2,765th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6353 Hollywood Boulevard. Culkin received his star in the category of Motion Pictures. Joining emcee, Steve Nissen as speakers were actresses Catherine O’Hara and Natasha Lyonne.

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

“Macaulay Culkin has been a staple in pop culture for decades,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He has an extensive trajectory of work but his movie, “Home Alone” is one of the most beloved holiday movies known the world over. How fitting that Catherine O’Hara who played Macaulay’s mother in the film is reuniting with her movie son and will be speaking at the ceremony!” added Martinez.

Macaulay Culkin began his stage career at the age of four and made the first of several small film appearances in Rocket Gibraltar, playing the grandson of Burt Lancaster. It was in the John Hughes film Uncle Buck, in which he played the inquisitive nephew of John Candy that Culkin first began to attract attention.

Culkin then shot to international stardom with his lead role in Hughes’ film Home Alone, in which he played Kevin McCallister, a resourceful child who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Culkin received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, and Home Alone II: Lost in New York, was also a worldwide success.

Culkin appeared on stage to critical acclaim in Madame Melville and portrayed the ill-fated Michael Alig in the motion picture cult classic Party Monster. His film credits include Jacobs Ladder, My Girl, The Good Son, Richie Rich and Saved! Culkin filmed the independent Changeland on location in Thailand for director-writer Seth Green. His television credits include roles on Kings, The Jim Gaffigan Show and Robot Chicken. Culkin also founded the new media empire Bunny Ears which included a Podcast website, live events as well as social and merchandising components.

He most recently appeared in American Horror Story: Installment 10 for FX and in The Righteous Gemstones for HBO Max.

Culkin continues to make giving back his priority by supporting charities such as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Stand Up To Cancer.

 

24 Oct 2023
Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Gwen Stefani

October 24, 2023

WHO | HONOREE Gwen Stefani                 

EMCEE Walk of Famer and iHeart Media personality Ellen K

GUEST SPEAKERS  Jimmy Iovine, Irving Azoff, and Blake Shelton

WHAT Dedication of the 2,764th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE  6212 Hollywood Boulevard adjacent to Amoeba Music

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

 

Multi-platinum recording artist, fashion icon, and ‘The Voice’ coach, Gwen Stefani was honored on Thursday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m. with the 2,764th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard next to Amoeba Music. Stefani was honored with her star in the category of Recording. There was a street closure between Argyle and El Centro beginning at 10 a.m.

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

“Gwen Stefani is the pride and joy of California!” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Not only is she an acclaimed singer/songwriter and performer, Gwen is also a talented fashion designer and cosmetics mogul. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is ready to welcome not just a girl but a mega talent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” added Martinez.

As guest speakers, record label founder and entrepreneur Jimmy Iovine, CEO of the Azoff Company and manager Irving Azoff and country superstar and husband Blake Shelton joined emcee Ellen K for the star unveiling.

A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Interscope Records recording artist Gwen Stefani has achieved global success as a singer/songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist.  Currently, Stefani can be seen as a coach on NBC and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television’s Emmy®-winning series “The Voice.”

Stefani is a trend-setting music and fashion icon with an impressive array of honors: four MTV Video Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award.  To date, she’s sold more than 60 million units worldwide, and over ten billion streams, including her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.  The four-times platinum album delivered the hit singles “Rich Girl,” “What You Waiting For?” and the No. 1 hit “Hollaback Girl.”

Her sophomore album, The Sweet Escape, featured the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single “Wind It Up” and the unforgettable anthem “The Sweet Escape.”  Her critically praised latest album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and includes her powerful No. 1 single “Used to Love You.”

In 2020, Stefani had two No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with husband Blake Shelton, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.”   Stefani released the new song “True Babe” in June ahead of a series of major festival performances in for the U.K. and Europe this summer.

Before the music there was makeup. Stefani’s passion for makeup was integral in the launch of her beauty brand GXVE in early 2022. The clean, high-performance cosmetics collection is inspired by Stefani’s iconic looks and created for the community of makeup lovers who find their inspiration, individuality and self-expression through artistry.

One of pop culture’s most magnetic style icons, Stefani is one of the first artists to brilliantly merge music stardom into a series of global lifestyle brands including her fashion-forward clothing line, L.A.M.B., sister label Harajuku Lovers and her eyewear line gx by Gwen Stefani.

Stefani continues to make giving back a focus in her life supporting several charities and foundations.

 

18 Sep 2023
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink
John Waters

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

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
tupacshakur

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.