WHO | HONOREE Kenan Thompson   

EMCEE Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 

GUEST SPEAKERS Josh Server, JB Smoove, Leslie Jones   

WHAT Dedication of the 2,728th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 

WHEN Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 11:30 AM PT  

WHERE 6627 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028  

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

Award-winning actor and comedian Kenan Thompson was honored today with the 2,728th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 11th at 11:30 a.m. Star was dedicated at 6627 Hollywood Boulevard. Thompson was awarded his star in the category of Television. 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1960. The Chamber exists to transform business and improve lives. Through the Walk of Fame, the Chamber celebrates the business that transforms us all – the business of entertainment.  Entertainment is a unique blend of art and enterprise: elevating and inspiring us all.   

ABOUT OUR HONOREE 

“Kenan Thompson is the voice of a generation” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “From Kenan and Kel to Saturday Night Live, Kenan has been making folks laugh for nearly 30 years.” In celebration of his upcoming 20th anniversary on SNL, we thought it would be fitting to place Kenan’s star next to the star of the man who gave him his job, Lorne Michaels,” added Martinez.  

Joining emcee Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling were Josh Server, JB Smoove and Leslie Jones. 

A native of Atlanta, Thompson made his television debut as a member of Nickelodeon’s all-kid sketch comedy series All That. He and Kel Mitchell debuted on the spinoff Kenan and Kel in 1996. 

Continuing his career in sketch comedy, Thompson joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2003 and has now completed 19 seasons on the iconic late-night series as the longest-running cast member.  

Thompson received two Emmy Award nominations in 2021 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his NBC series Kenan and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for SNL. He previously received two Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2020 in the supporting actor category for his work on SNL as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2018 for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack.”  

Thompson has made numerous contributions to SNL with his slew of hilarious impressions that include Rev. Al Sharpton, Charles Barkley, Steve Harvey and David Ortiz, and by playing memorable characters such as DJ Dynasty Handbag, the scathingly fierce co-host of “Deep House Dish,” “Weekend Update” correspondent Jean K. Jean, “Black Jeopardy” host Darnell Hayes and Diondre Cole, the disruptive singing talk show host on the wildly popular sketch “What Up With That.” 

He recently appeared in season two of HBO Max’s That Damn Michael Che and Prime Video’s The Kids in the Hall. 

For two seasons, Thompson executive produced and starred in the NBC comedy series Kenan. In 2019 he served as producer and judge on NBC’s comedy competition series Bring the Funny. He also served as an executive producer on Nickelodeon’s 2019 All That reboot. 

His past projects include Clifford the Big Red Dog, Home Sweet Home Alone, Hubie Halloween, Snakes on a Plane, Wieners, and The Magic of Belle Isle. Other film credits include Fat Albert, D2: The Mighty Ducks, Good Burger, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Brother Nature, Heavyweights, My Boss’s Daughter, Barbershop 2, Going in Style and They Came Together. 

Thompson showcased his voice talents as Bricklebaum in The Grinch, which made history as the #1 Christmas movie of all time. Thompson has also lent his voice to the animated films Trolls World Tour, Wonder Park, The Smurfs, The Smurfs 2 and Space Chimps, the television series Sit Down, Shut Up and the Kobe Bryant/LeBron James Nike puppet campaign during the 2009 NBA playoffs. He was the voice of Austin Impresario Sullivan in the Hulu animated series The Awesomes and Riff in the film Rock Dog. 

WHO | HONOREE Laura Linney

EMCEE David Michael Jerome, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS Holland Taylor and Chris Mundy

WHAT Dedication of the 2,727th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Monday, July 25, 2022, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6533 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

Award-winning actress Laura Linney was honored with the 2,727th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 25th at 11:30 a.m. Star will be located at 6533 Hollywood Boulevard. Linney was awarded her star in the category of Television.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1960. The Chamber exists to transform business and improve lives. Through the Walk of Fame, the Chamber celebrates the business that transforms us all – the business of entertainment. Entertainment is a unique blend of art and enterprise: elevating and inspiring us all.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE
“Laura Linney is known for her roles playing strong and vulnerable women from all walks of life” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We have placed her star next to the Walk of Fame star of her TV husband Jason Bateman in honor of their amazing work as a rogue married couple involved in some hair-raising adventures deep in the Ozarks!” added Martinez.

Joining emcee David Michael Jerome for the star unveiling was Holland Taylor and Chris Mundy.

Linney was born in Manhattan, New York. Her mother Miriam Anderson “Ann” Perse (née Leggett) was a nurse at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and her father Romulus Zachariah Linney IV was a playwright and professor. Linney would spend summers with her father in New Hampshire and fell in love with the stage working with the local theatre group beginning at the age of eleven.

Linney graduated from Brown in 1986. She went on to study acting at the Juilliard School as a member of Group 19 (1986–90). In 2003, Linney received an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Brown. She received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard when she delivered the school’s commencement address in 2009.

In June 2018, Laura made her London theater debut in Richard Eyre’s limited three-week run of My Name Is Lucy Barton, to rave reviews. The play made its Broadway debut also to rave reviews. Linney was nominated for a Tony Award for her Broadway run. She has also appeared in many Broadway productions, most notably The Little Foxes, Time Stands Still and Sight Unseen.

Linney can most recently be seen in all four seasons of Ozark, the critically acclaimed Netflix original series from MRC Television where she plays Wendy Byrde. Linney received her seventh Emmy Award nomination, this time for her portrayal as Wendy Byrde. The final season of Ozark received 13 Emmy nominations. Upcoming for Laura is The Miracle Club, where she is set to star opposite Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates.

Laura Linney’s numerous film credits include, Nocturnal Animals, Sully, Kinsey, The Savages, Hyde Park On Hudson, The Squid And The Whale, Mystic River, The Truman Show, and Love Actually, among many others.

Linney starred in and served as an executive producer for the Showtime Series The Big C for four seasons for which she won a few awards. She also won multiple awards for her portrayal of Abigail Adams in the HBO miniseries John Adams.

Linney has been nominated three times for an Academy Award, five times for a Tony Award, eight times for a SAG award, once for a BAFTA Award and seven times for a Golden Globe. She has won one Screen Actors Guild Award, one National Board of Review Award, two Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards. She holds two honorary Doctorates from her alma maters, Brown University and The Juilliard School where she is also a mentor to the students.

WHO | HONOREE  Jenifer Lewis                                       

EMCEE Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Chairman of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS  Debbie Allen and Marc Shaiman

WHAT Dedication of the 2,726^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Friday, July 15, 2022, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6284 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

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

Multi-award-winning actress Jenifer Lewis was honored with the 2,726^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard, adjacent to the W Hollywood Hotel. Lewis was awarded her star in the category of Television.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1960. The Chamber exists to transform business and improve lives. Through the Walk of Fame, the Chamber celebrates the business that transforms us all – the business of entertainment.  Entertainment is a unique blend of art and enterprise: elevating and inspiring us all.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Jenifer Lewis is considered a national treasure and a force to be reckoned with. She is one of those performers who always keeps the audience on their toes! I placed Jenifer’s star next to one of her all-time favorite actresses, the legendary Katharine Hepburn. Those ladies are two peas in a pod, as both delved in Human Rights activities and are known to be as feisty as all get out!” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Joining emcee Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling was six-time Emmy Award winner and 2020 Kennedy Center Honoree Debbie Allen, along with Tony and Grammy Award winner, Marc Shaiman.

Jenifer Lewis was born on January 25^th in Missouri, and is the youngest of seven children. She began singing in her church choir at the age of five.

After college, she moved to New York City, where she debuted on Broadway in a small role in Eubie, the musical based on the work of Eubie Blake.

Lewis accepted a position as a Harlette, a back-up singer for Bette Midler, which led to her first TV appearances on Midler’s HBO specials. She acquired her first screen role as a result, appearing as a singer in the Bette Midler vehicle Beaches. At the same time, Lewis was developing her nightclub act, The Diva Is Dismissed, an autobiographical comedy and music show in New York City cabarets. She performed the show off-Broadway at the Public Theater.

Lewis starred on ABC’s Black-ish for eight seasons as the hilarious grandmother Ruby Johnson.  Lewis has appeared in more than 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and four Broadway shows. Credits include: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, A Different World, Twenties, Cast Away, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Think Like a Man, The Princess and the Frog, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Rugrats, Cars I, II and III, American Dad, and Hairspray.

In 2000, she began starring on the Lifetime television medical drama Strong Medicine, which ran for six-seasons. Lewis performed the theme song for the series as well. She also had a recurring role as Veretta Childs (Toni’s mother) in the UPN sitcom Girlfriends.

In film, she appeared as Morris Chestnut’s mother in the romantic comedy The Brothers. In 2006, she had a featured role as the wedding planner in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion and appeared in Perry’s comedy-drama Meet the Browns as Vera Brown. Other films include Juwanna Mann, The Cookout, Nora’s Hair Salon, Dirty Laundry, Not Easily Broken, Sister Act, Hereafter, Think Like a Man, Think Like a Man Too, Baggage Claim, The Wedding Ringer, Corrina, Corrina, Renaissance Man, Cast Away,The Preacher’s Wife, Poetic Justice, and Five for which she received an NAACP Image Award nomination.

Currently, Lewis is starring in the new hit series, I Love That For You on Showtime.

Her autobiography, The Mother of Black Hollywood, became a chart-topping national best-seller in 2017, and her follow-up book, Walking in My Joy: In These Streets, is set for release next month on August 30^th.

In April, The International Press Academy presented her with the 2022 Honorary Satellite Award for her career contributions to the entertainment industry and her various charitable endeavors including: The Human Rights Campaign, The Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Coalition for At-Risk Youth, The Urban League, The EWOC Foundation: Exceptional Women of Color, and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER’S WALK OF FAME

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of art, entertainment, and all things Hollywood. Star ceremonies are broadcast worldwide, connecting fans with their favorite artists. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. Honorees are selected by a committee of their peers. Sponsors fund the star, the ceremony, and the maintenance of the legendary attraction. The Walk of Fame is free to all. To learn more and find your favorite stars, visit www.walkoffame.com.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HCC)

Since 1921, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (HCC) has transformed businesses and improved lives. With more than 750 members, the Chamber is the largest business organization in Hollywood and serves as a place for our diverse membership to connect, grow and make an impact. The HCC is the proud steward of two global icons; the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign. Held in the public trust, the HCC strengthens and promotes business through connecting, coaching, advocating, and innovating. To make a difference, connect with us at www.hollywoodchamber.net.

WHO | HONOREE  Holly Robinson Peete                 

GUEST SPEAKERS  LeVar Burton and Magic Johnson

WHAT  Dedication of the 2,725^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE   6623 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

Actress, author, talk show host, activist and philanthropist, Holly Robinson Peete received the 2,725th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, June 21, at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6623 Hollywood Boulevard. Robinson Peete received her star in the category of Television.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Holly Robinson Peete grew up in the world of entertainment and has brought joy to many fans around the world through her storied four-decade long career” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Joining emcee Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling will be LeVar Burton, Magic Johnson, Raven Symone and others.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles from the age of 10, Robinson Peete had her first experience in front of the camera at the age of four when she appeared on television opposite her father, Matthew Robinson, who served as a producer and portrayed the original beloved character of Gordon on the iconic children’s program, “Sesame Street.”  While she knew at that young age her calling was entertainment, Robinson Peete opted to lead a more typical childhood.   After college, she returned to show business and soon landed the part that made her recognizable to viewers throughout the world on the groundbreaking series “21 Jump Street” opposite Johnny Depp. With the guidance of her mother/manager Dolores Robinson, she went on to star in many other successful television series including “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and “For Your Love.”  Additionally, she was seen in a recurring role on the hit drama series “Chicago Fire,” as well as the comedy series “Mike & Molly.”  Robinson Peete is one of a handful of actresses to star in four shows in syndication.  She also successfully launched the show “The Talk” as one of the original co-hosts.

Hallmark fan-favorite, Robinson Peete has starred in over 15 movies for the network since 2015. She has starred in six installments of “Morning Show Mysteries” for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Most recently, she starred in and executive produced, “Our Christmas Journey” for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which premiered in 2021 during the network’s “Miracles of Christmas” programming event and dealt with a cause near and dear to her heart – autism.  Additionally, for the network, she starred in “The Christmas Doctor” and “A Family Christmas Gift,” opposite Patti LaBelle.  On Hallmark Channel, she starred in all four “Christmas in Evergreen” movies as the town’s beloved mayor, Michelle. Upcoming, Holly can be seen in “The Road Ahead,” a new, original movie airing this summer on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

In 1997, Robinson Peete and her husband formed the HollyRod Foundation, inspired by her father’s courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Shortly thereafter, inspired by their eldest son’s autism diagnosis, HollyRod Foundation’s mission expanded to provide support and resources to those affected by autism.  Through the HollyRod Foundation and her family’s personal experiences, Robinson Peete has become one of the most trusted advocates for consistent and reliable education, outreach, and support for both Parkinson’s and autism.  On June 18^th, DesignCare Gala 2022 returns to help raise funds for the HollyRod Foundation. The evening will feature the iconic designs of Sergio Hudson, feature a live/silent auction, and special performance by Grammy® Award winning artist Stephanie Mills.

Her autism advocacy also extends to her book, co-written with her daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, entitled My Brother Charlie, a bestselling, NAACP Image Award-winning children’s book about autism from the sibling’s perspective.  She co-wrote the follow-up children’s book entitled Same But Different: Teen Life On The Autism Express – which was co-authored by her twins Ryan Elizabeth & RJ.  The third installment of this children’s book entitled Charlie Makes a Splash will be released on September 6, 2022 by Scholastic.

Robinson Peete’s philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous awards and honors including: Ford’s Freedom Sisters, American Mentor Award, The Southern California Broadcasters’ Association Community Service Award, Gerald R. Ford People Helping People Award, The March of Dimes Healthy Babies, Healthy Futures Award, USC Woman of Distinction Award, Anheuser Busch John E. Jacob Community Service Award, The Genii Award, The Girls Inc. Mentor Award, A Place Called Home Humanitarian Award, McDonald’s 365 Black Award, Los Angeles Magazine’s Most Inspirational Women Award, and many more.

WHO | HONOREE  Greg Berlanti        

EMCEE  Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Chairman of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

GUEST SPEAKERS Ryan Murphy, Sarah Schechter, and Peter Roth 

WHAT Dedication of the 2,724^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHEN Monday, May 23, 2022, at 11:30 AM PT

WHERE 6420 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

Greg Berlanti, an award-winning television producer, was honored today with the 2,724th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today May 23, at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6420 Hollywood Boulevard. Berlanti received his star in the category of Television.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1960. The Chamber exists to transform business and improve lives. Through the Walk of Fame, the Chamber celebrates the business that transforms us all – the business of entertainment.  Entertainment is a unique blend of art and enterprise: elevating and inspiring us all.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“Greg Berlanti has been a staple in pop culture for more than twenty years,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “From his start on Dawson’s Creek to Riverdale to You, he has created some of our favorite TV moments.” Joining emcee Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling will be producers Ryan Murphy, Sarah Schechter, and Peter Roth.

Writers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominated writer, director, and producer, Greg Berlanti, is the force behind some of the most creative and acclaimed works in film and television. Berlanti began his career in television as a staff writer on the hit show Dawson’s Creek and became an executive producer and showrunner of the series after only one year. Since then, Berlanti has served as creator, writer, and producer behind several of the most inventive and biggest hits on television, including Everwood, Brothers & Sisters, Political Animals, Arrow, Blindspot, The Flash, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Kung Fu, You, Riverdale, Doom Patrol, All American, and The Flight Attendant. For the past few years, Berlanti Productions has had as many as 20 shows on the air at one time — a record-breaking number of shows to air at one time for a tv producer and creator. The television division of Berlanti Productions is under an exclusive overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group.

Upcoming feature projects include Amazon’s My Policeman directed by Michael Grandage, starring Harry Styles and Emma Corrin; Jennifer Kent’s Alice & Freda Forever; an Untitled Rock Hudson Biopic, which he will direct; Red, White and Royal Blue, and Be More Chill. HBO Max recently released the film Moonshot starring Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor. Berlanti made his film directorial debut in 2000 with The Broken Hearts Club. His most recent feature directorial project was the critically acclaimed Love, Simon. The film division of his company, Berlanti/Schechter Films, has an exclusive first-look feature film deal with Netflix.

Berlanti is a board member of Fuck Cancer, a health organization working for the early detection and prevention of cancer. He also actively supports GLSEN, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and The Giving Spirit. Berlanti is very involved with the Paley Center as well as the Motion Pictures Television Fund, where he serves as a Board of Governor. In addition, he and his family created the Berlanti Family Foundation in honor of his mother, Barbara.

WHO:   Honoree: Judge Greg Mathis

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair Lupita Sanchez Cornejo  

Guest speakers:  Magic Johnson and Johnny Gill

WHAT:  Dedication of the 2,722nd Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television

WHERE: 7076 Hollywood Boulevard 

WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, at 11:30 A.M. PT   

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Judge Greg Mathis today with the 2,722nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated in the category of Television on 7076 Hollywood Boulevard.

“One of the criteria alongside industry excellence in order to be honored with a star, is philanthropy. Judge Mathis has shown to be a leader in this sector in many ways and we are very proud to add his name to our coveted sidewalk,” stated Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer.

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

Joining Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling were Magic Johnson and singer Johnny Gill.

Judge Greg Mathis is a national figure known for his advocacy campaigns for urban youth, and equal justice. He is the longest-running African-American male host on television. His inspirational life story of a street youth who rose from jail to Judge has provided hope to millions who watch him on the Emmy Award-winning television court show Judge Mathis each day.

Judge Mathis’s public service career began in college where he led Free South Africa and voter registration campaigns on campus, while also working nights at McDonalds as a swing manager. After graduating from college in 1983, he joined the staff of Detroit City Councilman Clyde Cleveland and continued to work as an advocate for equal justice with Reverend Jesse Jackson’s PUSH Excel, where he currently serves as Chairman. Judge Mathis has also served as a national board member of the NAACP and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Judge Mathis has received numerous awards and keys to the city from government officials and is the recipient of Honorary Doctorates from both Florida A&M University and Eastern Michigan University. He has been recognized for his efforts by numerous newspapers, magazines and television networks. He has appeared on such shows as The View, The Real, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show and Ellen.  He is also executive producer of the BET+ show American Gangster: Trap Queens.

JUDGE MATHIS is currently in its 23^rd  hit season and has a full docket of cases that both engage and excite viewers from coast to coast. Inspired by Judge Greg Mathis’ own gang-to-gavel story, Judge Mathis is the Daytime Emmy Award-winning nationally syndicated, court show presided over by former Detroit-area District Court Judge Greg Mathis. The show won the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program.

In each hour-long episode, Judge Mathis lays down the law, presiding over real, hard-hitting cases, and Mathis’ decisions are legal and binding. The hallmark of Judge Mathis is the judge himself, as he combines a refreshing mix of social commentary, humor and humanity. His use of the bench to provide resolution and counseling to litigants before him during each episode has catapulted Judge Mathis to the forefront of a national dialogue about real issues facing contemporary society.

Judge Mathis is produced by AND Syndicated Productions and Telepictures Productions, an industry-leading and Emmy Award-winning producer of syndicated programming and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

In his efforts to reach out to youth and ex-offenders both in and outside of the courtroom, Judge Mathis opened the Mathis Community Center in his hometown of Detroit and has assisted thousands of youth with his non-profit agency Young Adults Asserting Themselves (Y.A.A.T.), an agency that provides career, business start-up and job opportunities, as well as job training and college enrollment assistance.

WHO: Honoree: Jean Smart
Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair Lupita Sanchez Cornejo
Guest speakers: Hannah Einbinder and producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
WHAT: Dedication of the 2,721st Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television
WHERE: 6150 Hollywood Boulevard in front of El Centro
WHEN: Monday, April 25, at 11:30 A.M. PDT

The event will be live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored award winning actress Jean Smart with the 2,721st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. PT. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Jean Smart is a favorite of many fans around the world. She is a triple threat and has worked on stage, television and in films. We are proud to add her distinguished name to our iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer.

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

Joining Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling were actress Hannah Einbinder and actor Joe Montegna.

Jean Smart was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is a graduate of Ballard High School in Seattle. It was there that she gained an interest in acting in the drama program. She graduated from the University of Washington Professional Actors Training Program with a BFA. After graduating, she began her career working at acclaimed regional theatres in Seattle and at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In 1980, she moved to New York and began working on Broadway and in Off-Broadway plays. A few years later she moved to Los Angeles and started working in television, starring in numerous series and TV movies, including the hit comedy show DESIGNING WOMEN, TEACHERS ONLY starring Lynn Redgrave, OVERKILL: THE AILEEN WUORNOS STORY, JUST MY IMAGINATION and AUDREY’S RAIN, among others.

The winner of four Emmys® and an additional seven nominations, as well as a Tony® nomination, Grammy® nomination and three Critics Choice Awards wins, Jean Smart recently received rave reviews and multiple award nominations and wins for her performances as Deborah Vance in the HBO Max comedy HACKS and as Kate Winslet’s character’s mother in the HBO limited series MARE OF EASTTOWN. Smart made history with her 2021 Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for HACKS, joining Betty White as the only other actor to complete the comedy trifecta of having an Emmy in the comedy lead, supporting and guest categories. That win, along with several others for HACKS, earned her admittance to an elite group of actors who in a single television season have swept all five major TV awards: the Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics Choice Awards and Television Critics Association Awards. HACKS season two debuts on HBO Max on May 12, 2022. The studio for the series is Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Over the summer, Smart worked alongside Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie on Academy Award®-winning director Damien Chazelle’s feature film BABYLON. Paramount is planning a platform release, opening limitedly in December 2022, before going wide.

Next, she will be seen in the feature film WILDFLOWER starring alongside Kiernan Shipka, Alexandra Daddario and Charlie Plummer.

In 2019, Smart received accolades for her role as Special Agent Laurie Blake acting alongside Regina King and Jeremy Irons in the HBO series WATCHMEN, based on the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name. She won the 2020 Critics Choice Award and received a 2020 Emmy nomination for Supporting Actress in a Drama for this performance.

Some of her notable film credits include SUPER INTELLIGENCE, THE ACCOUNTANT, GARDEN STATE, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, A SIMPLE FAVOR, GUINEVERE (for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination), THE KID, FLASHPOINT, BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, HOPE SPRINGS, I HEART HUCKABEES and YOUTH IN REVOLT.

Her television credits include LEGION; FARGO; 24; SAMANTHA, WHO?; DIRTY JOHN; STYLE AND SUBSTANCE; HIGH SOCIETY; THE DISTRICT; HARRY’S LAW and a two-time Emmy-winning guest appearance on FRASIER.

On stage, Smart was nominated in 1981 for a Drama Desk Award for LAST SUMMER at Bluefish Cove and in 2000 for a Tony Award for Best Actress for her starring role on Broadway opposite Nathan Lane in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER. In 2016, she received a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for her work on PATIENCE AND SARAH, opposite Grammy Hall of Famer Janis Ian.

Over the years, Smart has lent her support to several philanthropic and research causes. Her main focuses have been raising awareness and funds and supporting research for Alzheimer’s disease, juvenile diabetes and brain cancer.

WHO:          Honoree: Bob Odenkirk

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo and Immediate Past Chair Nicole Mihalka

Guest speakers: Actress Rhea Seehorn and comedian David Cross

WHAT:       Dedication of the 2,720^th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television

WHERE:   1725 Vine Street in front of The Aster  

WHEN:     Monday, April 18, at 11:30 A.M. PDT   

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Emmy winning writer and actor Bob Odenkirk today with the 2,720th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 1725 Vine Street in front of The Aster.

“Bob Odenkirk has starred in some of the entertainment industry’s most popular and history-making television shows. Fans will be thrilled to learn that Bob’s star will be next to the star of his Breaking Bad co-star and friend Bryan Cranston!” stated Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer.

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

Joining Lupita Sanchez Cornejo and Nicole Mihalka for the star unveiling were Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn and comedian David Cross.

Bob Odenkirk was born in Berwyne, Illinois and then raised in nearby Naperville.   At the young age of fourteen, Odenkirk visited Chicago’s Second City Theater, where he would years later be featured performing on the Mainstage.

From the late 1980s to 1990s, Odenkirk wrote for television shows Saturday Night Live and The Ben Stiller Show, winning Emmys for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in both 1989 and 1993. The “Motivational Speaker” sketch Odenkirk wrote for his friend Chris Farley, which originated at Second City in Chicago, was named by Rolling Stone magazine as the best SNL sketch of all time.

Odenkirk co-created and starred in Mr. Show with Bob and David, which ran on HBO for four years (1985-1989) and has been called “the American Monty Python.”  As an actor he has brought many film and television characters to life, including “Stevie Grant” in The Larry Sanders Show, ex-porn star “Gil Bang” in Curb Your Enthusiasm, “Ross Grant” in Alexander Payne’s acclaimed feature Nebraska, and “Bill Oswalt” on the FX series Fargo.  In 2015, he reprised the character he originated on the hit drama Breaking Bad, playing the title role in AMC’s Better Call Saul, which has earned him two Critics Choice TV Awards and Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations for Best Drama Actor.  The 6^th and final season premiered this April.

In 2022, Odenkirk released his memoir Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama, which made #2 on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Odenkirk is a committed advocate of Food on Foot, which is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting unhoused and low-income neighbors in Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and a fresh start through life-skills training, full-time employment, and permanent housing. He also frequently visits the Sunday serving of the local homeless community at the LGBT center.