The Hollywood Walk of Fame, a legendary strip that began with a groundbreaking ceremony in 1960, has experienced physical neglect. Many of the 2,852 five-pointed brass and terrazzo stars honoring entertainment industry achievements are dirty, cracked, and covered in grime.
Decline of the Walk of Fame
According to Hollywood historian and storyteller Scott Michaels, the decline of the Walk of Fame is due to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s focus on revenue rather than preservation. Michaels noted that it costs $85,000 to receive a star on the celebrity promenade, while at one time the price tag was just $2,000.
The Walk of Fame attracts an estimated 10 million visitors annually, but recent mobility data suggests the number is closer to 5 to 6 million visitors each year. Despite this, the area has generated negative headlines in recent years, including incidents of crime and vandalism.
New Inductees
Meanwhile, new inductees are named by the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, with roughly 33 honorees selected each year from hundreds of submissions. The Class of 2027 honorees includes actors Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, and Kate Hudson, as well as Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.