WHENEVER we hear about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we imagine celebrities from our favourite movies or TV series having their five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars embedded in the sidewalks.
But are there names of non-movie or TV stars on this famous landmark?
Is it true that astronauts are featured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Verdict:
TRUE
Interestingly enough, the crew of Apollo 11—Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr and Michael Collins—have their stars on the Walk of Fame!
After the US astronauts landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honoured them with a uniquely designed special award as a tribute to the first televised “Walk on the Moon.” In other words, they are recognised for their contributions to the TV industry, not the moon landing.
Their “Star” is not star-shaped but instead a circle representing the moon, embossed with the names of the Apollo 11 crew. The plaque is located at the four corners of the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. It includes the date of the first Moon landing (July 20, 1969) and the mission's name, Apollo XI.
Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said: “The telecast from the moon was the single most important live TV broadcast ever!”
"So many people watched this event that the streets throughout the entire country were empty -- and it was quiet elsewhere in the world. This was the longest continuous live TV coverage in history, which lasted for 31 hours," she added.
On that date, an estimated 650 million people watched the moon landing.
Also, here’s another free nugget about the Hollywood Walk of Fame - did you know that this landmark has a “Star” for a comic book hero? Check it out here: https://www.thestar.com.my/
References:
https://walkoffame.com/
https://projects.latimes.com/
