Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/17784
LEFT: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, overseas the placement of his star in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, November 1983. coffee and soda! Sometimes there is a good raucous dis- cussion, but never anything heated. This is the public’s award as well as that of the celebrity, something the fans can share with their fa- vorite celebrity. They can see the ceremony, touch the star and at times lay right next to it while having a photo taken!” ABOVE: Johnny Grant the honorary “Mayor of Hollywood” himself, gets his own star. BELOW: "Stargirl" Ana Martinez-Holler keeps a watchful eye as Kate Blanchett is interviewed. Photo: Bob Freeman There are few mysteries about the Walk of Fame, and their website even ex- plains how people can be nominated for a star. They receive around 200 nomi- nations a year, and as long as you have the written support of the celebrity and his/her management (and $25,000 to spare for the cost of installation) your fa- vorite celebrity could be in the running for Tinsel Town immortality. Around 20 or so stars are awarded each year, including posthumous ones. At the July “Walk The Walk” celebration for the 50th Anniversary, the late big band leader Louis Prima was honored, and there was a performance by Louis Prima Jr and The Witnesses. The day-long event showcased the five categories of stars – live theatre, motion picture, television, recording and radio – and thousands lined up to enjoy music, screenings, exhibits and a look behind-the-scenes at the Holly- wood & Highland Center, Egyptian Theatre, Capitol Records, Hollywood His- tory Museum, the TV Guide Studios and the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre. One of the most popular events was a rare “open house” tour at the distinctive, circular Capitol Records building. Visitors could take a peek into Studio A, which had equipment used by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and gaze RIGHT: Star-spangled Hollywood Boulevard as seen from the Kodak Theatre. 18 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / FALL 2010