Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame Just a Star-Studded Scam?
Do celebrities pay for the Hollywood star?
Surprise: yes, they do! While you might think it’s a glamorous award handed out like an Oscar, getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame comes with a hefty price tag—$75,000, to be exact. That fee covers the creation and installation of the star, as well as maintenance and the big unveiling ceremony. Often, it's not the celebrity footing the bill directly, but rather their film studio, fan clubs, or record labels who pick up the tab. In other words, there’s almost always a PR campaign behind each shiny pink terrazzo square.
Can anyone buy a Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame?
Not quite. You can’t just write a check and get a star next to Marilyn Monroe. The Walk of Fame is not a real estate transaction—it’s a selective, semi-exclusive process managed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. While money is part of it, fame still plays a role (thankfully). A celebrity must be nominated, meet specific criteria, and agree to attend the unveiling ceremony to seal the deal.
How do you get selected for a Hollywood star?
It all starts with a nomination, which can come from a fan, an agent, or even the celebrity’s team. Each year, thousands apply, but only around 20 to 30 stars are awarded. A special committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce then reviews the candidates based on their achievements, professional longevity, and contributions to their industry. And here’s the kicker: once you’re selected, you have two years to schedule your ceremony, or you forfeit the honor.
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What qualifies someone to get a Hollywood star?
You need more than just a famous face. Candidates must have five years of achievements in their field, whether it's film, TV, radio, music, or theater. They must also demonstrate a record of philanthropic work or community engagement. Interestingly, the Walk isn’t just for living legends—posthumous awards are given too, though the honoree must have passed away at least five years prior.
Christian Slater and his new Hollywood Star
Who has the only star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that can't be walked on?
That would be Muhammad Ali. Unlike every other honoree, Ali refused to have his star placed on the sidewalk. He didn't want people to walk on his name—especially since "Muhammad" is also the name of the Prophet in Islam. Out of respect, his star was mounted on a wall of the Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre), where it remains proudly displayed, and totally untouched by tourist sneakers.
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Ricky Gervais and his new star
Has anyone's star been removed from the Walk of Fame?
Officially? Never. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has a strict no-removal policy—even when the honoree has become controversial. That includes figures like Bill Cosby and Donald Trump. Despite repeated vandalism and public outcry, their stars remain intact. The Chamber has stated that the Walk is a historic landmark and reflects the era in which each star was awarded—warts and all.
