Strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the star-studded sidewalk in Los Angeles

Visitors to Los Angeles can't miss one of the city's most famous landmarks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic sidewalk is one of the most beloved attractions in the area, and it’s also completely free to visit—great reasons to include it on your itinerary when visiting this superb California destination.

Readers will find all the information they need to explore the world of movie stars (and more), the history of this splendid Los Angeles attraction, and the names of the most famous stars immortalized on the historic sidewalk. There are also some insights into Italian celebrities encountered during this fascinating walk and the main attractions to visit nearby.

Hollywood Walk of Fame: A history still in progress

Before discovering how this legendary place came to be, here are the directions to find it; the Walk of Fame stretches along both sides of Hollywood Boulevard (from La Brea to Gower) and along Vine Street (from Yucca to Sunset). Those who want to visit immediately upon arrival in the city can reach it from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in half an hour to an hour by taxi, depending on traffic.

The history of the Walk of Fame began in 1953 thanks to E.M. Stuart, president of the local Chamber of Commerce, who first had this brilliant idea and presented the proposal to the Los Angeles City Council. In 1956, the first stars were approved and installed, and since then, despite phases of expansion and renovation, the construction of the star-studded sidewalk continued to progress.

Currently, a new project is underway, called the "Walk of Fame Master Plan," and is expected to be completed by 2026. The goal is to create a safer and more inclusive space, including shady trees, wider sidewalks, and a protected mobility lane for pedestrians, all aimed at enhancing the experience for those visiting this famous Los Angeles attraction.

How many names are on the Walk of Fame? Which stars can be found?

Having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is considered today a tremendous honor both by the film industry and the public. Future stars are revealed during free public ceremonies attended by the stars themselves and their entourages. Among the most recent celebrities to be embedded in the world’s most famous sidewalk are names such as Uma Thurman, Gal Gadot (known for her role in Wonder Woman), Chadwick Boseman (known for the movie “Black Panther”), Ken Jeong (in the television category), and even Gwen Stefani, the frontwoman of No Doubt, who earned a spot in the music category.

Today, the Walk of Fame boasts over 2700 stars, dedicated not only to film personalities but also to television, music, theater, and radio figures. The most famous stars include Michael Jackson, the great Tom Hanks, the iconic Steven Spielberg, the controversial and captivating Johnny Depp, and the beautiful Scarlett Johansson. As one might imagine, these stars are also a major draw for all those visiting Los Angeles, eager to see and photograph the names of their favorite idols, immortalized in the famous sidewalk.

Italian names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Visitors from Italy will surely be thrilled to discover the main Italian names present in this important Los Angeles attraction. There are indeed many personalities from the Bel Paese who have left a significant mark on the entertainment world. One such figure is the legendary Sophia Loren (who won an Oscar for “Two Women” and another honorary Oscar in recognition of her career in 1991).

Also featured is the beloved Anna Magnani, the first non-English-speaking person to win an Oscar for Best Actress in 1956 for her role in “The Rose Tattoo.” Visitors are also fascinated by Rodolfo Valentino, the charming silent film actor of the 1920s, who received his well-deserved star in 1960.

But it's not only in acting that Italians have received this important recognition. Italy also stands out in the field of music. Luciano Pavarotti, one of the world's most famous tenors, was awarded a star, as was the legendary singer Enrico Caruso, who lived at the beginning of the 20th century and is still considered a key figure in the history of opera. Lastly, there is Arturo Toscanini, the legendary conductor of the La Scala theater in Milan.

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME: 6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Attractions to visit near the Hollywood Walk of Fame

After dedicating the appropriate time to the famous sidewalk, it’s recommended to take advantage of the location to explore other famous attractions nearby along Hollywood Boulevard. The most renowned include the El Capitan Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood, all must-visit stops.

A short distance away are other attractions in the West Hollywood area, such as the Sunset Strip and the WeHo Design District. In this neighborhood, one can also find some of the city's best venues for live music lovers; the renowned Hollywood Bowl is particularly recommended, where over the years, exceptional artists from the Beatles to Lady Gaga have performed.

Enjoy your walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, discovering the most famous Italian and international stars!

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