Celebrities getting stars on Hollywood's 'Walk of Fame' in 2019
Celebrities getting stars on Hollywood's "Walk of Fame" in 2019
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see attraction for tourists in Los Angeles. Spanning 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Avenue, it includes more than 2,600 stars as of 2018. The stars, first dedicated in 1958, commemorate all kinds of celebrities: movie, TV, and theater actors; producers; directors; musicians; and fictional characters. The first class included legendary celebrities like Walt Disney, Cecil B. DeMille, and Samuel Goldwyn. Each year, a new class of honorees is inducted, based on their achievements in motion pictures, television, recordings, or live performance.
In December 2018, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that the class of 2019 would add 35 new stars to the walk. Some notable honorees: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Dolly Parton, and Robert De Niro. The entire group includes some of the best actors, producers, and musicians of a generation. Who gets their star this year? Read on to find out.
Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin is best-known for his roles in "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter,” and "Little Miss Sunshine,” all three of which earned him Academy Award nominations. Arkin receives a star for his work in motion pictures.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
"The Chipmunk Song” (aka "Christmas Don’t Be Late”) is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Released in 1958 by Liberty Records, the Alvin and the Chipmunks song spawned albums, TV shows, appearances, and several movies. The animated group is receiving a star for its influence on television.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway’s breakout role: the high schooler-turned-princess of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries.” Hathaway has since appeared in films like "Brokeback Mountain,” "The Devil Wears Prada,” and "Les Misérables,” for which she won an Academy Award. Hathaway’s star is for her work in motion pictures.
Candice Bergen
Best-known for her role as a tough television reporter in the sitcom "Murphy Brown” and whip-smart lawyer Shirley Schmidt in "Boston Legal,” Candice Bergen has had a TV and film career spanning more than five decades. Bergen will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizing her work in television.
Cedric "The Entertainer"
Breaking into the stand-up comedy world is notoriously difficult, but Cedric "The Entertainer" struck gold with his appearance in "The Original Kings of Comedy" alongside Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. Their comedy tour and subsequent film spawned a whole career for Cedric, who went on to star in cultural touchstones like "The Steve Harvey Show" and the "Barbershop" movies. He is receiving a star for his work in live performance.
Cypress Hill
Los Angeles hip-hop group Cypress Hill is widely considered to be the originator of 1990s’ West Coast rap. It's also the first all-Latino group to have multiple albums go platinum. The group will receive its star for recording work.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig originally trained as a stage actor; his debut role was Agamemnon in Shakespeare’s "Troilus and Cressida.” He’s best-known for playing James Bond in five films (including the upcoming "Bond 25”). Craig receives a star for his work in motion pictures.
Dianne Wiest
In the 1980s and ‘90s, Dianne Wiest was one of Woody Allen’s favorite actresses to cast. Wiest won an Academy Award for "Hannah and Her Sisters” and "Bullets Over Broadway." She also appeared in "The Purple Rose of Cairo,” "Radio Days,” and "September,” and played minor roles in dozens of other movies. This year, Wiest receives a star for her work in motion pictures.
Dolly Parton
Arguably the most important singer and songwriter in country music history, Dolly Parton will receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year. Her most famous hits include "Jolene,” "I Will Always Love You,” and "Coat of Many Colors.” In 1986, Parton opened her own theme park, Dollywood, a must-visit destination for country music fans.
Emmylou Harris
Another celebrated voice in country music, Emmylou Harris has released close to 30 albums. She has dozens of popular singles, most notably "Love Hurts" (a duet with Gram Parsons), "Boulder to Birmingham," and "Pancho and Lefty." She receives her star for her work in recording.
Faith Hill
The women of country music continue their streak this year with Faith Hill receiving a star for her recording work. One of country music’s best-selling artists, Hill is best known for her songs "Breathe” and "This Kiss.”
Gena Rowlands
Gena Rowlands made her TV debut in 1954, then starred in a Broadway show from 1956 to 1957. From 1963 to 1984, Rowlands and her husband, John Cassavetes, made 10 films together, including the popular "A Woman Under the Influence.” This year, Rowlands earns a star for her work in motion pictures.
Guillermo del Toro
Two-time Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro will finally receive his Walk of Fame star for his contributions to motion pictures. Most fans know him from his award-winning films "Pan’s Labyrinth” and "The Shape of Water.”
Guy Fieri
One would be hard-pressed to find a foodie who doesn’t know Guy Fieri. The restaurateur- turned-TV host is the man behind "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Fieri also owns restaurants, sells cookbooks, and has a frozen food line called "Flavortown.”
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel became a household name in 2013 with the release of "Frozen." By that time, however, she'd already won three Tony Awards for her work on Broadway in "Rent," "Wicked," and "If/Then." Menzel receives a star for her live theater work.
Jackie Wilson (posthumous)
A consistent hit-maker from 1950 to the 1970s, Jackie Wilson is often compared to Ray Charles and James Brown. He was integral in the evolution of R&B music, and performed legendary tracks like "Lonely Teardrops,” "I’ll Be Satisfied,” and "Night.” Health problems, including suffering a heart attack on-stage, eventually led to his death in 1984. He will receive a posthumous star for his recording work.
Judith Light
Judith Light made her Broadway debut in the 1975 revival of "A Doll’s House,” then spent six years playing Karen Wolek on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live.” Since then, Light has appeared on "Who’s the Boss?,” "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” "Ugly Betty,” and most recently, "Transparent.” Her star will commemorate her work on stage, including her two Tony Awards for "Other Desert Cities” and "The Assembled Parties.”
Julia Child (posthumous)
An American icon, Julia Child taught generations of people to love food and cook with joy. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will be given posthumously for her work in television, in memory of the shows she hosted over the years, most notably "The French Chef.”
Kristen Bell
"Veronica Mars” may have only had three seasons, but it was on the air long enough to cement itself as a cult classic. Kristen Bell rose to fame playing the title character, before moving on to "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Frozen.” This year, Bell is recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her work in motion pictures.
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt may not be a household name anymore, but the now-retired singer dabbled in everything from rock to country to light opera to the Latin music of her heritage. She's won numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has released more than 30 studio albums. She's been nominated for a star on the Walk of Fame for her recording work.
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu burst onto the Hollywood scene as vicious Ling Woo in "Ally McBeal.” She’s also appeared in the "Charlie's Angels” and "Kill Bill” films, and has used her voice to bring several animated characters to life, including Master Viper of the "Kung Fu Panda” universe. She’s recognized for her work in television.
Lupita Nyong'o
A relative newcomer, Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o will receive a star this year for her work in motion pictures. Her first feature film, "Twelve Years a Slave” earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as critical acclaim. More recently, she’s appeared in 2018’s "Black Panther.”
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore has stepped in and out of the limelight over the past two decades. In the early 2000s, she found fame as a pop singer—her debut album "So Real” was certified platinum. She wowed audiences in 2016 in the critically acclaimed television series "This is Us.” This year, Moore receives a star for her work in television.
Marty Krofft
One-half of the founding team of Sid & Marty Krofft Television Productions, Marty Krofft brought new life to children’s television in the 1970s and ‘80s. Alongside brother Sid, Krofft produced numerous puppet-heavy shows like "H.R. Pufnstuf,” "The Bugaloos,” and "Land of the Lost.” This year, his influence will finally be cemented with a star that recognizes his work in television.
Michael Bublé
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without Michael Bublé's album "Christmas." His jazz style combined with his easy-to-love voice has earned him several Grammy nominations, and the singer has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide. This year, he earns his Walk of Fame star for his recording work.
P!nk
P!nk was introduced to stardom in 2000 with her album "Can’t Take Me Home,” which was certified double platinum. She’s since had a number of hits like "Lady Marmalade” and "Just Give Me a Reason.” In 2013, P!nk was named Billboard’s "Woman of the Year.” This year, P!nk will earn her star for her recording work.
Paul Sorvino
Paul Sorvino is a Brooklyn-born actor most famous for his roles in "Goodfellas” and "Law & Order.” Sorvino got his start in Broadway and earned his most critical praise as a theater actor and director. Sorvino will be awarded a star for his work in live theater.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is one of the most recognized faces in show business. He's made dozens of films as an actor and produced dozens more, but will always be most closely associated with his roles in "The Godfather II” and "Goodfellas.” It may be surprising that De Niro doesn’t yet have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but in 2019, his work in motion pictures will finally be cemented among the greats.
Sid Krofft
Sid Krofft will get his star for his work in television alongside brother and business partner, Marty Krofft. The Kroffts used puppets with large heads and low-budget special effects to bring their ambitious fantasy programs to life. They’ve been cited as major influences for other TV pioneers like Jim Henson.
Stacy Keach
While Stacy Keach has played some of the greatest roles in theater, he will get his star this for his work in television. His greatest television role was the titular role in "Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer” and "The Return of Mike Hammer,” and has appeared in several standalone TV movies.
Teddy Riley
Teddy Riley is one of the most famous music producers of all time, though he rarely gets his due. He is the man behind a good portion of Michael Jackson’s discography, as well as many hits of Bobby Brown, Guy (for which he provided the vocals), Blackstreet, and Mary J. Blige. This year, he’ll finally receive a star for his work in recording.
Terrence Howard
"Empire” star Terrence Howard will also get a star this year for his work in television. Other notable credits to his name: "Hustle and Flow” (for which he won an Oscar), "Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” and "Four Brothers.”
The Lettermen
The Lettermen have seen many incarnations of their famous group over the years, but they’ve always managed to stay near and dear to fans’ hearts. From their first hit in 1961, "The Way You Look Tonight” to "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” they’ve given the world some phenomenal and enduring love songs. They will be recognized for their work in recording.
Tommy Mottola
Many of our favorite recording artists owe their careers to Tommy Mottola. He was the head of Sony Music Entertainment for 15 years and has mentored artists from Hall & Oates and Carly Simon to Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. He will receive his star for his recording work.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry rounds out the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2019. The mastermind behind 17 (and counting) movies, 20 plays and seven TV shows, Perry has been called one of "today’s greatest cinematic innovators.” Best-known for "Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and "Why Did I Get Married?” Perry will be receiving his star for his work in motion pictures.