How to Get a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- It's Not Just for Celebrities Anymore!

You know you've made it in show business when you get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But the Walk of Fame is not just for movie stars. Celebrities from numerous entertainment fields are honored every year at an average rate of two per month.

History
The Walk of Fame began as a beautification project for the city of Hollywood in 1958. It was created by artist, Oliver Weismuller as a tribute to honor celebrities in the fields of motion pictures, television, radio, theater and music. The Walk of Fame originated with 2,500 blank stars made of pink and charcoal terrazzo. As stars were inducted into the Walk of Fame, the blank stars are removed and replaced with a star bearing the celebrities name and area of show business. The stars run down Hollywood Boulevard between Gower Street and LaBrea Avenue. They also run up Vine Street between Sunset Boulevard and Yucca Street.

Symbols on the Stars
Each star has a different brass symbol representing the category in which the celebrity received his or her star. The symbols are:

1. Movie Camera - for contributions to the motion picture industry
2. Record - for contributions to the recording industry
3. Microphone - for contributions to the radio broadcast industry
4. Television - for contributions to the television broadcast industry
5. Theater Masks - for contributions to theater

Criteria for Getting a Star on the Walk of Fame
The criteria for getting a star on the Walk of Fame are fairly simple. For consideration, a nominee must:

1. Have a record of professional achievement within the nominated field.
2. Have worked in the entertainment industry for a minimum of five years.
3. Have made contributions to the community, typically through charitable activities.

The recipient must also agree to attend the dedication ceremony. In addition, a sponsorship fee of $25,000 must be paid. Non-human and fictional characters are also eligible for stars on the Walk of Fame. Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie all have stars.