On March 28, 1960, the first permanent star is laid in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at the intersection of Hollywood and Gower. It honors film producer and director Stanley Kramer.
Kramer initially earned his reputation producing films like High Noon and The Caine Mutiny, and for helping to launch Marlon Brando's career. He later became known for socially conscious "message" movies like Inherit the Wind, Judgment at Nuremberg and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.
Actress Joanne Woodward is often cited as the first star recipient on the Hollywood Walk. But hers was actually one of a set of eight prototypes initially placed in August 1958—before official construction began—to help drum up excitement for the project. The other seven prototype stars honored actors Olive Borden, Ronald Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Burt Lancaster, Edward Sedgwick and Ernest Torrence.
After ground was broken on the now-famous walk in early February 1960, construction continued for the next 16 months. By the time it was over, more than 1,500 actors, musicians and filmmakers had received stars. Today, the Walk of Fame lines both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower to La Brea, and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce manages the walkway, which became an official landmark in 1978. New stars are added at a regular rate, currently numbering more than 2,700.
