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Palm Springs Walk of the Stars

Sidewalk stars honoring Palm Springs area personalities From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Palm Springs Walk of the Starsmap
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This list is complete and up to date as of January 2017.

The Palm Springs Walk of the Stars is a walk of fame in downtown Palm Springs, California. Embedded in the sidewalks, the Golden Palm Stars honor notable individuals who have lived in the greater Palm Springs region, across fields such as entertainment, literature, civic leadership, design, athletics, and humanitarianism. The walk spans sections of Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, and La Plaza Court.

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It was established in 1992 by Gerhard G. Frenzel and Barbara Foster-Henderson,[1][2]: 5  with the inaugural ceremony held on February 26, 1992 and included Walk of Fame chairman Johnny Grant.[3]: 13  The first five inductees were Earle C. Strebe, William Powell, Ruby Keeler, Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy.[3]: 13  Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the program has since honored presidents of the United States, showbusiness personalities, literary figures (authors, playwrights, screenwriters), pioneers and civic leaders (early settlers, tribal leaders, civic personalities), humanitarians and Medal of Honor recipients.[2][4][5] As of 2025 nearly 480 stars have been dedicated.[6]

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History

Plans for a Palm Springs walk of fame began in the early 1990s, led by Frenzel and Foster-Henderson in collaboration with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palm Springs. The first five Golden Palm Stars were unveiled during the February 26, 1992 ceremony. Early inductees included local figures like theater proprietor Earle C. Strebe and individuals prominent during the Hollywood Golden Age. By 1999, 139 stars had been installed,[2]: 185  and by 2006 the total reached around 300.[3]: 138 

During the 1990s and 2000s, honorees included entertainment professionals and local leaders such as Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Dinah Shore, and Sonny Bono.[3]: 13 [5]: 138  The Walk also recognized historical figures, like the chimpanzee “Cheeta” of Tarzan fame received a star in 1995, and President Gerald Ford in 1997.[5]: 138 

In May 2017, installations were temporarily suspended while the Chamber and the City reviewed selection criteria amid concerns about the selection criteria.[7] Later that year they resumed with stronger guidelines.[8]

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Nomination and induction process

The program is managed by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Palm Springs. Anyone may submit a nomination, subject to the nominee’s consent, for consideration by the Walk of Stars committee, which meets during the “season” (October–May). Typically 6–12 stars are approved and dedicated each season.[9]

Nominees must have significant affiliation with the area and notable achievements in designated categories: Entertainment; Literary; Civic/Pioneer; Humanitarian; Architect/Artist/Designer; Athlete; and Military. Approved nominees (or their sponsors) must pay a sponsorship fee of US$15,000 as of 2023,[10] covering the plaque, installation, ceremony, publicity, and an official city proclamation. Ceremonies are free public events held during the season, with honorees receiving a star replica and civic recognition.[11] A mobile app and online map help visitors locate stars and learn about inductees.[12]

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Honorees

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Medal of Honor recipients

Five Medal of Honor recipients from the Coachella Valley were honored during the 1999 Veterans Day holiday.[13]

Former presidents

These former presidents of the United States lived in the Palm Springs area after their retirement.

Showbusiness

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Star of Frank Sinatra

Palm Springs has been famous as a winter resort and second-home community for personalities in showbusiness. These honorees include actors, cinematographers, directors, producers, performers, and writers of film, radio, stage and television.

Pioneers, civic leaders and other contributors

Early pioneers and other contributors to the community are also honored.

Cultural

These honorees include architects, authors, playwrights, screenwriters, singers, composers and musicians.

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See also

Notes

  1. [N 1]
    With spouse Lezlie Anders
  2. [N 2]
    With life partner David Peet
  3. [N 3]
    Yolande Donlan and Val Guest were spouses
  4. [N 4]
    Mitchell is the author of one of the references. His listing in the reference was written by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell.
  5. [N 5]
    Monroe's Star was rededicated on June 1, 2012.
  6. [N 6]
    Talk show host for The Doctors
  7. [N 7]
    Spouse of Charles "Buddy" Rogers
  8. [N 8]
    Spouse of Mary Pickford
  9. [N 9]
    Was once married to Louis Prima
  10. [N 10]
    Jerry Thorpe is the son of Richard Thorpe. They share the Star.
  11. [N 11]
    In 2004 controversy arose between Gerhard Frenzel, the founder of the Walk of Stars, and the City of Palm Springs over the placement of Venturi's Star. See: "Palm Springs Walk of Stars Under Dispute." AP Online. Press Association, Inc. 2004.
  12. [N 12]
    Along with entrepreneur Barbara Foster-Henderson, Frenzel was a founder of the Walk of Stars. He is the author of one of the references. His star was sponsored by Mayor Ron Oden and the Palm Springs City Council.
  13. [N 13]
    Earl was an executive with The Hoover Company and Miriam was a major contributor to the Center on Halsted in Chicago.
  14. [N 14]
    and adopted son of Harpo Marx and Susan Fleming
  15. [N 15]
    Spouses Jorja Curtright (deceased) and Alexandra Sheldon each have stars.
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References

Further reading

External links

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