Who Got the First Walk of Fame Star?

The first star laid in the permanent Walk of Fame was Stanley Kramer’s, on 28 March 1960, near Hollywood and Gower. Joanne Woodward is often called the first, but she was one of eight demonstration stars unveiled on 15 August 1958 on Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue. Both dates come from the official site.

Demonstration starsEight, 15 August 1958

Where they were shownHollywood Blvd at Highland Avenue

Construction began8 February 1960

First permanent starStanley Kramer, 28 March 1960

Original build completedSpring 1961, 1,558 stars

The eight names unveiled in 1958 were Olive Borden, Ronald Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Burt Lancaster, Edward Sedgwick, Ernest Torrence and Joanne Woodward. The idea had been proposed in 1953 by E. M. Stuart, volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and plans went to the City Council in January 1956. The history page follows the timeline to the present, and the unusual stars page sets the Woodward and Kramer stories side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Who got the first star on the Walk of Fame?

Stanley Kramer’s was the first laid in the permanent Walk, on 28 March 1960, near Hollywood and Gower.

Was Joanne Woodward the first star?

She was one of eight demonstration stars unveiled on 15 August 1958, before construction of the permanent Walk began. See the history page.

When was the Walk of Fame built?

Construction began on 8 February 1960, and the original build was completed in spring 1961 with 1,558 stars. The star count page has the current total.