Burt Lancaster & Joanne Woodward were among the first 8 honored at a 1958 ceremony held on this street

Tuesday’s Final Jeopardy! clue came from the category Honors and read: “Burt Lancaster & Joanne Woodward were among the first 8 honored at a 1958 ceremony held on this street.” The clue pointed toward a major cultural landmark associated with entertainment history and public recognition in the film industry.

What is Hollywood Boulevard?

The correct response was: What is Hollywood Boulevard? This famous street in Los Angeles, California, is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the most recognizable honors in American entertainment. The initial groundbreaking ceremony for the Walk of Fame took place in 1958, and the first eight stars were installed during a preview phase, with Joanne Woodward often noted as the first celebrity to receive one.

The Beginnings of the Walk of Fame

Hollywood Boulevard became the designated site for this now-iconic tribute as part of a revitalization project organized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in the 1950s. The idea was to honor achievements in film, television, radio, recording, and later, live theatre. The intention was both celebratory and promotional, aiming to preserve the names of entertainment legends while boosting the area’s appeal.

The original eight honorees at the 1958 ceremony included actors Burt Lancaster and Joanne Woodward, as well as other luminaries such as Olive Borden, Ronald Colman, and Louise Fazenda. Their names were set into terrazzo and brass stars on the sidewalk, creating a format that would eventually stretch for more than a mile across Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Recognizing Artistic Contributions

The Walk of Fame was the first large-scale attempt to publicly recognize entertainers in such a lasting, physical manner. Unlike traditional awards, the stars represent career achievements across a wide range of media, rather than for a single performance or work. This broadens the scope of recognition and gives a unique place to those who may not have received traditional awards but have had significant influence on popular culture.

Over the decades, more than 2,700 stars have been added, honoring a diverse array of individuals and groups, from classic film stars and musicians to directors, producers, and fictional characters. While the street itself was already known for its ties to the entertainment world, the creation of the Walk of Fame further solidified Hollywood Boulevard’s status as a global tourist destination.

Lasting Legacy of Hollywood Boulevard

Today, Hollywood Boulevard remains a vibrant symbol of the entertainment industry’s past and present. The Walk of Fame continues to hold unveiling ceremonies that draw fans, media, and celebrities, reinforcing the public’s ongoing connection to the world of film and television. Although the street has undergone significant changes over the years, its association with artistic legacy remains central to its identity.

The inclusion of names like Burt Lancaster and Joanne Woodward in the very first group of honorees underscores the intent to recognize both popular figures and respected artists. Their stars on Hollywood Boulevard remain a physical reminder of their contributions, offering a sense of continuity in an industry that constantly evolves.