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Although the Hollywood Stars are known the world over by their now famous names, many of these stars birth names were less than glamorous, so they changed them. Do you think John Wayne would have become an American icon with his real name of Marion Morrison or Tom Cruise become a Mega Star with his real name of Thomas Mapother IV. Listed below are many examples of Hollywood Stars who have changed their birth names and become known the world over by their now famous names. Should you wish to add to this list with other star names please contact us.

A
Edie Adams – Elizabeth Edith Enke
Don Adams – Donald James Yarmy
Nick Adams – Nicholas Adamshock
Eddie Albert – Edward Albert Heimberger
Alan Alda – Alphonso D’Abruzzo
Jane Alexander – Jane Quigley
Muhammad Ali – Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.
Fred Allen – John Sullivan
Woody Allen – Allen Konigsberg
June Allyson – Ella Geisman
Don Ameche – Dominic Felix Amici
Julie Andrews – Julia Wells
Eve Arden – Eunice Quedens
Beatrice Arthur – Bernice Frankel
Jean Arthur – Gladys Greene
Fred Astaire – Frederick Austerlitz
Frankie Avalon – Francis Thomas Avalonne

B
Lauren Bacall – Betty Joan Perske
Kaye Ballard – Catherine Balotta
Anne Bancroft – Anne Italiano
Antonio Banderas – José Antonio Dominguez Bandera
Brigitte Bardot – Camille Javal
Rona Barrett – Rona Burstein
Gene Barry – Eugene Klass
John Barrymore – John Blythe
Orson Bean – Dallas Burrows
Tony Bennett – Anthony Dominick Benedetto
Jack Benny – Benjamin Kubelsky
Milton Berle – Milton Berlinger
Irving Berlin – Israel Baline
Joey Bishop – Joseph Gottlieb
Amanda Blake – Beverly Louise Neill
Robert Blake – Michael Gubitosi
Bono – Paul David Hewson
Sonny Bono – Salvatore Bono
Victor Borge – Borge Rosenbaum
Big Bopper – Jiles Perry Richardson
Ernest Borgnine – Ermes Effron Borgnino
David Bowie – David Robert Jones
Fanny Brice – Fanny Borach
Charles Bronson – Charles Buchinski
Mel Brooks – Melvin Kaminsky
Dr. Joyce Brothers – Joyce Diane Bauer
Yul Brynner – Taidje Kahn, Jr.
George Burns – Nathan Birnbaum
Ellen Burstyn – Edna Gilhooley
Richard Burton – Richard Jenkins
Red Buttons – Aaron Chwatt

C
Nicholas Cage – Nicholas Coppola
Michael Caine – Maurice Micklewhite
Rory Calhoun – Francis Timony Durgin
Dyan Cannon – Simille Frieson
Truman Capote – Truman Streckfus Persons
Diahann Carroll – Carol Diahann Johnson
Jeff Chandler – Ira Grossel
Cyd Charisse – Tula Ellice Finklea
Chubby Checker – Ernest Evans
Cher – Cherilyn Sarkisian
Patsy Cline – Virginia Patterson Hensley
Lee J. Cobb – Leo Jacoby
Claudette Colbert – Lily Chauchoin
Perry Como – Pierino Roland Como
Mike Connors – Krekor “Kirk” Ohanian
Robert Conrad – Conrad Robert Falk
Alice Cooper – Vincent Damon Furnier
Gary Cooper – Frank James.
David Copperfield – David Kotkin
Howard Cosell – Howard Cohen
Elvis Costello – Declan MacManus
Joan Crawford – Lucille Le Sucur
Michael Crawford – Michael Dumble-Smith
Bing Crosby – Harry Lillis Crosby
Tom Cruise – Thomas Mapother IV
Tony Curtis – Bernard Schwartz

D
Puff Daddy – Sean John Combs
Vic Damone – Vito Farinola
Rodney Dangerfield – Jacob Cohen
Bobby Darin – Walden Robert Cassotto
Doris Day – Doris von Kappelhoff
Jimmy Dean – Seth Ward
Yvonne De Carlo – Peggy Middleton
Sandra Dee – Alexandra Zuck
John Denver – Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
John Derek – Derek Harris
Danny DeVito – Daniel Michaeli
Angie Dickinson – Angeline Brown
Bo Diddley – Elias Bates
Marlene Dictrich – Maria Von Losch
Troy Donahue – Merle Johnson, Jr.
Diana Dors – Diana Fluck
Kirk Douglas – Issur Danielovitch
Mike Douglas – Michael Delaney Dowd, Jr.
Bob Dylan – Robert Zimmerman

E
Barbara Eden – Barbara Huffman
Vince Edwards – Vicent Edward Zoino
Ron Ely – Ronald Pierce
Dale Evans – Frances Octavia Smith
Chad Everett – Raymond Cramton

F
Fabian – Fabiano Forte
Douglas Fairbanks – Douglas Ullman
Morgan Fairchild. – Patsy McClenny
Stepin Fetchit – Lincoln Perry
Sally Field – Sally Mahoney
W.C. Fields – William Claude Dukenfield
Peter Finch – William Mitchell
Rhonda Fleming – Marilyn Louis
Gerald R. Ford – Leslie Lynch King, Jr.
Joan Fontaine – Joan de Havilland
Glenn Ford – Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford
John Ford – Sean O’Fearna
John Forsythe – John Freund
Jodie Foster – Alicia Christian Foster
Tony Franciosa – Anthony Papaleo
Connie Francis – Concetta Franconero

G
Greta Garbo – Greta Gustafsson
John Garfield – Julius Garfinkle
Judy Garland – Frances Gumm
James Garner – James Scott Baumgardner
Crystal Gayle – Brenda Gayle Webb
Whoopie Goldberg – Caryn Johnson
Eydie Gorme – Edith Gormezano
Stewart Granger – James Stewart
Cary Grant – Archibald Leach
Peter Graves – Peter Aurness
Rocky Graziano – Rocco Barbella
Joel Grey – Joe Katz

H
Buddy Hackett – Leonard Hacker
Jean Harlow – Harlean Carpentier
Rex Harrison – Reginald Carey
Helen Hayes – Helen Brown
Susan Hayward – Edythe Marrener
Rita Hayworth – Margarita Cansino
Jimi Hendrix – Johnny Allen Hendrix
Charlton Heston – Charles Carter
Hulk Hogan – Terry Jean Bollette
William Holden – William Franklin Beedle, Jr.
Billy Holiday – Eleanora Fagan
Judy Holliday – Judith Tuvim
Buddy Holly – Charles Hardin Holley
Bob Hope – Leslie Townes Hope
Hedda Hopper – Elda Furry
Robert Horton – Meade Howard Horton, Jr.
Leslie Howard – Leslie Stainer
Harry Houdini – Ehrich Weiss
Rock Hudson – Roy Schere Jr.
Engelbert Humperdinck – Arnold Dorsey
Tab Hunter – Arthur Andrew Gelien

I
Burl Ives – Burle Icle Ivanhoe

J
Wolfman Jack – Robert Smith
David Janssen – David Meyer
Elton John – Reginald Dwight
Don Johnson – Donald Wayne
Al Jolson – Asa Yoelson
Jennifer Jones – Phyllis Isley
Louis Jourdan – Louis Gendre

K
Danny Kaye – David Kaminski
Boris Karloff – William Henry Pratt
Diane Keaton – Diane Hall
Howard Keel – Harold Leek
Carole King – Carole Klein
Larry King – Larry Zeigler
Ted Knight – Tadeus Wladyslaw Konopka
Ben Kingsley – Krishna Banji

L
Cheryl Ladd – Cheryl Stoppelmoor
Frankie Laine – Frankie LoVecchio
Veronica Lake – Constance Ockleman
Dorothy Lamour – Mary Kaumeyer
Ann Landers – Esther “Eppie” Pauline Friedman Lederer
Mario Lanza – Alfredo Cocozza
Michael Landon – Eugene Orowitz
Stan Laurel – Arthur Jefferson
Steve Lawrence – Sidney Leibowitz
Gypsy Rose Lee – Rose Louise Hovick
Peggy Lee – Norma Egstrom
Janet Leigh – Jeanette Morrison
Jerry Lewis – Joseph Levitch
Huey Lewis – Hugh Cregg
Hal Linden – Harold Lipshitz
Little Richard – Richard Penniman
Carole Lombard – Jane Peters
Jack Lord – John Joseph Ryan
Sophia Loren – Sophia Scicolone
Peter Lorre – Laszio Lowenstein
Bela Lugosi – Bela Ferenc Blasko

M
Moms Mabley – Loretta Mary Aitken
Shirley MacLaine – Shirley Beaty
Elle MacPherson – Eleanor Gow
Madonna – Madonna Louise Ciccone
Lee Majors – Harvey Lee Yeary II
Karl Malden – Mladen Sekulovich
Barry Manilow – Barry Alan Pincus
Jayne Mansfield – Vera Jane Palmer
Fredric March – Frederick Bickel
Rocky Marciano – Rocco Francis Marchegiano
Dean Martin – Dino Crocetti
Chico Marx – Leonard Marx
Groucho Marx – Julius Marx
Gummo Marx – Milton Marx
Harpo Marx – Adolph Marx
Zeppo Marx – Herbert Marx
Walter Matthau – Walter Matuschanskayasky
Audrey Meadows – Audrey Cotter
Jayne Meadows – Jayne Cotter
Ethel Merman – Ethel Zimmerman
George Michael – Georgios Panayiotou
Ray Milland – Reginald Truscott-Jones
Ann Miller – Lucille Collier
Guy Mitchell – Albert George Cernick
Joni Mitchell – Roberta Joan Anderson
Marilyn Monroe – Norma Jean Baker
Yves Montand – Ivo Levi
Demi Moore – Demetria Guynes
Garry Moore – Thomas Garrison Morfit
Rita Moreno – Rosita Alverio
Harry Morgan – Harry Bratsburg

N
Peter Nero – Bernie Nierow
Chuck Norris – Carlos Ray

O
Hugh O’Brian – Hugh Krampke
Maureen O’Hara – Maureen Fitzsimmons

P
Patti Page – Clara Ann Fowler
Jack Palance – Walter Palanuik
Bert Parks – Bert Jacobson
Johnny Paycheck – Don Lytle
Minnie Pearl – Sarah Ophella Colley Cannon
Bernadette Peters – Bernadette Lazzaro
Lou Diamond Phillips – Lou Upchurch
Edith Piaf – Edith Gassion
Slim Pickens – Louis Lindley
Mary Pickford – Gladys Smith
Stephanie Powers – Stefania Federkiewicz

Q
Ed Quinn – Arthur Edward Quinn

R
Tony Randall – Leonard Rosenberg
Ahmad Rashad – Bobby Moore
Johnnie Ray – John Alvin
Martha Raye – Margaret Theresa Yvonne Reed
Donna Reed – Donabella Mullenger
Della Reese – Delloreese Patricia Early
Debbie Reynolds – Mary Frances Reynolds
Joan Rivers – Joan Sandra Molinsky
Johnny Rivers – John Henry Ramistella
Harold Robbins – Frances Kane
Edward G. Robinson – Emmanuel Goldenberg
Ginger Rogers – Virginia McMath
Roy Rogers – Leonard Slye
Mickey Rooney – Joe Yule Jr.
Meg Ryan – Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra
Bobby Rydell – Robert Ridarelli

S
Jane Seymour – Joyce Frankenberg
Del Shannon – Charles Westover
Omar Sharif – Michael Shalhoub
Charlie Sheen – Carlos Irwin Estevez
Martin Sheen – Ramon Estevez
Gene Simmons – Chaim Witz
Buffalo Bob Smith – Robert Emil Schmidt
Ann Sothern – Harriet Lake
Dusty Springfield – Mary O’Brien
Robert Stack – Robert Modini
Jean Stapleton – Jeanne Murray
Barbara Stanwyck – Ruby Stevens
Ringo Starr – Richard Starkey
Connie Stevens – Concetta Ingolia
Sting – Gordon Sumner
Gale Storm – Josephine Cottle
Donna Summer – La Donna Gaines

T
Robert Taylor – Spangler Arlington Brugh
Danny Thomas – Muzyad Yakhoob
Tina Turner – Annie Mae Bullock
Twiggy – Leslie Hornby
Conway Twitty – Harold Lloyd Jenkins

V
Ritchie Valens – Richard Valenzuela
Rudolph Valentino – Rudolpho D’Antonguolla
Frankie Valli – Frank Castelluccio
Abigail Van Buren – Pauline Ester Friedman
Gene Vincent – Vincent Eugene Craddock

W
Junior Walker – Autry De Walt
Andy Warhol – Andrew Warhola
Muddy Waters – McKinley Morganfield
David Wayne – Wayne McMeekan
John Wayne – Marion Michael Morrison
Clifton Webb – Webb Parmalee Hollenbeck
Raquel Welch – Raquel Tejada
Tuesday Weld – Susan Kerr Wells
Nathaniel West – Nathaniel Wallenstein Weinstein
Gene Wilder – Jerome Silberman
Shelley Winters – Shirley Schrift
Stevie Wonder – Steveland Morris Hardaway
Natalie Wood – Natasha Gurdin J
Jane Wyman – Sarah Jane Fulks
Tammy Wynette – Wynette Pugh

Y
Gig Young – Byron Barr

Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theater is home to the hand & footprints of the Hollywood Stars.

6925 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood. CA. Tel:- (323)-464-8111.

To visit Hollywood and not the see Grauman’s Chinese Theater is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood is the most famous movie theatre in the world. Millions of visitors flock here each year, drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the Hollywood Stars set in cement. Ted Mann purchased Grauman’s in 1973, becoming the first individual to own the Chinese Theatre. In 1986, Mann sold the theater to Paramount Pictures, which sold a half interest to Warner Bros. Warner Bros. and Paramount continue to own the theater today. The theater was known as Mann’s Chinese from 1973 until 2001, when the original name of Grauman’s was restored.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened over 70 years ago. Since then the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more gala movie premieres than any other theatre. Millions of visitors flock here each year, most of them drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the stars set in cement. The theatre itself has appeared in quite a few movies, including the Gene Kelly classic “Singing in the Rain” and at the end of the recent action-adventure movie “Speed.”

Built by Sid Grauman in 1926 the exterior of the theatre is just as exciting as its famous forecourt. Resembling a giant red Chinese pagoda, the theatre’s architecture features a huge dragon across the front, two stone lion-dogs guarding the main entrance, and the silhouettes of tiny dragons racing up and down the sides of the theatre’s copper roof. For the price of a movie ticket, you can go inside and see the theatre’s well-preserved interior, as well as watch a movie. The lobby inside boasts elaborate wall murals depicting life in the Orient, red and gold columns, and a large, intricate Chinese chandelier. Inside the vast main auditorium there are 2,200 bright red seats with red carpeting throughout. At the rear of the theatre you’ll discover that what would usually be the balcony has been divided into four private opera boxes for visiting celebrities.

Hand & footprints of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe
Grauman’s Forecourt is the Mecca for anyone who loves the movies. Since 1927 Hollywood stars have been immortalizing themselves here by implanting their hands and feet in cement. There are now over 200 imprints of Hollywood Stars making a virtual “Who’s Who of Hollywood legends.” Over the years every major Hollywood Star has had their hands & footprints embedded here, plus a few other well known mementos. Over Two million visitors a year visit this forecourt searching for their favorite stars autograph and prints. They then can’t resist comparing their shoe size to the stars footprints. The first footprints were those of Norma Talmadge who accidentally stepped in the wet cement whilst visiting, during construction. Many of the celebrity autographs mention “Sid” well Sid refers to Sid Grauman, the man who built the theatre and was a friend to the stars.
Index of names & map of handprints contained in the Grauman’s Forecourt.
Photos of Celebrity Handprint Inductions.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is Hollywood’s tribute to the Hollywood Stars of yesterday and today. This is where the Stars are immortalized with a star on the sidewalk in their honor. The Hollywood Walk of Fame lines both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower to La Brea, and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset.
History of The Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was created in 1958 by southern Californian artist Oliver Weismuller, who was hired by the city to give Hollywood a “face lift”. Many honorees received multiple stars during the initial phase of installation for contributions to separate categories; however, the practice in recent decades has been to honor individuals not yet represented, with only a handful of previous honorees being awarded additional stars. In 1978, the City of Los Angeles designated the Walk of Fame as a Cultural/Historic Landmark. The Walk of Fame began with 2,500 blank stars. A total of 1,558 stars were awarded during its first sixteen months. Since then, about two stars have been added per month. By 2005, more than 2,400 of the original stars were filled, and additional stars extended the Walk west past Sycamore to La Brea Avenue, where it now starts/ends at the Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo, (with stars honoring The Beatles and Elvis Presley).
Maintenance
The Walk of Fame is maintained by the self-financing Hollywood Historic Trust. In order for a person to get a star on the Walk of Fame, he or she must agree to attend a presentation ceremony within five years of selection, and a $25,000 fee must be paid to the Trust for costs such as security at the star ceremony; a 2003 FOX News story noted that the fee is typically paid by sponsors such as movie studios and record companies, as part of the publicity for a release with which the honoree is involved. On other occasions, the fee is paid by a fan club or the nominating person or organization.
Stolen stars
There have been four stars stolen from the Walk of Fame. The stars of Jimmy Stewart and Kirk Douglas, which had been removed during a construction project, were stolen from the site on Vine Street. The culprit was a contractor who was later caught with the two damaged and unusable stars, but not until after they had been replaced. One of Gene Autry’s stars was also taken from another construction project. That star was found in Iowa. On November 27, 2005, thieves sawed Gregory Peck’s star out of the sidewalk near Gower. Cameras are now being placed on the walk district to catch thieves.

Hollywood Walk of Fame tour which includes an illustration and guide to the names of the stars on Hollywood Boulevard.

Buskers on Hollywood Boulevard.

Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard.
A tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries. The first star placed on 9th February. 1960, was for Joanne Woodward. One of Hollywood’s most popular tourist attractions, the Walk of Fame lies on both sides of Hollywood Blvd. from Gower to La Brea, both sides of Vine Street and from Yucca to Sunset. The Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo at Lea Brea, the start of the Walk of Fame should not be missed. An illustration and a selected list of stars can be found below. The complete list of over 2000 stars and their exact locations can be found on the Walk of Fame Star Locations. Please note this is a very long list of names and will take longer to load.

Starting from the Four ladies of Hollywood Gazebo at La Brea.

Here is a selected list of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There is no way that we can list the whole 2000 plus stars on this Walk of Fame illustration, but here’s some to get you started. You’ll soon discover many more as you walk along the Hollywood Boulevard and both sides of Vine Street. For a complete alphabetical listing and the exact location of the individual stars go to the Walk of Fame Star Locations. We hope you find your favorite Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or even see a star induction ceremony in Hollywood. While your walking along the Walk of Fame why not explore the handprints of over 200 stars in the Grauman’s Chinese Theater forecourt.

“The Hollywood sign its history and story since it was erected in 1923.”

Hollywood sign from from Beachwood Drive.

Hollywood Sign. on top Mount Lee. Hollywood Hills. The Hollywood sign perhaps the most famous sign in the world is perched on top Mount Lee’s Beachwood Canyon, LA’s tallest peak. Erected in 1923 to advertise a property development, the original 50 ft. high letters spelt out Hollywoodland and were lit up at night by 1000′s of light bulbs. A caretaker cared for the Hollywood sign and lived in a cabin behind one of the L’s. The last four letters of the sign were removed in the 40′s after Hollywood had become the worlds movie capital. The Hollywood sign can be seen from various high points all over town including Griffith Observatory, Mullholland Drive, Hollywood Freeway(101) etc. But for the best view head north up Gower St. from Sunset or Hollywood Blvd’s, the Hollywood sign will be directly ahead of you. To get really close just keep driving north, onto Beachwood Drive, the sign will be in front of you and be getting closer all the time. You will eventually get to within 100 yds. of the Hollywood sign where you can get some great photo’s using the sign as a backdrop. Unfortunately you cannot now get any closer to the Hollywood sign as a locked gate and added security has now been added to keep trespassers out.
Further information and the complete history of the Hollywood sign, including old photographs can be found on the official Hollywood

“Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel its story and history since its grand opening in 1927.”

Front Entrance Lobby

“Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel”
7000 Hollywood Boulevard,
Hollywood. Los Angeles.
Tel:-(323)-466-7000.

Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the “Hollywood Roosevelt” was financed by the Hollywood Holding Company whose investors included Mary Pickford; Douglas Fairbanks; Louis B. Mayer and. Charlie Chaplin. Headed by property developer Charles Toberman, who had previously created and supervised the building of many Hollywood landmarks, including:- Graumans Chinese Theater, the Egyptian Theater, the Pantage Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. “The Hollywood Roosevelt” had its grand opening on May 16, 1927. Its opening ceremony being attended by Hollywood celebrities such as Louis B. Mayer, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Clara Bow, Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson. It was built at the then staggering cost of $2.5 million and quickly became known as “The Home of the Stars”. The first Academy Awards presentation was held in the Hotel Roosevelt’s “Blossom Room” on May 16, 1929. The awards were originally called Merit Awards, and were given for performances and work covering a two year period. This was also the shortest Academy Awards ceremony ever, lasting just fifteen minutes, as Douglas Fairbanks and Al Jolson gave away the awards including Janet Gaynor – Best Actress, Emil Jennings – Best Actor, and to “Wings” starring Buddy Rogers, as Best Picture.
“The Hollywood Roosevelt’s” elegant lobby, is like stepping into Hollywood’s glamorous past. A pianist plays a baby grand, guests sip cocktails beneath chandeliers in the sunken Spanish lobby, surrounded by potted palms, a bubbling fountain and a giant wrought-iron chandelier. Climb the tiled stairway to the upstairs mezzanine that encircles the lobby, and you will find an exhibit dedicated to “Hollywood”. Historic photos line the walls, the original camera used to film “Gone With The Wind”, as well as framed Hollywood memorabilia, photos of Hollywood landmarks – past and present are all on display. Rudy Vallee, legendary motion picture star named the “Hollywood Roosevelt” in his estate as a trustee of his personal and professional mementos.

From the its beginning the “Hollywood Roosevelt” has been a favorite “location” site for feature films & television shows including “Internal Affairs” (with Richard Gere), “Beverly Hills Cop II” (with Eddie Murphy), and numerous TV shows such as “Knot’s Landing” “Moonlighting”, “Almost Famous”, “The Dorothy Dandridge Story” etc. The exterior of the hotel appeared in the 1998 film “Mighty Joe Young.” Look for it in the scene where the giant gorilla rampages down Hollywood Boulevard then climbs the roof of Mann’s Chinese Theatre, with police helicopters circling over the Cinegrill sign.

Each time that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honors a Hollywood celebrity, by placing their star on the Walk of Fame, a gala reception is held at the “Hollywood Roosevelt” immediately afterwards for the inductee.

At the northern entrance to the hotel you’ll find the “Cinegrill”, a restaurant & cabaret nightclub, opened by the Roosevelt in the early 30′s, when jazz was the latest rage.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dali were among the creative customers who gathered in the “Cinegrill” to talk shop.

Legendary Broadway musical star, Mary Martin made her debut at the “Cinegrill”. When she couldn’t find a baby sitter, she would often bring her infant son along, his name being Larry Hagman who later found fame as “JR” in the TV series “Dallas”.

Shirley Temple took her first tap-dancing lesson from Bill “Bojangles” Robinson on the hotel’s ornate tile stairway.

During Prohibition, Errol Flynn mixed his notorious gin recipe in the back of the hotel barbershop.

David Niven roomed in the Roosevelt’s servants’ quarters when he first came to Hollywood,

“This is Your Life” the popular TV show that ran for 12 years in the 1950′s and 60′s gave the week’s “surprise” guests a gala reception in the “Blossom Room” at the “Roosevelt Hotel”.

Linda Goodman, world famous astrologer and author, wrote her best selling books, “Sun Signs” and “Love Signs” in suite 1207 at the “Hollywood Roosevelt”.

Marilyn Monroe posed for her first ad – for suntan lotion – on the diving board of the “Hotel Roosevelt’s” pool. Marilyn often stayed at the “Roosevelt Hotel” over the years.

Julio Inglesias chose to have his star placed on the Walk of Fame directly in front of the hotel and a lavish reception was held in his honor in the Roosevelt’s posh Gable & Lombard Suite. “Hollywood Roosevelt” Haunted 9th Floor Corridor.
While filming the movie “From Here To Eternity” in 1952, Montgomery Clift stayed in room 928, which is located on the 9th floor. Whilst occupying the room, Clift practiced playing the bugle. (His character in the film, Private Pruitt, was the company bugler). Clift also paced up and down the corridor practicing his lines. Many guests residing in the room have since reported hearing a bugle and the sound of footsteps pacing corridor. In November, 1992, a guest felt an invisible hand pat her shoulder while she was in bed.
Marilyn’s Haunted Mirror.
The hotel’s most famous haunting concerns a mirror which sits outside the elevators on the lower floor. Hundreds of tourists pass the full length mirror each day without knowing its strange history. The mirror was originally part of the furnishings in room 246 which was frequently used by Marilyn Monroe. Hotel staff and guests have reported seeing the tragic actresses image reflected in the glass of this particular mirror.

The “Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel” went through a major restoration in 1986, and now features 320 beautifully appointed rooms, including 20 luxury themed suites. Among the suites are a “Grand Suite”, the “Celebrity Suite,” ten movie “Themed” suites, and nine- three-room “Hollywood” suites. Tropical garden views adorn the 65 Cabana rooms. These guest rooms surround a beautiful, bright, open-aired courtyard and swimming pool. Artist David Hockny designed the images on the bottom of the swimming pool. Up on the 12th floor is the “Gable & Lombard” suite where Carole Lombard and Clark Gable used to come and have secret rendezvous’. Needless to say, this particular suite is very exclusive & pricey. The sidewalk in front of the hotel has the walk of fame stars for the Maureen O’Hara, Ed McMahon, Julio Inglesias, Errol Flynn, Natalie Wood, Gene Autry, Cybill Shepard and Eddie Murphy.

The “Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel” is perhaps the most famous hotel in Hollywood, frequented by many celebrities and steeped in History. Its location on Hollywood Boulevard opposite Mann’s Chinese make it the ideal choice for your stay in Hollywood. Most Hollywood attractions are within walking distance and the recently opened Hollywood Metro station, opposite the hotel, can whisk you to Universal Studios within minutes for example. An ideal base for non driving visitors who not only wish to explore Hollywood but Los Angeles as well. Despite its grand decor and themed suites the majority of the Roosevelt Hotel rooms cater for the tourist and are not as expensive as you think. Rooms may be booked direct and are also featured in many travel brochures.

Hollywood Bowl. 2301 N. Highland Ave.(323) 850-2000. Built in 1919 the Hollywood Bowl has hosted the top names in entertainment since then. Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic during summer July – Sept. for its Under the Stars series of concerts. The Hollywood Bowl & its grounds are open to the public Free during the day which also includes rehearsals during the summer. Easy to reach just North of Hollywood Boulevard on Highland Ave, located opposite is the Hollywood Studio Museum.

The Hollywood Bowl is a modern amphitheatre that is used primarily for music performances. It officially opened in 1922 on the site of a natural amphitheatre formerly known as the Daisy Dell, and has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since then. The Bowl is also home to a second resident ensemble, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
The Hollywood Bowl is well known for its band shell, a distinctive set of concentric arches that has graced the site since 1929. Popular entertainers including Cher, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Monty Python and Judy Garland have given famous or noteworthy performances under the shell. Cartoon buffs may see a resemblance between the concentric arches of the shell and Porky Pig’s backdrop in Th-th-that’s all, f-f-folks; it is debatable whether it was intentional (however, the Bowl did make appearances in various Warner Brothers cartoon shorts, at least one DePatie-Freleng Pink Panther cartoon, and a Tom and Jerry cartoon). Adding to the atmosphere of the Bowl, the famous Hollywood Sign, several miles away, is visible from the Bowl site, to the north-northeast, behind and to the right of it from the spectators’ viewpoint.
Shortly after the end of the 2003 summer season, the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, which owns the Hollywood Bowl (seating capacity 17,383), replaced the 1929 shell with a new, somewhat larger, acoustically improved shell, which had its debut in the 2004 summer season. Preservationists fiercely opposed the demolition for many years, citing the shell’s storied history. However, even when it was built it was (at least acoustically) only the third-best shell in the Bowl’s history, behind its two immediate predecessors (which were designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright). By the late 1970s the Hollywood Bowl became an acoustic liability because of continued hardening of its transite skin. The new shell incorporates design elements of not only the 1929 shell, but of both the Lloyd Wright shells. During the 2004 summer season, the sound steadily improved, as engineers learned to work with its live acoustics.
Shells
At first, the Bowl was very close to its natural state, with only makeshift wooden benches for the audience, and eventually a simple awning over the stage. In 1926, a group known as the Allied Architects was contracted to regrade the Bowl, providing permanent seating and a shell. These improvements did provide increased capacity (the all-time record for attendance was set in 1936, when 26,410 people crowded into the Bowl to hear opera singer Lily Pons), but were otherwise disappointing, as the regrading noticeably degraded the natural acoustics, and the original shell was deemed acoustically unsatisfactory (as well as visually unfashionable, with its murals of sailing ships). For the 1927 season, Lloyd Wright built a pyramidal shell, with a vaguely Southwestern look, out of left-over lumber from a production of Robin Hood. This was generally regarded as the best shell the Bowl ever had from an acoustic standpoint; unfortunately, its appearance was deemed too avant-garde, and it was demolished at the end of the season. It did, however, get Wright a second chance, this time with the stipulation that the shell was to have an arch shape. For the 1928 season, Wright built another wooden shell, this time in the shape of concentric 120-degree arches, with movable panels inside that could be used to tune the acoustics. It was designed to be easily dismantled and stored between concert seasons; apparently for political reasons, this was not done, and it did not survive the winter. For the 1929 season, the Allied Architects built the shell that stood until 2003, using a transite skin over a metal frame. Its acoustics, though not nearly as good as those of the Lloyd Wright shells, were deemed satisfactory at first, and its clean lines and white, almost-semicircular arches were copied for music shells elsewhere. As the acoustics deteriorated, various measures were used to mitigate the problems, starting with an inner shell made from large cardboard tubes (of the sort used as forms for round concrete pillars) in the 1970s, which were replaced by the early 1980s with the large fiberglass spheres (designed by Frank Gehry) that remained until 2003. These dampened out the unfavorable acoustics, but required massive use of electronic amplification to reach the full audience, particularly since the background noise level had risen sharply since the 1920s. The appearance underwent other, purely visual, changes as well, including the addition of a broad outer arch (forming a proscenium) where it had once had only a narrow rim.
The 2004 shell incorporates the prominent front arch, flared at the base and forming a proscenium, of the 1926 shell, the broad profile of the 1928 shell, and the unadorned white finish (and most of the general lines) of the 1929 shell. In addition, the ring-shaped structure hung within the shell, supporting lights and acoustic clouds, echoes a somewhat similar structure hung within the 1927 shell. During the 2004 season, because the back wall was not yet finished, a white curtain was hung at the back; beginning with the 2005 season, the curtain was removed to reveal a finished back wall. In addition, the new shell is wired for video cameras, with two large screens on either side, and two more atop the rearmost lighting towers; during most concerts, three remotely-operated cameras in the shell, and a fourth, manually-operated camera among the box seats, provide the audience with close-up views of the musicians, usually alternating between a view of the conductor, and a view of whichever musician’s) have “the melody.”

Hollywood Boulevard is an avenue in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, beginning at Sunset Boulevard in the east and running northwest to Vermont Avenue, where it straightens out and runs due west to Laurel Canyon Boulevard. West of Laurel Canyon it continues as a small residential street in the hills, finally ending at Sunset Plaza Drive. The famous street was named Prospect Avenue from 1887 to 1910, when the town of Hollywood was annexed to the City of Los Angeles. After annexation, the street numbers changed from 100 Prospect Avenue, at Vermont Avenue, to 6400 Hollywood Boulevard. In 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, was created. The first star was placed in 1960 as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry. (The walk was later extended onto Vine Street.) The Hollywood extension of the Metro Red Line subway was opened in June 1999. Running from Downtown to the Valley, it has stops on Hollywood Boulevard at Western Avenue, at Vine Street and at Highland Avenue. In recent years efforts have been made at cleaning up Hollywood Blvd., as the street had gained a reputation for crime and seediness. Central to these efforts was the construction of the Hollywood and Highland shopping center and adjacent Kodak Theatre in 2001. The street remains one of the major tourist draws in Los Angeles.
A tour and listing of major Hollywood tourist attractions that can be found along Hollywood Boulevard, together with the lesser known Hollywood attractions from the past and present. A short description on each attraction is given together with links (where applicable) which lead to further detailed information on that subject. Also check out the Hollywood City Pass giving you entrance to 6 of L.A.’s major attractions including Universal Studios. Saving you over 30% on admission prices full details at www.citypass.net available also in many visitor centers.

Even Numbers are South side and Odd numbers are North side of Hollywood Boulevard.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Tel:-(323)-464-8111.
The most famous motion picture theatre in the world. See the hand & footprints of the Stars immortalized in cement. Have your own hands or footprints immortalized.
Go to Main Page:- Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Yamashiro Sky Room
Yamashiro Sky Room. 1999 N. Sycamore Ave. Tel:-(323)-466-5125.
Can be seen from in front of the Hotel Roosevelt high up on the hill behind Mann’s
Chinese. This Japanese restaurant is a replica of an Oriental Palace containing some 12 acres of landscaped gardens, waterfalls and pagoda’s. Has spectacular views of the city below and was used for the premiere party of “Lethal Weapon 4.”

Hollywood & Highland Hollywood & Highland. 6834 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-323-460-2626
Shopping & Entertainment Center that includes shops, restaurants, four movie theatres, nightclub & broadcasting studios. A 640 room hotel, ballroom and the 175,000 sq. feet “Kodak” theatre which is home to the Academy Awards. Situated next to Grauman’s Chinese and covers nearly two city blocks.
Hollywood Visitors Centre :- 6801 Hollywood Blvd suite 237 Hollywood, California 90028. Phone: 323.467.6412. Inside the Hollywood & Highland Complex on level two, next to the Kodak Theatre entrance. Open everyday from 10:00 AM
to 10:00 PM, except Sunday from 10:00 to 7:00 PM.

Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-466-7000
From the past to the present the Roosevelt is a well known Hollywood landmark that has been completely restored to its original splendor. Has a free Hollywood history exhibition including the original camera used to film “Gone with the Wind” and photos
of Hollywood past and present. The full length Mirror next to the elevator on the lower floor, is said to be haunted by Marilyn Monroe. The mirror used to hang in Marilyn’s suite and her image now appears in it.
Official website www.hollywoodroosevelt.com

Hollywood Entertainment Museum
Hollywood Entertainment Museum. 7021 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:- (323)-469-9151
This museum was created to preserve and celebrate the entertainment industry. Visitors are given a behind the scenes tour of all facets of the entertainment industry, including television, film, radio, sound recording and the new media. Popular exhibits include the bridge of Star Trek’s U.S.S. Enterprise; the bar from “Cheers”, complete with signatures of cast members carved into the bar; a Max Factor make-up display, historical camera equipment and and a gift shop.
Official website:- www.hollywoodmuseum.com

Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-469-8311. A tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries. The first star placed on February 9 1960, was for Joanne Woodward. One of Hollywood’s most popular tourist attractions, the Walk of Fame lies on both sides of Hollywood Blvd. from Gower to La Brea and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset. The Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo, at Lea Brea, should not be missed.

El Capitan
El Capitan Theatre. 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-467-7674
Marvelous old theatre purchased and restored by the Disney Corporation to its former splendor. Used by Disney for all their new film premieres in the United States. Now one of the highest grossing cinema’s in the U.S.A. You can now watch the latest Disney films in a sumptuously restored theatre from a bygone age
Official website www.elcapitantickets.com.
Hollywood Wax Museum. 6767 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:- (323)-462-8860
The museum displays over 220 unmistakably life-like replicas of renowned film and television personalities of past and present as well as famous sports, religious and political figures. As Tom Hanks suffered in Castaway… As Johnny Depp swaggered in Pirates of the Caribbean… As Toby McGuire swooned in Spider-Man… Step foot into the World-Famous Hollywood Wax Museum, home to mesmerizing displays where visitors travel through the scenes of movie blockbusters and classic TV shows. It’s a true walk of fame, where guests of all ages will look twice at the sculpted likenesses of their favorite super heroes, super creeps and super stars

“Hollywood attractions and tourist attractions available throughout Los Angeles”

Whilst most of the Hollywood attractions are to be found on or near Hollywood Boulevard there are never the less, many other attractions you may wish to visit whilst visiting Hollywood. Below we list attractions associated with Hollywood, which do not fit or may not be mentioned on any other pages, together with a short description on each.

Paramount Pictures Gate. 5555 Melrose Avenue Hollywood attractions
The only motion picture studio still located in Hollywood. Walking tours of the studio take you through the back lot, film sets, stage & prop departments. Also gives you an insight into movie making’s special effects. These gates are perhaps the most famous studio gates in the world and a must have photo for many visitors. Hollywood attractions

City Hall. 200 N. Spring St. Hollywood attractions
Built in 1926 City Hall was the tallest building in LA until 1957. Contains observation deck on the 27th.floor from which you can survey the City. Tours can be taken on weekday mornings (Must be booked in advance) (213)485-4423. Appeared in many films was destroyed in the 1950′s film “War of The Worlds” Hollywood attractions

Santa Monica Pier. Hollywood attractions
Built in 1908 this world famous pier as been completely restored over the years and is a vibrant fun spot for all the family. From its famous Ferris wheel, which overlooks a 1922 carousel, the one Paul Newman operated in “The Sting”, to buskers & street traders should not be missed. A favorite film location of movie makers, remember Judge Reinhold in “Ruthless People” well it was this pier that he drove off. Just one of many locations filmed here. Hollywood attractions

Venice Beach. Santa Monica
Magnet for the most outrageous of LA’s beautiful people acting out their fantasies as artists. The beach sidewalk consists of souvenir shops, tarot & fortune tellers, buskers, sand sculptors and virtually everyone doing their own thing can be seen. Keep fit is the religion here from body builders at Muscle Beach to skaters, bikers & joggers constantly traveling the beach bike path to Santa Monica & back. Skate & bike hire is everywhere so if you fancy a workout you’re in the right place. The place where anything goes and nobody takes the slightest bit of notice. I’ve personally seen a pot bellied pig on a leash being taken for a walk by its owner. Film location for Baywatch and many movies etc. Best visited at weekends.

Queen Mary. Long Beach.
Launched in 1936 as the worlds largest luxury cruise ship, The Queen Mary was purchased from Cunard in 1967. This vessel carried royalty, statesmen and celebrities on trans atlantic voyages in the lap of luxury. Although she has now been converted into a Hotel you can wander by yourself through the ship. Guided tours also available this allow access to cabins etc and many other off limit areas. Hollywood attractions

Mexican Market. Olvera St. Official website www.olvera-street.com
Numerous stalls and restaurants selling Mexican handicrafts and food. Many historic buildings in this area including LA’s first house (the Avila Adobe). Free live entertainment provided by various bands & groups at the weekends.

Pershing Square. Olive St. Official website www.laconservancy.org
Oldest public park in LA its history dates back to 1781. Pershing Square is at the heart of and surrounded by many downtown landmarks. Ideal starting point from which to view all of LA’s downtown attractions, historic buildings, modern plazas, good restaurants and colorful ethnic communities are all nearby. Organized walking tours run by the LA Conservation Society start from here on Saturdays taking in all the historic landmarks. This tour also takes in the beautiful interiors of some of LA’s most stunning buildings. Hollywood attractions
Call in at the LA Visitors Bureau on Figueroa St. at 7th.St & Wilshire Boulevard for maps & guides.

Union Station. 800 North Alameda St.
Spanish style building who’s massive waiting room contains arched corridors and a 50 ft. high ceiling. Built in 1939 by the railway companies Union Station is now the hob of LA’s Metro system. Whenever the film makers require an old style waiting room this is the one that is filmed. Hollywood attractions

Farmers Market. 6333 West 3rd. St. & Fairfax.
Famous market that boasts international cuisine, wide range of gifts from around the world, regular special events for the family and fresh produce & flowers.
Official website www.farmersmarketla.com

Griffith Park. Griffith Park.
The largest municipal park in the US covers over 3000 acres in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Horse riding, hiking trails, picnic areas are just part of the attraction of this park. The observatory houses an astronomy museum, daily laser shows and free evening use of a giant Zeiss telescope to view the stars. The Observatory has appeared in many films perhaps the most famous being “Rebel Without A Cause” starring James Dean The knife fight scene was filmed here and there is a bust – plaque of James Dean commemorating this at the outside steps. The park also contains; The LA Zoo,
Gene Autry Museum, 28 tennis courts, 4 golf courses, miniature railway and merry go rounds for small children plus plenty of convenient parking. Countless films have been filmed here for further details visit Film Locations.

The Formosa Cafe. 7156 Santa Monica Blvd.(323) 850-9050.
Famous Cafe to the Stars since its opening in 1934 right next door to the then Warner Hollywood Studio’s. The “Formosa” has served almost every star since, the proof can be found lining the walls over 250 signed photos of those same stars. Featured in many films over the years, you might find yourself seated in the same red leather booth used by Marilyn Monroe & Clark Gable whilst they were filming “The Misfits”. Hollywood attractions

Tail of the Pup. 329 N. San Vincente Blvd.
Designed by architect Milton J. Black in 1938 and built in 1945, the Tail of the Pup was declared a cultural landmark in 1987. This saved it from demolition by a hotel developer and it was relocated to its present address in 87. Sells hot dogs & hamburgers 7 days a week there are tables and a small patio area where your can sit down to eat. Beloved local landmark just north of the Beverly Center at the junction of Beverly Blvd & San Vincente Blvd. Used by many celebrities and in many Films this unusual landmark is well worth a visit.

China Town. 1100 N. Broadway.
For over sixty years Chinatown as been a top tourist attraction, its East gate with its bright neon lights is just one of its many attractions. The fifty foot high Golden Pagoda & The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well, where you can have a wish, are others. With its many shops and beautiful ornate buildings a stroll along Old Chinatown Plaza is not to be missed. As you walk through your recognize many settings used for Film Locations & TV series such as, Lethal Weapon 4, Melrose Place, Hart to Hart, Rockford Files etc. you may even see some filming.

Angels Flight. 3rd. & Hill St.
The world’s shortest railway ferries passengers up and down Bunker Hill. Now fully restored and returned to service this historic shuttle runs between Hill St and California Plaza.

Bonaventure Hotel. 404 S. Figueroa Street. (213) 624-1000. Modern day landmark visible from the Freeways. Built in 1976 it is 35 story’s high and consists of 5 cylindrical mirrored glass towers. Its futuristic appearance lends itself to look like something out of a Sci-Fic film, which in many ways it is. Has appeared in many Sci-Fic films including Blade Runner & Buck Rodgers etc.

Bradbury Building. 304 South Broadway. Built in 1893 this is LA’s oldest commercial building and one of its grandest. It has wrought iron balconies, marble staircases and open caged elevators.

Rose Bowl. 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena
103,000 capacity stadium that hosts the annual college football championships on New Year’s Day. Before that over one million people line Colorado Boulevard to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade. Stadium can be toured for $3.

Dodgers Stadium. 1000 Elysian Park Ave.(213) 224-1500
The LA Dodgers stadium home to LA’s premier Baseball Team. Munch a hot dog and savor the atmosphere of one of America’s favorite pastimes, watching baseball during the baseball season. Hollywood attractions