List of Grauman's Chinese Theatre handprint ceremonies facts for kids

The famous entrance of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, is a super famous movie theater. It's known for a special tradition: movie stars and other celebrities get to press their hands and feet into wet cement! These unique imprints are then displayed in the theater's front courtyard for everyone to see. It's like a permanent hall of fame for Hollywood legends.

Sometimes, celebrities even get creative with what they imprint!

• The ice skater Sonja Henie pressed her ice skates into the cement.
• Actor John Barrymore used the side of his face, showing off his famous "Great Profile."
• Roy Rogers not only left his handprints but also his trusty horse Trigger's hoofprints and his own revolver!
• Comedian Mel Brooks added a funny touch by wearing a fake sixth finger.
• Dancer Eleanor Powell left the marks of her tap shoes.
• Both Jimmy Durante and Jackie Chan imprinted their noses!
• Betty Grable famously imprinted her leg.
• The stars of the Harry Potter movies, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe, each pressed their character's magic wands into the cement.
• Harold Lloyd left his eyeglasses.
• Whoopi Goldberg imprinted her dreadlocks.
• Marilyn Monroe left an imprint of her earring.
• Musician Yoshiki imprinted his drumsticks.

Stars of the 1920s

Mary Pickford's hand and footprints from April 1927.

The tradition of imprinting began in 1927, right when the theater first opened. Many of the biggest silent film stars and early talkie actors left their mark during this exciting decade.

Stars of the 1930s

Myrna Loy's message to Sid Grauman in 1936.

The funny Marx Brothers left their prints in February 1933.

Clark Gable's hand and footprints from January 1937.

The 1930s brought even more famous faces to the theater's courtyard. This era saw the rise of many classic Hollywood stars.

Stars of the 1940s

Carmen Miranda at her ceremony in March 1941.

Red Skelton and Sid Grauman at Skelton's ceremony in June 1942.

The square with Cecil B. DeMille's impressions from August 1941.

During the 1940s, many stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood added their prints. Even the theater's owner, Sid Grauman, left his own mark.

Stars of the 1950s

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell leaving their prints in June 1953.

The 1950s brought new movie stars and iconic duos to the famous courtyard.

Stars of the 1960s

The 1960s were a time of change in Hollywood, and many beloved actors from this era joined the handprint tradition.

Stars of the 1970s

The 1970s saw a mix of classic stars and new heroes, including some very special fictional characters!

Stars of the 1980s

The 1980s brought action heroes, famous directors, and even beloved cartoon characters to the Chinese Theatre.

Stars of the 1990s

The 1990s were a busy time for handprint ceremonies, with many blockbuster movie stars and the cast of a legendary TV show.

Stars of the 2000s

The new millennium brought a fresh wave of stars, including the cast of a very popular wizarding world!

Stars of the 2010s

This decade continued the tradition with many modern movie stars, musicians, and even sports legends.

Stars of the 2020s

The handprint tradition continues into the 2020s, honoring new legends and celebrating important figures in entertainment.

Special Ceremonies Without Forecourt Prints

Sometimes, a ceremony is held to honor a celebrity, animal, or fictional character, but their imprints aren't actually placed in the theater's forecourt. These events are still a way to celebrate their impact!