Palm Springs Walk of Stars facts for kids
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a special sidewalk in downtown Palm Springs, California. It's like a hall of fame right on the ground! You'll find "Golden Palm Stars" embedded in the pavement. Each star honors different people who have lived in or contributed to the Palm Springs area. These honored people include famous actors, musicians, writers, presidents, and important community leaders.
The Walk of Stars was started in 1992 by Gerhard Frenzel and Barbara Foster-Henderson. The very first stars were dedicated on February 26, 1992. Some of the first people to get stars were actors like William Powell, Ruby Keeler, and Charles Farrell. It's a way to remember and celebrate the many amazing people connected to Palm Springs.
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Who Gets a Star?
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars honors people from many different backgrounds. They are chosen because they have made a big impact.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Some stars honor brave individuals who received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award given for courage. Five heroes from the Coachella Valley were honored in 1999.
- Robert Eugene Bush, US Navy
- James Lewis Day, US Marine Corps
- William McGonagle, US Navy
- Lewis Millett, US Army
- Mitchell Paige, US Marine Corps
Presidents with Stars
Did you know that some former Presidents of the United States have stars? These presidents lived in the Palm Springs area after their time in office.
Stars from Show Business
Palm Springs has always been a popular place for people in show business. Many actors, singers, directors, and producers have lived here. Their stars celebrate their contributions to movies, TV, radio, and music.
Here are just a few of the many famous names from show business honored:
- Lauren Bacall
- Carroll Baker
- Kaye Ballard
- Ralph Bellamy
- Ernest Borgnine
- Lynda Carter
- Carol Channing
- Chevy Chase
- Marlene Dietrich
- Phyllis Diller
- Peter Fonda
- Kathy Griffin
- Merv Griffin
- George Hamilton
- Bob Hope
- Dolores Hope
- Lena Horne
- Rock Hudson
- Tab Hunter
- James Earl Jones
- Ruby Keeler
- Liberace
- Hal Linden
- George Lopez
- Sophia Loren
- Marilyn Monroe
- Wayne Newton
- Leslie Nielsen
- Donald O'Connor
- Mary Pickford
- William Powell
- Elvis Presley
- Debbie Reynolds
- Ginger Rogers
- Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
- Mickey Rooney
- Dinah Shore
- Barbara Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Nancy Sinatra
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Lily Tomlin
- Dick Van Patten
- Dionne Warwick
- Adam West
- Natalie Wood
Community Leaders and Pioneers
The Walk of Stars also honors people who helped build and improve the Palm Springs community. These include early settlers, important civic leaders, and people who made a difference in other ways.
Some examples include:
- Sonny Bono – a famous comedian, singer, and also a former mayor and congressman for the area.
- Timothy Ray Bradley, Jr. – a world champion boxer.
- Pierre Cardin – a famous fashion designer.
- Helene Galen – a generous person who supported many good causes.
- Hugh M. Kaptur – an architect known for his unique building designs.
- Richard Milanovich – a leader of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
- Arnold Palmer – a legendary golfer.
- George S. Patton – a famous general from World War II.
Literary and Creative Minds
This group includes authors, playwrights, screenwriters, composers, and musicians. They have all contributed to the arts and culture.
A few notable names are:
- Truman Capote – a well-known author.
- Carol Connors – a singer who helped write the famous theme song for the movie Rocky.
- David Lee – a writer and producer for popular TV shows like Cheers and Frasier.
- Albert Frey – a famous architect.
- Frederick Loewe – a musical composer.
- Sidney Sheldon – a best-selling author.
- Frank Sinatra, Jr. – a singer and conductor.
- Dionne Warwick – a celebrated musician.
- Donald Wexler – another important architect.
