The famed Hollywood Walk of Fame, once a symbol of Tinseltown glamour, is experiencing a significant decline in its perceived appeal, according to historians and longtime observers. Issues ranging from physical neglect and cracked stars to an increase in aggressive street vendors and safety concerns have contributed to the iconic landmark losing its luster.
What began with a groundbreaking ceremony in 1960, the Walk of Fame now spans 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. However, many of its 2,852 brass and terrazzo stars are described as dirty, cracked, and covered in grime. The area, characterized by discount souvenir shops, panhandlers, and vendors, often suffers from trash and unpleasant odors, creating an environment that feels neglected rather than glamorous.
"It’s really tough today because of what Hollywood has become… there’s very aggressive people on the street," pop culture historian Chris Epting told Fox News Digital. "Unfortunately, Hollywood’s been allowed to fall into a really sad state. It’s outright dangerous in many parts." Epting noted that as the surrounding area of Hollywood began to deteriorate, the Walk of Fame suffered concurrently.
Despite the physical state of the stars, new honorees continue to be selected annually by the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, with approximately 33 individuals chosen from hundreds of submissions each year across categories like Motion Pictures, Television, Live Theatre/Live Performance, Radio, Recording, and Sports Entertainment. Recent selections for the Class of 2027 included actors Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning, and Kate Hudson, as well as Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, and actors David Alan Grier, Lisa Kudrow, Pedro Pascal, and Adam Scott. In the Recording category, honorees included Waylon Jennings (posthumously), The Ramones, and Smashing Pumpkins.
"These 32 extraordinary individuals have each made a lasting impact on audiences around the world through their talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft," said Walk of Fame Selection Chairman Peter Roth in a statement. "We are honored to recognize their remarkable contributions and look forward to celebrating them as they take their place in Hollywood history."
While the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce estimates the Walk of Fame attracts between 5 to 6 million visitors annually, some critics suggest the Chamber's focus has shifted from preservation to revenue. Hollywood historian Scott Michaels, who runs Dearly Departed Tours, pointed out that the cost to receive a star has increased significantly, from $2,000 at one time to $85,000 currently. This shift, Michaels argues, has impacted the exclusivity and perceived honor of receiving a star.
Physical damage to the Walk of Fame's infrastructure has also been noted. In August 2025, a van damaged the "Four Ladies of Hollywood" statue, which features pioneering actress Anna May Wong. The likeness of Wong has yet to be fully restored a year later. Additionally, a small bronze statue of Marilyn Monroe at the top of the same gazebo was stolen and, though recovered, has not been reinstalled.
Concerns about the general safety and cleanliness of the boulevard have also been raised. Incidents such as a homeless man dumping feces on a woman and actress Miley Cyrus reporting a severe infection after filming on the Walk of Fame have contributed to negative headlines. Michaels recounted a past petition to relocate Marilyn Monroe's star due to its frequent covering in trash, only to be met with a response questioning who would pay for the relocation.
Chuck Suhayda, a former board member of the Hollywood Neighborhood Council, recalled a time when significant resources were allocated to maintaining the Walk of Fame, involving the Chamber’s Economic Workforce Development department, the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District, and the Community Redevelopment Agency. He also noted the historical presence of security patrols and extensive camera surveillance along Hollywood Boulevard.
Despite these challenges, some, like Epting, retain a fond connection to the area, recalling personal encounters and the enduring symbolic value of the Walk of Fame, comparing it to the Hollywood sign as a deeply ingrained piece of history.