Hollywood Spotlight

We created a segment called “Spotlight” because we feel there’s a lot of interesting places to visit in this beautiful state. In the week’s spotlight, Lisa Spalla takes us inside the most glamorous city in the world.

It’s been called many things. Tinseltown, the home of the stars, America’s movie capital. But there’s nothing quite like it in the world. We’re turning the spotlight as we welcome you to Hollywood. 

Tinseltown’s most famous landmark is the Hollywood sign. Standing four stories high, each letter runs 30 feet at its base along Hollywood Hills. Built in 1923, the sign read “Hollywodland” and was lit up 4,000 light bulbs. It represents the universal symbol for success, glamour and opportunity. In 1939 with the ensuing Great Depression, maintenance stopped on the sign, lights destroyed, but ten years later the Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce restored the landmark to read “Hollywood.”  

The most famous theatre in the world sits in the center of town on Hollywood Boulevard – The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Since it’s opening Gala back in May of 1927. Millions of travelers travel year round to see its legendary forecourt which stores Hollywood’s hand and foot prints where the stars are immortalized in cement. 

Fans flock to the theatre to get a glimpse at the celebrities arriving on the red carpet for their big movie premieres. More than 4 million visitors from all over the world still visit Grauman’s very year. It was declared a historic-cultural landmark in 1968 and recently received a complete renovation with the opening of the Hollywood & Highland Mall in 2002.

Hollywood Boulevard’s world famous side walk features the stars on the walk of fame tributing the entertainment industries biggest celebrities. Since 1980, Hollywood’s honorary mayor, Johnny Grant has presented todays best from Gene Autry to Drew Barrymore…Ozzy Osbourne and his very good pal, the Legendary Bob Hope.