Palm Springs Walk of the Stars

Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars near the Cornelia White House
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars is located in California
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars
Location in California
EstablishedFebruary 26, 1992
LocationPalm Springs, California, U.S.
Coordinates33°49′23″N 116°32′49″W / 33.82306°N 116.54694°W / 33.82306; -116.54694
FounderGerhard Frenzel; Barbara Foster-Henderson
Websitewalkofthestars.com

The Palm Springs Walk of the Stars is a walk of fame in downtown Palm Springs, California. Embedded in the sidewalks, the Golden Palm Stars honor notable individuals who have lived in the greater Palm Springs region, across fields such as entertainment, literature, civic leadership, design, athletics, and humanitarianism. The walk spans sections of Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, and La Plaza Court.

It was established in 1992 by Gerhard G. Frenzel and Barbara Foster-Henderson,[1][2]: 5  with the inaugural ceremony held on February 26, 1992 and included Walk of Fame chairman Johnny Grant.[3]: 13  The first five inductees were Earle C. Strebe, William Powell, Ruby Keeler, Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy.[3]: 13  Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the program has since honored presidents of the United States, showbusiness personalities, literary figures (authors, playwrights, screenwriters), pioneers and civic leaders (early settlers, tribal leaders, civic personalities), humanitarians and Medal of Honor recipients.[2][4][5] As of 2025 nearly 480 stars have been dedicated.[6]

History

Plans for a Palm Springs walk of fame began in the early 1990s, led by Frenzel and Foster-Henderson in collaboration with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palm Springs. The first five Golden Palm Stars were unveiled during the February 26, 1992 ceremony. Early inductees included local figures like theater proprietor Earle C. Strebe and individuals prominent during the Hollywood Golden Age. By 1999, 139 stars had been installed,[2]: 185  and by 2006 the total reached around 300.[3]: 138 

During the 1990s and 2000s, honorees included entertainment professionals and local leaders such as Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Dinah Shore, and Sonny Bono.[3]: 13 [5]: 138  The Walk also recognized historical figures, like the chimpanzee “Cheeta” of Tarzan fame received a star in 1995, and President Gerald Ford in 1997.[5]: 138 

In May 2017, installations were temporarily suspended while the Chamber and the City reviewed selection criteria amid concerns about the selection criteria.[7] Later that year they resumed with stronger guidelines.[8]

Nomination and induction process

The program is managed by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Palm Springs. Anyone may submit a nomination, subject to the nominee’s consent, for consideration by the Walk of Stars committee, which meets during the “season” (October–May). Typically 6–12 stars are approved and dedicated each season.[9]

Nominees must have significant affiliation with the area and notable achievements in designated categories: Entertainment; Literary; Civic/Pioneer; Humanitarian; Architect/Artist/Designer; Athlete; and Military. Approved nominees (or their sponsors) must pay a sponsorship fee of US$15,000 as of 2023,[10] covering the plaque, installation, ceremony, publicity, and an official city proclamation. Ceremonies are free public events held during the season, with honorees receiving a star replica and civic recognition.[11] A mobile app and online map help visitors locate stars and learn about inductees.[12]

Honorees

Medal of Honor recipients

Five Medal of Honor recipients from the Coachella Valley were honored during the 1999 Veterans Day holiday.[13]

Former presidents

These former presidents of the United States lived in the Palm Springs area after their retirement.

Showbusiness

Palm Springs has been famous as a winter resort and second-home community for personalities in showbusiness. These honorees include actors, cinematographers, directors, producers, performers, and writers of film, radio, stage and television.

Pioneers, civic leaders and other contributors

Early pioneers and other contributors to the community are also honored.

Cultural

These honorees include architects, authors, playwrights, screenwriters, singers, composers and musicians.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ With spouse Lezlie Anders
  2. ^ With life partner David Peet
  3. ^ Yolande Donlan and Val Guest were spouses
  4. ^ Mitchell is the author of one of the references. His listing in the reference was written by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell.
  5. ^ Monroe's Star was rededicated on June 1, 2012.
  6. ^ Talk show host for The Doctors
  7. ^ Spouse of Charles "Buddy" Rogers
  8. ^ Spouse of Mary Pickford
  9. ^ Was once married to Louis Prima
  10. ^ Jerry Thorpe is the son of Richard Thorpe. They share the Star.
  11. ^ In 2004 controversy arose between Gerhard Frenzel, the founder of the Walk of Stars, and the City of Palm Springs over the placement of Venturi's Star. See: "Palm Springs Walk of Stars Under Dispute." AP Online. Press Association, Inc. 2004.
  12. ^ Along with entrepreneur Barbara Foster-Henderson, Frenzel was a founder of the Walk of Stars. He is the author of one of the references. His star was sponsored by Mayor Ron Oden and the Palm Springs City Council.
  13. ^ Earl was an executive with The Hoover Company and Miriam was a major contributor to the Center on Halsted in Chicago.
  14. ^ and adopted son of Harpo Marx and Susan Fleming
  15. ^ Spouses Jorja Curtright (deceased) and Alexandra Sheldon each have stars.

References

  1. ^ Stars, Palm Springs Walk of the. "Palm Springs Walk of the Stars". Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Frenzel, Gerhard G. (1999). Portrait of the Stars. Palm Springs: Palm Springs Walk of Stars. p. 185. LCCN 98093956. OCLC 41260876. Frenzel was one of the founders of the Walk of Stars and his book gives a listing of 139 Golden Palm Stars dedicated through 1998. Only a portion of those names are used in this reference.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Mitchell, Marilyn (2011). Walking With The Stars. BearManor Media. p. 220. ISBN 978-1593936617. Mitchell's book gives a listing of 48 various Golden Palm Stars dedicated between 1994 and 2010. Only a portion of those names are used in this reference.
  4. ^ "Palm Springs Walk of Stars". Palm Springs. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mitchell, Gordon "Whitey" (2006). Star Walk: A Guide to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Palm Springs: Hall/Sloane. p. 138. ISBN 978-0963868343. OCLC 810234068. Gordon Mitchell's book gives a listing of 300 Golden Palm Stars dedicated through 2006. Only a portion of those names are used in this reference.
  6. ^ "Ron Oliver on Palm Springs Walk of the Stars". K-Gay Desert Guide Palm Springs. May 6, 2025. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  7. ^ Descant, Skip (May 22, 2017). "Why there will be no more additions to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, for now". The Desert Sun. Palm Springs: USA Today Network. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  8. ^ Stars, Palm Springs Walk of the. "Palm Springs Walk of the Stars". Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  9. ^ "Categories & Criteria". Walk of the Stars Palm Springs. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  10. ^ "Categories & Criteria". Walk of the Stars Palm Springs. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  11. ^ "FAQs". Walk of the Stars Palm Springs. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  12. ^ "‎Palm Springs Walk of Stars". App Store. September 25, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  13. ^ Armstrong, Mark (November 11, 1999). "Veterans shine once again". The Desert Sun. Palm Springs. p. B.1. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.(subscription required)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as Johns, Howard (2004). Palm Springs Confidential: Playground of the Stars!. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books. pp. 299. ISBN 978-1569802694. LCCN 2004041116. OCLC 54392060.LCC PN2285 .J56 2004
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq Meeks, Eric G. (2014) [2012]. The Best Guide Ever to Palm Springs Celebrity Homes. Horatio Limburger Oglethorpe. ISBN 978-1479328598.
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  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Colacello, Bob; Jonathan Becker (photographs) (June 1999). "Palm Springs Weekends" (PDF). Vanity Fair: 192–211. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 11, 2013.
  18. ^ "Frederick, John". Des Moines Register. January 2, 2007. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2012. Versatile John Frederick played countless roles in a long and varied acting career. He was born Frederick Stiffler on July 4, 1916, on a farm at Norwalk, the son of Maud and Fred Stiffler.
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  22. ^ Linn, Roberta; Meeks, Eric (2005). Not Now, Lord, I've Got Too Much to Do. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc. p. 152. ISBN 978-0595354344. OCLC 630175294.; Linn, Roberta; Meeks, Eric (2005). Champagne Lady. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc. ISBN 978-0595457588.
  23. ^ Lui, Richard (November 5, 2016). "Ross Mathews gets a Star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars". The Desert Sun. USA Today Network. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  24. ^ a b c Wallace, David (2008). A City Comes Out. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade. p. 192. ISBN 978-1569803493. LCCN 2008022210. OCLC 209646547. Archived from the original on April 4, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  25. ^ "Dr. Andrew Ordon, Co-Host of the Emmy-Award Winning Series 'The Doctors', Honored on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars." Pediatrics Week. NewsRX. 2011
  26. ^ Brass, Kevin (August 20, 2008). "Elvis Presley's Palm Springs home, 'Graceland West,' is for sale". New York Times: Great Homes and Destinations. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
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  28. ^ Fessier, Bruce (March 15, 2012). "Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner share Palm Springs star as professional, personal couple". The Desert Sun. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  29. ^ "Fansource: Wagner Star". Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  30. ^ "Singer Dionne Warwick receives a star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars". November 30, 2021.
  31. ^ Actress, Philanthropist Jane Wyman Dies. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  32. ^ Adler, Dennis (September 20, 2010). "John Bianchi: An American Legend". American Rifleman. Retrieved April 10, 2012. John Bianchi was a soldier, a police officer, a competitive shooter and, of course, the world's foremost holster maker.
  33. ^ City News Service (February 7, 2013). "Philanthropist Annette Bloch to receive star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars: Bloch established Cancer Care Center at the Desert AIDS Project". CBS 2 Local. Palm Springs: Gulf-California Broadcast Company. Archived from the original on June 20, 2013. (spouse of Richard Bloch, co-founder of H&R Block.)
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  41. ^ "Ray Patencio, 60; led his tribe's fight for its sovereignty". Los Angeles Times. February 11, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2012. First elected to the tribal council at age 21, Patencio became an advocate for sovereignty. He fought for the tribe's right to freely build on its land, paving the way for commercial and residential real estate development – including lucrative casinos.
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Further reading

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