The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles. It features over 2,600 stars bearing the names of accomplished individuals in the entertainment industry. Getting a star on the Walk of Fame is considered a huge honor and milestone in a celebrity’s career. However, not everyone who has been offered a star has accepted it. Here’s a look at some of the celebrities who have turned down a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and their reasons why.
Who Has Refused a Star?
Some of the more surprising celebrities who have refused a star include:
- Clint Eastwood
- Bruce Springsteen
- George Clooney
- Julia Roberts
- Brad Pitt
- Jennifer Aniston
- Woody Allen
- Al Pacino
Other famous names like Dudley Moore, George C. Scott, Jon Bon Jovi, and Eddie Murphy have also declined the offer of a star at some point in their careers.
Why Did They Refuse?
There are a variety of reasons that these celebrities have given for not wanting a star:
- Don’t want to call attention to themselves – Some celebs like Woody Allen and Al Pacino have said they declined because they prefer not to draw attention to themselves.
- Too expensive – The star recipient has to pay $50,000 for the star’s creation and maintenance. Bruce Springsteen politely turned it down because he did not want to spend that much money on a piece of sidewalk.
- Too political – George C. Scott reportedly turned down the offer because he did not like the competitive politics surrounding who does and does not get a star.
- Don’t feel they’ve earned it – Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt said they felt undeserving of the star so early in their careers.
- Don’t want to show up – Some celebs don’t want the obligation of showing up for the public dedication ceremony.
- Superstitious – Dudley Moore reportedly declined because he was superstitious about marking his success before the end of his career.
So in many cases, the celebs mean no disrespect, they just don’t feel comfortable accepting the honor for personal reasons.
Can Someone Refuse a Star Forever?
Yes, it is possible for a celebrity to refuse a star indefinitely. Generally, once the Walk of Fame Committee extends an invitation for a star, there is no expiration on that offer. As long as the celebrity pays the fee, they can accept a star any time they choose to.
For example, Julia Roberts was offered a star in 1995 but declined because she felt it was too early in her career. Flash forward to 2022, Roberts has now accepted the honor and will be getting her star this year at the age of 54.
So a celebrity can refuse a star honor when first offered, and then change their mind many years or decades later if they want to. It’s ultimately up to the individual.
Who Has the Most Rejections?
According to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Walk of Fame, there are a few celebrities who top the list of multiple rejections:
| Celebrity | Number of Rejections |
|---|---|
| Clint Eastwood | 3 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 2 |
| George Harrison | 2 |
As you can see, Clint Eastwood has declined the honor a whopping 3 times! But there is no rush or obligation to accept a star, so celebrities have the freedom to accept whenever the timing feels right for them.
Does Refusing a Star Impact Their Legacy?
Overall, refusing a star does not appear to negatively impact a celebrity’s legacy or public image in any way. If anything, it may enhance their reputation by showing they do not crave fame or recognition. Some see refusing a star as a sign of humility and focus on the work rather than the accolades.
There are plenty of hugely successful Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy winners who do not have a Hollywood Star. Not having one does not diminish their accomplishments in the industry. Their extensive body of work and art speaks for itself.
In fact, sometimes the mystique and allure of an artist is only elevated when they defy norms and expectations. So refusing a Hollywood Walk of Fame star can actually add to a celebrity’s unique and quirky charisma in the eyes of their fans.
Who Has the Most Stars?
While numerous icons have said no over the years, many have accepted the honor. Here are the top 5 celebrities with the most stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
| Celebrity | Number of Stars |
|---|---|
| Gene Autry | 5 |
| Mickey Rooney | 4 |
| Bob Hope | 4 |
| Roy Disney | 4 |
| Tony Martin | 3 |
As you can see, Gene Autry holds the record with 5 stars to his name. The Western singer and actor’s various stars recognize his contributions to radio, recording, motion pictures, television, and live theatre.
Who Has Never Received a Star?
While the Hollywood Walk of Fame features icons from decades past and present day, there are some surprisingly huge names who have never received a star, including:
- Audrey Hepburn
- Robert Redford
- Doris Day
- Cary Grant
- Bette Davis
- Claire Trevor
- Laurence Olivier
- Judy Garland
The process for selection is not entirely clear, but it seems these legends somehow slipped through the cracks over multiple decades. Many believe they are overdue to finally get their star status.
Controversies Over Stars
While the Hollywood Walk of Fame is mostly lighthearted fun, there have also been controversies surrounding some selected stars:
- Adolf Hitler – In the early days, Hitler was nominated for a star, but thankfully never installed.
- Bill Cosby – His star attracted protests in light of assault accusations.
- Kevin Spacey – His star was removed after sexual misconduct allegations.
- Donald Trump – His star has been destroyed and vandalized multiple times in political protests.
So while the path to getting a star is selective, the process is not without oversights and hindsight regrets.
Conclusion
Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame remains a coveted career milestone for many entertainers. However, the decision to accept or reject is a personal one. There are dozens of examples of icons like Woody Allen, Al Pacino, and Bruce Springsteen shunning the spotlight by politely refusing the honor. Their legacies remain intact, with or without the sidewalk fame. Meanwhile, legends from Mickey Rooney to Gene Autry have embraced the recognition with arms wide open (and stars aplenty). For these celebrities, their multiple stars are a testament to their enduring mark on Hollywood history.