Share

Ali a unique star - even on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Los Angeles - Muhammad Ali is often hailed as "The Greatest" - a boxing champion, a civil rights icon.

On Hollywood's Walk of Fame, he is also one of a kind. His star is the only one of more than 2 500 honoring celebrities that is not on the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

It's at eye level (see image below), on a wall next to the Walk of Fame, just in front of the Dolby Theatre - home to the Oscars.

As usually happens when an actor or singer honored with a star dies, mourners have flocked to Ali's star to snap pictures and leave flowers since the heavyweight champion died Friday in Arizona at age 74.

In 2002, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce placed Ali's star at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honoring him in the "live performances" category for his fabulous success in the boxing ring.

But mounting the star on the wall was a break with tradition. Ali did not want people to walk upon his name.

"I bear the name of our beloved prophet Muhammad, and it is impossible that I allow people to trample over his name," said Ali, who converted to Islam in the 1960s.

Johnny Grant, chairman of the Walk of Fame committee, said at the time: "Muhammad Ali is one of the most famous showmen in the world."

muhammad ali, getty images, boxing
Picture: Getty Images

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1815 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1082 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE