Why Whitney Houston Doesn't Have a Star on the Walk of Fame, and How She Might Get One After Her Death

Photo by Freddy Eliasson via Shutterstock

When a celebrity dies, tradition dictates that fans flock to their star on the famous Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard to leave cards, notes, flowers, photos, candles and other offerings in tribute. But when Whitney Houston died Saturday, there was no slab of sidewalk devoted to the legendary singer: She doesn't have a star on the Walk of Fame! Now, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce says they might be able to get her on the Boulevard posthumously.

If Whitney Houston's family wants her to have a Walk of Fame star, they'll give her one

It's not that Houston wasn't awarded a star on the prestigious landmark street: The chamber says Houston was selected to receive one back in 1995. While the selection process is just one hurdle (the COC considers hundreds of annual submissions and the final 25 recipients are ratified by the Board of Directors) once the star is tapped for the honor, it's actually up to them to do the rest, like schedule the ceremony (and pitch in the cash for the star itself and its ongoing upkeep).

Houston's camp never put in a request for an unveiling date, and, as City News Service explains, under COC rules, her selection expired after five years went by without having a ceremony set.

Now, if her family and her reps so desire, the Walk of Fame Committee say they're open to her getting her star after all.

Said Ana Martinez, a Hollywood Walk of Fame rep and producer: "At this time we believe that the family should be left to grieve for their dearly departed. At such time as they are ready, we would be open to discussions about setting a date to immortalize the legendary Whitney Houston with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.''

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By Lindsay William-Ross in Arts & Entertainment on February 13, 2012 3:30 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

hawkla11

You guys are didn't understand the post. Once the organization awards a walk of fame star it's up to the "star" to pay for the installation and pick a day for the unveiling party. Houston never bothered to organize that so she didn't get her star. Makes sense that a crackhead had other priorities (like maybe buying more crack) than managing her career. So in the ned, no walk of fame star for Whitney is not anyone's fault buy Whitney's.

William Campbell

Definitely puts a tarnish on any shiny prestige connected with the award when it's left up to the recipient to not only book the ceremony, but subsidize the star itself as well as its upkeep.

Doran

I always heard that the recipient had to be alive to receive a star on the Walk of Fame. Is that not the case? Who else has received a star posthumously? I'm asking about stars awarded to individuals, not to groups where a member has died. Has that happened before or would this be the first time?