You Can Visit It, But You Can’t Walk on This Hollywood Star

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Walking along Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll notice thousands of pink stars set into the grey sidewalks. These stars recognize famous actors, musicians, and other entertainers. People from around the globe visit Los Angeles to see – and even walk on – the names of their favorite stars. But there’s one major exception: for one particular star, visitors have to look up instead of down.

Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer and cultural figure, is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that’s different from all the others. Instead of being on the ground like the over 2,700 other stars, his is placed vertically on the wall of the Dolby Theatre at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. This special placement has made it a popular spot for fans and tourists, setting it apart from the rest of the landmark.

This change in tradition comes from Muhammad Ali’s strong religious beliefs and a request he made to the committee honoring him. When they decided to recognize him in 2002, Ali asked that people not walk on anything with his first name, “Muhammad,” written on it. He was born Cassius Clay Jr., but converted to Islam in the 1960s and changed his name to honor the Prophet Muhammad.

According to Ana Martinez, the producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, the decision was made because the boxer, a devout Muslim, didn’t want people walking on the name of the Prophet Muhammad, as that would be deeply disrespectful. As a result, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce agreed to a unique compromise that hasn’t been repeated.

At the 2002 ceremony, instead of being placed on the ground, the star was displayed on an easel. It was later mounted on the wall at the entrance to the theatre, well-known as the home of the Academy Awards. Martinez explained that this choice allowed them to both celebrate his work in entertainment and respect his religious beliefs.

Some people might question why a sports figure like Muhammad Ali received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is typically for actors, musicians, and radio personalities. However, the committee explained that Ali was much more than just a boxer—he was a captivating performer who entertained people around the world. As committee member Martinez pointed out, Ali was a true showman and even released spoken word albums that were nominated for Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as an all-around entertainer.

Today at the Dolby Theatre entrance, Ali’s star on the wall was decorated with flowers. He requested this to prevent people from walking on it.

— Carly Mallenbaum (@ThatGirlCarly) June 4, 2016

Since Muhammad Ali’s death on June 3, 2016, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has become a place for fans to pay their respects. When he passed away, people quickly gathered at the Dolby Theatre, leaving flowers, cards, and boxing gloves at his star. Even Martinez, who maintains the Walk of Fame, left a wreath with a card saying, “Float like a butterfly. Rest in peace, Mr. Ali.”

Ten years after his death, the iconic figure known as the “Greatest of All Time” still has a huge impact on pop culture and entertainment. As the 10th anniversary of his passing approaches in June 2026, people around the world will be remembering his life and work. His team is actively working to ensure his story continues to reach new audiences through films, music, and other projects.

In late 2024, Ali was a key part of the popular Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. The show, featuring Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson, told the story of a famous armed robbery that happened in Atlanta on the night of Ali’s important 1970 boxing match against Jerry Quarry. Actor Dexter Darden played Ali in the series and received positive reviews for convincingly portraying the boxer’s personality and athletic ability during a crucial time in his career.

Amazon Prime Video is working on a new series called The Greatest, which finished filming in 2025. The show, starring Jaalen Best as Cassius Clay, is the first to tell the full story of his life with the family’s permission. Produced by Michael B. Jordan and Lonnie Ali (Ali’s widow), the series will go beyond his boxing career to show his life as a husband, father, and someone who fought for social change.

The upcoming series will tell the story of his life, starting with the 1960 Rome Olympics and continuing through the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974. According to the show’s creator, Ben Watkins, this series will go beyond just his boxing matches, exploring his personal spiritual journey and the impact of the civil rights movement. Expected to be a major television event in 2026, it’s slated for release later this year.

Muhammad Ali’s impact extends far beyond boxing and television, continuing to be felt in both sports and the fight for social justice. His gravesite in Louisville, Kentucky, is still a popular destination for thousands of visitors each year, similar to the enduring appeal of his Hollywood star. He fiercely protected his reputation and principles, and that unwavering self-respect remains a potent symbol of the life he led.

Let us know in the comments if you believe other celebrities deserve the option of having a vertical star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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2026-01-19 17:45