Not every Hollywood star can get a Hollywood Star. The Walk of Fame is an iconic landmark of celebrity accomplishment, but having your terrazzo monument installed isn't a straightforward route from red carpet to a carved part of history. There are several rules that govern how these stars find their way to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – even if they've already passed away. Read on to find out which surprising requirements celebrities must meet before they're allowed a star of their own...
© FilmMagic via Getty ImagesCelebrities have to prove their dedication to the entertainment industry
Minimum service
How do you put a number on star status? Well, according to the people running the Walk of Fame, it's five years minimum. Each nominee has to have continuous acting experience and be able to prove their excellence in one of six fields.
The categories are: film, television, recording, radio, live performance or sports entertainment. Plenty of choice within the industry, but make sure you're happy spending at least five years in your star career of choice.
© Getty Images for NARASIt's not just about talent but good deeds off screen
Giving back
It's not just a celeb's career achievements that get counted when they're nominated for consideration: it's a more rounded look at who they are and what good they've done in the world since finding fame.
If A-listers want a place on the Walk of Fame, they must be involved in charity efforts or philanthropy, giving back to their communities. It's not just about red carpets and diamonds, but a glowing CV of selflessness!
© AFP via Getty ImagesThere's a mandatory payment to ensure the star is made and the ceremony goes off without a hitch
Nothing's free
Coughing up money for an award might seem like a strange requirement, but there's some serious craft that goes into producing and maintaining the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
When a celebrity is selected, they're required to pay a fee of $75,000 to cover the star's creation and installation, as well as event security and maintenance going forward. Though the celeb themselves is unlikely to cover the cost, with a studio or record label often stepping in with the cheque.
© Getty ImagesBruce Springsteen's behaviour prompted the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to add a new rule
The Springsteen clause
This one might seem obvious: making an appearance on the big day. The so-called 'Springsteen clause' came about after musician Bruce Springsteen was nominated for a Hollywood Star by one of his fans in 1989 but never agreed to receive the honor and skipped the public ceremonial unveiling.
Now, celebrities have to provide consent, in writing, to receive the award and promise to attend the event in person.
© Getty ImagesLocation is rarely up for debate when it comes to a Hollywood Star
You get where you're given
While the matter of getting a Hollywood star is up to celebs discretion, where exactly their honour ends up on Hollywood Boulevard or Vine Street is rarely up for debate.
Sometimes, location is determined by a star connection – with Farrah Fawcett's iconic bouffant winning her a place by a hair salon and 007 actor Roger Moore's honour sitting at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard – but otherwise, it's usually up to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
© AFP via Getty ImagesDeceased celebrities aren't eligible for a star for a set number of years
Grieving period
The rules don't change just because a celebrity has died. If a star passes away, there is a mandatory two-year wait before the nominee is officially eligible for the award.
These honours can also become public gravestones, with fans leaving flowers and candles on top of the Stars, as well as memorabilia playing homage to the celeb's success.
