Billie Jean King’s Star Unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Tennis icon Billie Jean King marked a significant milestone on Monday by becoming the first female athlete to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The unveiling ceremony featured notable figures, including Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who both paid tribute to King’s remarkable achievements.

A Landmark Moment in Sports Recognition

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has historically focused on personalities from film, television, music, and radio. However, as of 2021, it expanded to include a Sports Entertainment category, leading to King’s honor as the inaugural female recipient in this new category. Addressing the crowd, King emphasized her hope that she would not be the last woman celebrated in this way.

“The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” King stated in her speech, as reported by the official Olympics website.

Personal Reflections

King, who hails from Long Beach—a short distance from Hollywood—shared poignant memories, reflecting on the significance of the honor for her family. She expressed how much her mother would have cherished this accolade, given their family’s love for music and cinema.

“My family loved music and movies,” King recalled. “My mother would have loved this.”

Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy

Magic Johnson also addressed the assembly, commending King for leveraging her platform for positive change at both local and global levels. His heartfelt remarks underscored King’s ongoing commitment to social justice and equality.

“You always fight for what’s right,” Johnson noted. “You lend your platform and your voice and your time and your money to bring about change.”

Details and Legacy

Billie Jean King’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the 2,807th to be awarded and can be found at the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, serving as a testament to her legacy in sports and beyond.