May 04--Dave cuts right to the chase with his question: "Who decides and who pays for it when someone gets a Hollywood Walk of Fame star?"
I've wondered that myself. There are plenty of famous names on the walk but more than a few that make you scratch your head about the selection process.
Donald Trump has a star.
So does Vanna White of "Wheel of Fortune" fame.
So does Godzilla. Really.
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Notably, however, Kim Kardashian doesn't have a star on the walk and apparently never will.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the awarding of this singular honor, announced in 2013 that Kardashian is unworthy of being walked upon by tourists because, as a reality TV star, she lacks a key attribute: talent.
Don't shoot me. I'm just the messenger.
Anyway, there's a process for awarding Walk of Fame stars, and, not surprisingly, there's a price tag attached.
Honorees have to be nominated, and anyone can submit a nomination. But if a star is approved by the chamber's selection committee, whoever did the nominating has to pony up $30,000.
Half that amount goes to constructing the sidewalk star. The other half goes to its upkeep.
Because of the hefty cost, it appears that many honorees these days make their way to the walk via an obliging movie or TV studio, or a publicist or some other PR-related, marketing-motivated entity.
Julianna Margulies, star of "The Good Wife," received a star last Friday. Coincidentally, her CBS show's season finale will air this Sunday.
One other thing to keep in mind: A star has to agree to being on the walk. That's why you won't find Julia Roberts there, or Robert Redford or Dustin Hoffman.
But you will find Ryan Seacrest.
If you have a consumer question, email me at asklaz@latimes.com or contact me via Twitter @Davidlaz.
