Billie Jean King Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On Monday, tennis icon Billie Jean King made history as the first female athlete to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The unveiling ceremony took place in a star-studded event with notable attendees, including Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, traditionally reserved for individuals in film, television, music, and radio, expanded its criteria in 2021 to include a Sports Entertainment category. King’s achievement marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to be recognized in this new category.
In her acceptance speech, King expressed pride in reaching this milestone while emphasizing her hope for future recognitions for women in sports. "The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one," King remarked, highlighting the need for ongoing recognition of women’s contributions to sports.
Born and raised in Long Beach, California, not far from Hollywood, King mentioned how meaningful this accolade would have been to her family, particularly to her mother, who was a fan of music and movies. "My family loved music and movies," King noted. "My mother would have loved this."
Magic Johnson elaborated on King’s impact beyond tennis, praising her commitment to using her platform to advocate for social change. "You always fight for what’s right," Johnson stated. "You lend your platform and your voice and your time and your money to bring about change." Such sentiments resonate with King’s legacy, which includes her pivotal role in advocating for gender equality in sports and beyond.
King’s star on the Walk of Fame is listed as the 2,807th star in the iconic pathway. Fans wishing to visit can find it strategically located at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, a notable area in the heart of Hollywood.
This honor not only showcases King’s storied career—she is a 39-time Grand Slam champion and a key figure in elevating women’s sports—but also serves as an affirmation of the significant strides made in recognizing the contributions of female athletes in popular culture. King’s journey highlights the enduring fight for equality and representation in sports, a message that continues to inspire generations.
In conclusion, Billie Jean King’s recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame represents a cultural shift towards acknowledging the achievements of women in sports. As the first woman to receive a star in the Sports Entertainment category, her honor opens the door for future generations of female athletes to gain similar recognition, ensuring that their contributions are celebrated and remembered. This milestone is a testament to King’s enduring legacy and influence both on and off the court.
