Hollywood Sign Turns 100, A Look Back At The L.A. Landmark

The Hollywood Sign: A Century of Iconic History

The world-famous Hollywood Sign has been an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry for over a century. Standing tall in the Hollywood Hills, this landmark has witnessed the evolution of Hollywood and has become a symbol of glamour and success. Let’s take a look at how this iconic sign has aged over the past 100 years.

The Hollywood Sign first lit up the Hollywood Hills on December 8, 1923. Originally displaying the word “Hollywoodland,” it was built by L.A. Times publisher Harry Chandler as a larger-than-life billboard for his real estate development company. The sign was intended to promote the upscale Hollywoodland neighborhood, which was being developed at the time.

The original letters of the Hollywood Sign were 30 feet wide and 43 feet tall. They were made of metal squares held together by a frame of pipes, scaffolding, wires, and even telephone poles. It was an engineering marvel of its time and quickly became a symbol of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Since its creation, the Hollywood Sign has become deeply ingrained in showbiz lore. It has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Over the years, the sign has undergone a few facelifts to keep it looking its best.

In 1978, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce launched a fundraising campaign to restore the deteriorating sign. The campaign was a success, and the sign was restored to its former glory. Since then, the sign has become a beloved symbol of Hollywood and a must-visit tourist attraction for visitors from around the globe.

The Hollywood Sign has also seen its fair share of temporary makeovers. In 2017, it made headlines when pranksters altered the sign to read “Hollyweed” as a nod to the legalization of recreational marijuana in California. The incident drew attention to the sign once again and highlighted its cultural significance.

Another notable change occurred in 2022 when the sign was temporarily transformed into “Rams House” to celebrate the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory. However, this alteration received mixed reactions from the public, with some appreciating the nod to the football team and others feeling that it detracted from the sign’s original meaning.

Regardless of these temporary changes, the Hollywood Sign has stood the test of time. It has become an enduring symbol of the entertainment industry and a representation of the dreams and aspirations of those who flock to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune.

As the Hollywood Sign celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains an iconic landmark that continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide. Here’s to 100 more years of this legendary symbol of Hollywood’s magic and allure!