Muhammad Ali received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002. The ceremony took place on January 11, 2002, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry as well as his extraordinary place in popular culture.
Ali’s connection to entertainment began long before the ceremony. He appeared as himself in films and television, released spoken-word recordings, performed on Broadway in Buck White, and inspired the 1977 film The Greatest. His charisma, distinctive voice, poetry, and theatrical press-conference style made him one of the most recognizable figures in American culture.
Ali’s star is unusual because it is mounted vertically on a wall near the Dolby Theatre rather than placed in the sidewalk. The arrangement was made out of respect for his name: Ali reportedly did not want visitors walking over “Muhammad.” The award is often confused with the 2001 release of the biographical film Ali, but the Walk of Fame ceremony occurred the following year.