WHY IS JULIA ROBERTS NOT ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME YET?
Julia Roberts may have claimed that the Hollywood Walk of Fame was her 'her turf' when she played Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman—but in real life, she hasn't scratched the surface. Known for her big, flashy smile and her versatility on screen, Roberts has had an award-winning career spanning more than three decades, but she has yet to make her mark there.
Roberts garnered critical acclaim in the coming-of-age film. She got mystical pizza in 1988 and just a year later, she won her first Golden Globe for Steel Magnolias. But it wasn't until she donned the blonde wig and that unforgettable blue and white slit dress in Pretty Woman – a now classic Halloween outfit – that her career skyrocketed. She was just 21 years old when she starred opposite Richard Gere in the 1990 cult romantic comedy classic. Following this, Roberts appeared in blockbusters like Erin Brockovich (for which she won the Best Actress Oscar), as well as My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, and Ocean's Eleven. Roberts is reportedly even worth $250 million — but a big bank account doesn't necessarily earn you a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Instead, celebrities have to be nominated by a third party to get a star on the street.
What is the real reason Roberts doesn't have a star (yet)?
Did Julia Roberts turn down a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
The popular tourist attraction founded in 1960 is the number one most visited landmark in the United States, per Business Insider. Fans can walk alongside, or on top of, more than 2,400 stars 'across its 18-block pavement,' according to Us Weekly – but unfortunately Julia Roberts fans can't. The selection process is strict, with celebrities sometimes 'requiring multiple annual nominations' before receiving a prominent spot. Nominations can be made by a friend or family member or, if you have money to spend, a fan (for Us).
However, not to burst the bubbles of the fans, as Ana MartÃnez, a representative of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said. Variety is not as simple as paying the bill. She said they get 200-300 nominations in the two months they allow voting. 'You can't just buy a star. People don't understand that there is a process. They feel like if they have money, they can buy it, and that's not how it works,” Martinez said. Celebrities can only be chosen if they've worked professionally for five years or more or contributed to the community, which Roberts certainly qualifies for, but that's not to say the star hasn't previously been nominated.
The actor reportedly turned down an initial offer, according to Us Weekly.
Julia Roberts gets a second chance
Even though Julia Roberts turned down her first nomination, the actor received a second chance in 2019, according to Entertainment Weekly. The ceremonies are usually held the following year; however, most of the nominees that year opted out due to the pandemic. Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Walk of Fame told Variety they only had one in-person ceremony in 2020, comedian Anthony Anderson. The celebration usually sees hundreds of fans watch the celebrity reveal her star; this celebration had 25. Was Roberts included in that group of aspiring members who were eliminated due to the pandemic?
Speaking exclusively to Nicki Swift in July 2021, Martinez said that Roberts actually "got nominated, went through practice and was selected... right before COVID." Since then, the organization has been in a 'waiting' pattern for Roberts to schedule her swearing-in ceremony. Martinez speculates that it will likely coincide with the next time Roberts 'has a project or an anniversary', as stars often use the opportunity as a promotional one-two punch.
But the story of Roberts' future star on the Walk of Fame doesn't end there, as Martinez also shared that it was her friend and fellow actress Rita Wilson who nominated Roberts — during Wilson's own 2019 ceremony. Is Roberts more open to getting the star now? Martinez claims it was the Roberts kids' questions about why she didn't have one that prompted the star to do it. Let's just hope that if/when he accepts the award from him, he shows up in Vivian's fabulous outfit.
