You Can Visit It, But You Can’t Walk on This Hollywood Star

If you take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, you will see thousands of pink terrazzo stars embedded in the charcoal sidewalks, honoring the biggest names in the entertainment industry. From Marilyn Monroe to Michael Jackson, fans from all over the world flock to Los Angeles to literally walk over the names of their idols. However, there is one massive exception to this rule that forces tourists to look up rather than down.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer and cultural icon, has a star on the Walk of Fame that you simply cannot step on. Unlike the more than 2,700 other stars that line the pavement, Ali’s tribute is mounted vertically on the wall of the Dolby Theatre. The unique placement at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard has turned the site into a pilgrimage for boxing fans and tourists alike, distinct from the rest of the famous landmark.

The reason for this break in tradition stems directly from Ali’s deep religious convictions and his request to the committee. When the committee decided to honor him in 2002, the boxing champion made it clear that he did not want people walking on the name “Muhammad.” Born Cassius Clay Jr., the athlete converted to Islam in the 1960s and adopted the name to honor the Prophet Muhammad.

“He did not want the name of Muhammad to be stepped on,” Ana Martinez, the producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, explained regarding the decision. To the devout Muslim boxer, allowing pedestrians to trample over the name of the Prophet would have been a sign of utmost disrespect. Consequently, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce agreed to a compromise that had never been done before or since.

During the ceremony in 2002, the star was presented on an easel rather than being unveiled on the ground. It was subsequently installed on the wall of the entrance to the theatre, which is famous for hosting the Academy Awards. Martinez noted that this decision ensured the monument remained respectful to his faith while still honoring his contributions to the entertainment world.

Critics might wonder why a professional athlete was given a star on the Walk of Fame in the first place, as the honor is usually reserved for film, TV, music, and radio personalities. However, the committee argued that Ali was far more than just a boxer; he was a global entertainer and a showman of the highest order. “He was a showman,” Martinez noted, adding that “he had two Grammy-nominated spoken word albums. He was an entertainer, as well.”

Ali's star is on the wall (he didn't want people stepping on it) at Dolby Theatre entrance today, adorned w/ flowers pic.twitter.com/ZcQySmL2jw

— Carly Mallenbaum (@ThatGirlCarly) June 4, 2016

Ali’s star has since become a shrine, particularly following his death on June 3, 2016. When news broke of his passing, fans flooded the Dolby Theatre entrance to leave flowers, cards, and boxing gloves at the vertical star. Martinez herself placed a wreath at the site with a card that read, “Float like a butterfly. Rest in peace, Mr Ali.”

Even a decade after his passing, the “Greatest of All Time” remains a significant figure in pop culture and entertainment news. As we approach June 2026, the world is preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the legend’s death. His estate continues to be active in keeping his legacy alive through various multimedia projects that introduce his story to younger generations.

In late 2024, Ali was a central figure in the hit Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. The show, which starred Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson, focused on an infamous armed robbery that occurred in Atlanta on the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight against Jerry Quarry. Actor Dexter Darden portrayed the boxer in the series, earning praise for capturing Ali’s charisma and physical prowess during a pivotal moment in his career.

Looking ahead, Amazon Prime Video is currently in post-production on a major new scripted series titled The Greatest, which filmed throughout 2025. The project stars newcomer Jaalen Best as Cassius Clay and promises to be the first authorized scripted series about his life. Executive produced by Michael B. Jordan and Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, the show aims to explore the man behind the gloves, focusing on his role as a husband, father, and activist.

The series is expected to cover his life from the 1960 Rome Olympics to the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974. Unlike previous biopics that focused heavily on his bouts, showrunner Ben Watkins has stated this project will dive deeper into his spiritual awakening and the civil rights era. With a release date expected later this year, it is set to be one of the biggest television events of 2026.

Beyond television, Ali’s influence remains palpable in the world of sports and social justice. His grave in Louisville, Kentucky, continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, much like his unique star in Hollywood. The refusal to let his name be trodden upon remains a powerful symbol of the self-respect and conviction that defined his life.

Tell us if you think other celebrities should have the right to request vertical stars on the Walk of Fame in the comments.