Perched atop Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, the iconic Hollywood Sign is synonymous with fame, fortune, and the magic of movies. But few know that this gleaming white landmark started as a temporary advertisement for a suburban housing development in 1923. Originally spelling "HOLLYWOODLAND," the sign was erected at a cost of $21,000 (about $400,000 today) and was illuminated with 4,000 light bulbs to flash "HOLLY," "WOOD," and "LAND" at night. It was never meant to last more than 18 months, yet it became an enduring symbol of the entertainment industry, surviving decay, pranks, and even a tragic suicide.
The brainchild of Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, the sign promoted the upscale Hollywoodland real estate project, where lots sold for $3,000 to $10,000. Standing 45 feet tall and 350 feet long, it overlooked a burgeoning film scene that was transforming the area into the world's movie capital.
Decay and Near-Demolition
As Hollywood evolved into a global powerhouse in the mid-20th century, the sign fell into disrepair. By the 1940s, the "LAND" portion was removed to rebrand it as a symbol for the Hollywood district rather than the housing tract. However, without proper maintenance, the structure deteriorated rapidly. In the 1970s, it was a crumbling eyesore: the third "O" had toppled over, looking like a "u," and the sign was riddled with holes from vandals and weather. The city considered demolishing it, but a public outcry saved the day.
Tragically, the sign's history includes the 1932 suicide of actress Peg Entwistle, who jumped from the "H" after her career stalled, adding a layer of Hollywood's darker side to its lore.
Restoration and Modern Legacy
In 1978, a star-studded campaign spearheaded by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner raised $250,000 to rebuild the sign. Celebrities like Alice Cooper (who sponsored the third "O" in memory of Groucho Marx) and Gene Autry contributed, leading to a complete reconstruction with steel letters designed to withstand earthquakes and winds. The new sign, unveiled that year, measures 45 feet per letter and has since been meticulously maintained by the Hollywood Sign Trust.
Today, it's a protected cultural monument, drawing millions of tourists annually. Pranks continue—like the 2017 alteration to "HOLLYWEED" after marijuana legalization—but the sign remains a beacon of aspiration. It even has its own security system with cameras and motion sensors to prevent trespassing.
The Hollywood Sign's journey from a fleeting ad to an eternal emblem mirrors the unpredictable glamour of Tinseltown itself. It's a reminder that in Hollywood, even a billboard can achieve stardom. If this sparks your curiosity, delving into other Tinseltown tales, like the birth of the Oscars, might reveal more glittering secrets!
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