Hollywood Secrets
Ben Cable
Hollywood, California is one of the most well-known and influential neighborhoods in the world. It is a place of glitz and glamour, where dreams are made and broken, and where legends are born. Over the years, there have been many stories and rumors about what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. In this article, we will explore 12 secrets you never knew about Hollywood.
The Hollywood Sign Wasn’t Originally Meant to Be Permanent
The Hollywood sign, which is now one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, was originally erected in 1923 as a promotional gimmick for a real estate development. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland” and was only meant to be up for a year and a half. However, the sign became so popular that it was eventually made permanent.
Many Famous Actors Started Out as Extras
Many famous actors got their start in Hollywood as extras. This includes people like Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, and Sylvester Stallone. Extras are the people in the background of a scene, and while they may not have lines, their presence can help to create a more realistic environment.
There’s a Secret Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Hollywood. It has hosted countless celebrities over the years and has even been the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony. However, few people know that there is a secret room hidden inside the hotel. The room is called the Gable and Lombard Penthouse, and it was once home to the legendary couple Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Wasn’t Always Popular
Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a major tourist attraction, with over 10 million visitors each year. However, when it was first proposed in the 1950s, many people were against it. Some believed that it would be a distraction for drivers, while others thought that it was a waste of money.
Many Movie Stars Were Invented by the Studios
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, the studios had a lot of control over the careers of actors and actresses. They would create personas for the actors, which included everything from their name to their personal style. Many famous movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe, were invented by the studios.
There’s a Secret Room at the Capitol Records Building
The Capitol Records Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in Hollywood. It’s shaped like a stack of records, and it’s been featured in countless movies and TV shows. However, few people know that there’s a secret room hidden inside the building. The room is called the echo chamber, and it was used to create the reverb effect on many famous recordings.
The Famous Hollywood Sign Has Been Altered Several Times
Over the years, the Hollywood sign has been altered several times. In 1976, it was changed to read “Hollyweed” as a prank. In 2017, it was changed to read “Hollyboob” by a group of activists. The sign has also been used in countless movies and TV shows, and it has become a symbol of Hollywood itself.
Hollywood Is Named After a Plant
The name Hollywood comes from the holly bushes that grew in the area when the first settlers arrived. It was originally called “Holly Wood” but was later shortened to Hollywood.
The Chateau Marmont Is Known for Its Privacy
The Chateau Marmont is one of the most famous hotels in Hollywood, and it’s known for its privacy. Many celebrities have stayed at the hotel over the years, and it’s become a popular spot for parties and events. However, the hotel is also known for its discretion, and many of the guests who stay there do so because they know that their privacy will be respected.
There Are Secret Tunnels Underneath Hollywood
There are many rumors about secret tunnels that run underneath Hollywood. Some people believe that these tunnels were used by the studios to transport actors and crew members between sets without being seen by the public. Others believe that they were used for more nefarious purposes, such as smuggling contraband.
The Hollywood Sign Almost Didn’t Survive
In 1978, the Hollywood sign was in a state of disrepair and was in danger of being demolished. However, a group of concerned citizens rallied together to raise the money needed to restore the sign. Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, even held a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion to help raise money for the restoration.
Many Movie Stars Have Secret Homes in Hollywood
While many movie stars have homes in the Hollywood Hills or in nearby Beverly Hills, some also have secret homes in Hollywood itself. These homes are often hidden behind walls or gates, and many are located in the historic neighborhoods of Hollywood. These homes offer a level of privacy and seclusion that is hard to find in other parts of the city.
Hollywood is a place of secrets and rumors, and there is much that we don’t know about this iconic neighborhood. From secret rooms to hidden tunnels, there are many mysteries that have yet to be uncovered. However, one thing is certain – Hollywood will continue to captivate and inspire us for many years to come.
