Well, it's almost that time of year again, mistletoe and Yuletide logs, chestnuts and eggnog (not to mention Chinese food on Christmas Eve), and there's a movement afoot on the ground in California to lobby the Hollywood Walk of Fame people for a future star on the sidewalk for, who else, Santa Claus?
Mickey Mouse has a star, Godzilla has a star, and they are fictional characters, and yet Santa does not have a star yet?
I could not happen this year, as these things take time, and not in 2012, as that list has already been made and published, and for those "making a list" for 2013 and 2014 and 2015, it could happen. Ever heard about the Miracle of 43rd Street? Well, this could be the Miracle on Hollywood Boulevard. Mark your calendars: It could be real by 2015.
As you know, Santa has been the star of dozens of movies and TV specials over the years, and for over 80 years he has been the featured star in the famed Hollywood Christmas Parade. So isn't it time for Santa to get his own star alongside Shakira and Roger Ebert and Bill Geist? Yes!
Item: At one time Hollywood Boulevard was annually renamed “Santa Claus Lane” in honor of the red-suited hero. Gene Autry even found the words for his famous song, ”Here Comes Santa Claus,” while riding in the parade. Santa deserves a star today. Soon. By 2015 at the latest!
The Santa star would be a tribute to the many actors who have portrayed Santa Claus over the years. The $30,000 fee to get a star would be collected from hundreds of volunteer donations from across the globe, The nomination process would go smoothly and the announcement will he heard around the world! Kids will love it. Santa will be in Seventh Heaven himself!
Item: From the beloved Edmund Gwenn to the former president of the Screen Actors Guild, Ken Howard, hundreds of actors have portrayed Santa Claus over the years. These include Ferdinand Munier, George Wendt and Paul Sorvino and everyone in between including Tim Allen, Whoopie Goldberg, Mickey Rooney, Steve Guttenberg, John Goodman, Ed Asner, Charles Druning, Bryan Cranston, Robby Benson, Richard Attenborough, Leslie Neilson, Lloyd Bridges, Tom Hanks, Jim Carey, Art Carney, Sebastian Cabot, Jim Backus, Fred Astaire, James Coco, Dan Akroyd and many more.
Can't you hear the sleigh bells already on the Walk of Fame in some future year, say 2015?
According to one of the prime movers of this sterling star concept: "The idea would be a tribute to all actors, past and present who have contributed to the image and legend of Santa Claus."
He adds: "Having work on community projects, I know the idea of getting a Walk of Fame star for Santa is not going to be an easy task. But I believe there are enough Santa lovers, both within the industry and in the worldwide community, that it could really happen. I know we can create a campaign that will help raise the $30,000 necessary to have a star installed on the Walk of Fame. Could we get 3,000 $10 donations to make this happen? Sure!"
If you support this idea, and/or would like to be involved with this campaign, please contact the Santa believers at: Santa@SantaHollywood.com
One could envision a ceremony, attended by many Santas. Among them one would also see many of the great the famous stars and celebrities that have portrayed Santa, plus those who have played Mrs. Claus or a son or daughter in movies and television.
It could be quite an event.
By the way, in addition to Mickey Mouse and Godzilla, other fictional characters with Walk of Fame stars include: Woody Woodpecker, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Tinkerbell, the Simpsons, the Rugrats, Kermit the Frog, the Flintstones, Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Big Bird, plus famed canine stars Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Strongheart.
So a dream is born. Santa gets a star on the famous sidewalk, too!
