The Hollywood Sign: Hollywoodland

The Hollywood Sign, originally erected as “Hollywoodland” in 1923, is an iconic landmark in Los Angeles, California, representing the American film industry and its cultural significance. Located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, the sign has become an enduring symbol of Hollywood’s glamour and prestige.

• Original Purpose: The Hollywoodland sign was first constructed on July 13, 1923, as an advertisement for a new housing development called Hollywoodland. The sign was only meant to be temporary, lasting around 18 months, but it became a permanent fixture due to its popularity.
• Creation: The sign was created by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, who invested in the Hollywoodland real estate development. The original sign, made of 45-foot-tall letters and 350 feet long, was illuminated with around 4,000 light bulbs.
• Hollywoodland to Hollywood: In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to remove the “land” portion of the sign, as well as the light bulbs, and restore the remaining letters to promote the movie industry rather than the housing development.
• Restoration and Preservation: The Hollywood Sign has undergone several restorations throughout history. In 1978, a campaign led by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner raised funds to replace the deteriorating sign with a new one. The current sign, made of steel, was completed in November 1978.
• Trivial Fact: In 1932, actress Peg Entwistle tragically jumped to her death from the letter “H” of the original Hollywoodland sign, adding a dark chapter to the sign’s history.
• Effects on Pop Culture: The Hollywood Sign has been featured in countless movies, television shows, and commercials, making it one of the most recognizable symbols of the American entertainment industry. It has also inspired numerous parodies and homages in various forms of media.
• Prominent People and Countries: The Hollywood Sign is closely associated with the United States and the city of Los Angeles, and prominent figures in the American film industry. It is often featured in the works of filmmakers, actors, and artists contributing to Hollywood’s cultural legacy.

The Hollywood Sign was erected as “Hollywoodland” on July 13, 1923, to advertise a real estate development. It became an enduring symbol of the American film industry after removing the “land” portion in 1949. Throughout its history, the sign has been restored and preserved, becoming an iconic cultural landmark featured in various forms of media and associated with prominent figures in the American entertainment industry.

Partial List of Films Featuring The Hollywood Sign