LOS ANGELES — Billie Jean King was honored as the first woman to receive a star in the newly created sports entertainment category on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, taking place on Monday, was graced by personalities including Magic Johnson and Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis.
Billie Jean King, a revered figure in tennis and a Hall of Famer, shared her excitement, hoping she wouldn’t be the last woman to be celebrated in this manner. Her star was the 2,807th on the Walk of Fame, prominently situated near the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, facing the historical Pantages Theater. The marquee fittingly displayed, “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”
The event attracted a crowd of fans who gathered outside, with the bustling Hollywood Boulevard providing a lively backdrop of honking horns and passing celebrity tour buses. Among the onlookers was King’s wife, Ilana Kloss, who took her own photographs alongside professional photographers.
Speaking highly of King, Magic Johnson emphasized her enduring commitment to justice and change. “You always fight for what’s right,” he remarked, highlighting her use of fame and resources to drive positive societal shifts. Johnson, also a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers like King, acknowledged their shared traits: fierce competitiveness and a commitment to success.
The ceremony was also a reunion for King as she met with Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony, veterans from the earliest days of the WTA Tour. Others in attendance included Connie Spooner, the tour’s retired athletic trainer, as well as stand-outs like five-time major champion Maria Sharapova and Stacey Allaster, the U.S. Open tournament director and former WTA CEO.
Jamie Lee Curtis articulated King’s influence, praising her as a powerhouse both on and off the tennis court. Curtis acknowledged King’s formidable presence as an advocate and leader, who has consistently championed freedom and authenticity.
King, who hails from Long Beach, reminisced about her upbringing and the thrill her family felt visiting Hollywood to watch movies. She fondly recalled visits to local tennis clubs, where stars like Lucille Ball and Doris Day were among the clientele.
Reflecting on her journey, King reminisced about attending Holly Hunter’s star ceremony in 2008, never imagining she would receive her own star. Now, with her star unveiled several blocks from that of her friend Elton John, she stood proudly on her newly minted bronze accolade and shared, “Remember, my star is your star.”
The ceremony was further highlighted by guests including Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and husband Jay Mohr, rapper Flavor Flav, race-car driver Katherine Legge, and Emmy-winning screenwriter Jane Anderson.
Earlier this year, King had served as the grand marshal of the 136th Rose Parade, continuing to add to her impressive list of accolades, which includes receiving the Congressional Gold Medal last year.