Tennis legend Billie Jean King became the first woman honored with the Sports Entertainment Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 7. Ellen K, a Walk of Famer and iHeart radio personality, emceed the event at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard. Guest speakers included Jamie Lee Curtis and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
King received the 2,807th star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the iconic star ceremonies, and millions of people worldwide have visited this landmark since 1960.
Another Notorious Honor for Billie Jean King
Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer, said, “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome Billie Jean King to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We are proud to bestow the Sports Entertainment star to Billie Jean King. She is the first female athlete to be honored in that category.”
King is the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Life magazine named her one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century”. She was also the first individual woman athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Other kudos include the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur from France’s President Macron, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame inducted King as a special contributor.
King’s Historic Moment
King’s bronze star is located by the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, across from Pantages Theater, where the electronic marque stated, “A star for a star. Congratulations, Billie Jean King.” Fans gathered on the sidewalk to cheer as horns honked on Hollywood Boulevard.
Ilana Kloss, King’s wife, took her own pictures amidst the clamor of many photographers memorializing this iconic moment. King shared her feelings on being first with the crowd and told them, “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one.”
Accomplishments and Accolades
King founded the Women’s Tennis Association, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and the Billie Jean King Foundation. She is part of the ownership groups of the Angel City FC and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the sports icon is a member of the Advisory Board of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
The honored female athlete was the number one year-end player in the world six times. She won 39 Grand Slam Singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles and has a record 20 Wimbledon championships. In 1973, she participated in one of the most memorable sports moments when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes.
