With a career spanning over 6 decades, Clint Eastwood is an undisputed icon in Hollywood. His contributions to acting and filmmaking are widely revered by fans worldwide. The Dirty Harry fame also has 4 Oscars attached to his name. Strangely, despite having such a celebrated career, he is one of the rarest celebrities who does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been one of the greatest honors in the industry. While several fans consider it as a publicity stunt, it makes the celebrities believe that they have attained a certain level. However, Clint Eastwood’s case is different as he never cared much about materialistic success. He has been nominated for the honor numerous times but he has always emphasized more on his craft rather than the accolades.
Clint Eastwood finds it too tedious to run behind a Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Most celebrities believe that honors dictate the talent of an individual. But Clint Eastwood has always maintained a different approach. In an interview with Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez revealed that the Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea has been nominated for the honor more than once but never accepted it.
According to Today, getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an extremely arduous process. Firstly, a person needs to be nominated by a close friend or a family member. Then the celebrity needs to give consent to the nomination. Following that, the nominated celebrity or the person who nominated him/her also has to pay a hefty sum of $40,000. After that, there will be a rigorous test to analyze the career, honors, and philanthropic activities of the individual for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to decide if he/she is worthy of a star.
If such a long process was not enough to make anybody go crazy, the nominated celebrity must also guarantee to attend the public ceremony when the star is unveiled. It can be clearly understood why Eastwood never showed any enthusiasm for the recognition, producer Martinez stated that there is a place reserved for the star if he ever changes his mind.
There’s one spot left in front of the Chinese Theater if he wants it.
There are more than 2700 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame sidewalk. While most stars grab such recognition, Clint Eastwood’s refusal reflects badassery as he is confident that his works are enough for the people to remember his legacy. It also shows how the 94-year-old respects his profession and does not want to compromise it for any cause, not even for a shining terrazzo-bronze star to his name.
Clint Eastwood’s career motivates him to always move forward
Clint Eastwood has always flaunted a striking determination to whatever he does. After enjoying a prosperous career in acting, he also became a massive name in directing. He won 4 Oscars for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.
In an interview with Esquire in 2016, the Dollars Trilogy fame revealed that he never looks backward. He cited the examples of some great directors who ceased to work when they reached 60. Eastwood added that everyone should always stay motivated and keep doing work as long as they can.
I don’t look at my life too much. I’m always looking forward, not backward. A lot of times people get to a certain age and they quit. I always felt sorry for the Frank Capras, the Billy Wilders, directors like that, because they quit in their sixties. Why would you quit? Think of the great work they could’ve done in their sixties, seventies, and on up. I’ve been lucky. There’s a saying that we use in golf: ‘I’d rather be lucky than good.’ Of course, to be lucky and good is the ideal.
Clint Eastwood has stayed true to his words as he is presently one of the oldest directors in the industry. Even at the age of 94, another film under his direction is yet to be released. But sadly, his era is finally going to conclude as the upcoming Juror No. 2, starring Nicholas Hoult is slated to be his last directorial.
There is a lot to learn from Clint Eastwood’s career as it is a testament to the fact that our work is more important than worldly honors to build an everlasting legacy.
