Celebrating a Century: Enduring the Trials of Time, the Iconic Hollywood Sign Marks its Centenary. In a rare event spanning decades, the Hollywood sign was illuminated to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
The iconic Hollywood sign has graced the Los Angeles skyline since the era of silent films, symbolizing the entire film industry. In honor of its 100th birthday, a portion of the sign was illuminated, a rare occurrence in recent decades.
Despite officially reaching centenarian status, the nine-letter landmark retains its timeless allure, much like the enduring charm of Hollywood’s actors and actresses.
The sign has become a cinematic shorthand for films set in Los Angeles and has witnessed both fictional glory and real-life tragedy, notably in the story of actress Peg Entwistle, who tragically took her own life from the sign’s summit in 1932.
A must-see attraction for film enthusiasts and tourists in Los Angeles, the iconic Hollywood sign originally bore the inscription “HOLLYWOODLAND” when it was erected in 1923 as a promotional feature for a luxury real estate development.
During its initial decade, the sign was illuminated by thousands of bulbs, sequentially showcasing “HOLLY,” “WOOD,” and “LAND” to highlight the upscale homes beneath. By the 1940s, the letters showed signs of wear and tear, with the H reported to be damaged by vandals or windstorms.
Facing potential removal, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce intervened, recognizing the valuable trademark. In 1949, the restored sign emerged with the simplified message “HOLLYWOOD,” representing the entire town rather than a specific real estate area.