We thought this might be a mistake when the press releases appeared, but it’s true. The Chevy Suburban SUV just received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is the first vehicle ever to get a star on the Walk of Fame. It was presented in recognition for its service in film and television productions.  An unveiling ceremony took place on Hollywood Boulevard on December 5, 2019, presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Chevy Suburban is the first vehicle awarded a star

While it seems a bit crazy at first for a vehicle to get a star, check out why the Walk of Fame decided to do this. First, a Chevy Suburban can be seen in over 1,750 films and television series since 1952. Since 1956 a Suburban has been used in at least one television series per year. Since 1960 at least one film per year featured a Suburban. Who knew?

If you add the shorter wheelbase Chevy Tahoe to these stats then there have been over 2,500 film or TV shows that the two have appeared in. Since the Tahoe’s introduction in 1995, it has been in at least one movie or TV show each year. 

Chevy Suburban has appeared in Hollywood for over six decades

“For six decades the Chevrolet Suburban has been Hollywood’s longest-working actor,” said Rana Ghadbanm CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “Appearing in classic feature films and on must-see television shows, the Suburban is a well-established industry mainstay.” She said both the Suburban and Tahoe join an “illustrious group of actors and characters that are forever known as Hollywood legends.”

The Suburban helps in giving scenes it appears in added importance according to Dennis McCarthy, a Hollywood picture car coordinator. “There’s really nothing else like the Chevrolet Suburban in this business for two reasons,” he says. “First, it’s one of the most versatile vehicles in the business, able to fit with any type of character. And, when a convoy of black Suburbans appears on screen you know that’s not the time to leave your seat to buy popcorn.”

Walk of Fame star info

For those that don’t know, the Walk of Fame is a series of five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded into the sidewalks of several blocks on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood. Over 2,500 have been assigned to commemorate achievements in the entertainment industry. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Hollywood.

Anyone can nominate a celebrity for a star be they from radio, TV or movies. They just had to have been “active in entertainment.” The nominee or their management team has to agree to the nomination by providing a letter of agreement. If the Walk of Fame committee does not receive the letter with the nomination then the committee won’t accept the application for consideration. If a nominee is accepted, a $50,000 fee must be paid to cover expenses.

The committee receives around 300 requests per year and the number of those that are accepted varies from year-to-year. Last year only 34 were chosen for stars.