Tennis legend, advocate for equality, and co-founder of the Hologic WTA Tour, Billie Jean King, has been recognized with a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The unveiling ceremony took place this week, marking a significant milestone for the celebrated athlete.
King`s star is the first to be awarded in the newly created sports entertainment category on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, introduced in 2023. This category acknowledges the significant contributions of athletes to the broader entertainment industry. The star, the 2,807th in total, is located near the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Olympic basketball legend Magic Johnson and Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis joined in the unveiling ceremony.
During the event, held near the Pantages Theatre, Magic Johnson praised King, stating, “You always fight for what’s right. You use your platform, your voice, your time, and your resources to drive change.”
Jamie Lee Curtis added, “Billie Jean King`s contribution is power. She embodies power on the court, power in legal battles, power in the press, power in her public advocacy, and power in her fight for freedom and authenticity.”
The ceremony was also attended by notable figures including five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, as well as King`s contemporaries Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony.
This honor adds to King`s list of historic achievements. Last September, she became the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress. This medal recognized her “courageous and groundbreaking leadership in promoting equal rights for women in sports, education, and society.”
In a social media post, King expressed her gratitude: “Words cannot express how honored and grateful I am to receive this star. While I may be the first woman in this category, I am determined not to be the last.”
The recognition of King coincides with the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, the international women`s team tennis competition named in her honor. Countries will compete later this week for a chance to participate in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals later in the year.
