In an enthusiastic gathering in Los Angeles, Billie Jean King etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to earn a star in the new sports entertainment category on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The event, held on Monday, was graced by her friends like Magic Johnson and Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis, who were there to support and celebrate her achievement.
Addressing the energetic crowd, King expressed, “The key thing is, I don’t want to be the last woman here.” Her star, which is the 2,807th, has found a home near the iconic Hollywood and Vine intersection, right across from the historical Pantages Theater. The theater’s electronic marquee beamed a fitting message: “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”
The atmosphere on Hollywood Boulevard was lively as fans gathered outside a nearby dumpling shop. Amid the honking cars and celebrity tour buses, King’s wife, Ilana Kloss, was among the photographers capturing this memorable moment.
Amidst the noise, Magic Johnson lauded King, saying, “You always champion what’s right, using your platform, voice, and resources to drive change.” Both Johnson and King share ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were notably celebrated at the White House earlier that day for their World Series triumph.
“Billie and I have much in common,” he added. “We’re fiercely competitive and like to have control because we trust in our ability to ensure success. You’ve been a winner all your life, always ready to assist others, and consistently standing for justice.”
The event was a special reunion for King, bringing together former players like Rosie Casals, Julie Anthony, and the WTA Tour’s retired athletic trainer Connie Spooner. Among the attendees were five-time major winner Maria Sharapova and Stacey Allaster, former WTA CEO and U.S. Open tournament director.
“Billie Jean King embodies power,” Curtis remarked. “She’s powerful on the courts, in legal battles, in the press, and in her advocacy efforts, all while fighting for personal freedom.”
Reflecting on her early days, King reminisced about growing up in Long Beach, just 34 miles from Hollywood, and practicing tennis at the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills clubs where legendary stars like Lucille Ball and Doris Day frequented.
“My family cherished music and films,” King shared. “Visiting Hollywood for a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was a cherished family outing. My mother would have been thrilled about this.”
King fondly recalled attending Holly Hunter’s star ceremony back in 2008, thinking, “This is amazing; I’m never going to get this honor.” Yet, standing on her very own star, she humbly stated, “Remember, my star is your star.”
Among those present were Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, her husband Jay Mohr, rapper Flavor Flav, race-car driver Katherine Legge, and Emmy-winning screenwriter Jane Anderson.
Earlier in January, King had the honor of serving as the grand marshal of the 136th Rose Parade; the previous year, Congress awarded her with the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing her impactful legacy.
