10 Sure Ways to See a Movie Star in Hollywood and LA
If you want to see a celebrity while you’re in Hollywood, don’t try to do it by walking down Hollywood Boulevard. Don’t rely on movie star tours, either.
Going to the latest trendy eatery may not work, as A-listers don’t typically take their kids to the local pizza place for a birthday party; instead, they opt for venues with gates, security, and catering. You’re also unlikely to catch a hot young starlet tending to the garden in their front yard. Websites like Yelp maintain pages dedicated to celebrity sightings, but by the time you find it, you may have missed the opportunity.
So what can you do? You don’t have to linger around doors of the hottest nightclubs or hope to accidentally bump into celebrities where paparazzi congregate. Instead, consider these activities that significantly increase your chances of seeing a movie star – or two – or even more. The best part? Most of them are free.
Walk of Fame Star Ceremonies
The honoree must attend when their pink-and-gray star is unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard, an event that takes place about once a month. Details can often be found on various guides.
Hand and Footprint Ceremonies at the Chinese Theater
Similarly, a handprint/footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theater requires the presence of the honoree. The forecourt fills up quickly with media and celebrity guests, but you can find online resources providing tips on enhancing your experience.
Academy Awards Bleacher Seats
The Oscars are not exclusively for Hollywood insiders. Anyone can enter a lottery for bleacher seats at the red carpet, where you’ll likely see numerous stars. Registration usually opens for about a week every mid-September for the event occurring that following February.
Be in a Studio Audience
The stars are present when their shows are filmed. If the show has a studio audience, you can not only witness your favorites but also observe their work first-hand. Tickets for these experiences are generally free, making it a fun and budget-friendly option.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
While it may not be the most extravagant parade of the year (that title goes to the Rose Parade), it’s certainly among the most star-studded. Secure a good viewing spot, and you could encounter more celebrities on the streets than in the night sky.
Movie Premieres
If you aren’t part of the industry, getting a ticket to a movie premiere might be unlikely, but you can stand outside and watch the stars arrive. Websites like Seeing Stars list upcoming premieres, although planning your visit in advance can be tricky. It’s often best to choose your travel dates and then check later for what premieres might be occurring.
Watch a Filming
Resources such as Online Vacations provide listings of Los Angeles filming locations. Although you may spend considerable time waiting, it offers an exciting glance behind the scenes of the filmmaking process.
The Hollywood Show
If you’re eager to meet stars and get their autographs, the Hollywood Show might be the right venue for you. While it tends to feature older celebrities rather than today’s A-listers, the event regularly hosts around 75 celebrities, making it a must-visit for fans of classic television.
Past attendees have included well-known names like Erin Moran from Happy Days and Adam West from Batman. You can often pre-order autographs and even specify personalization. There are fees for admission, autographs, and photographs, so be sure to check the details beforehand.
Paley Live
The Paley Center in Beverly Hills hosts an annual Palyefest featuring conversations with producers and cast members of popular shows. Attendees can engage directly and pose questions, making it an interactive experience.
While ticket prices remain reasonable, it is advisable to secure tickets online in advance, especially for high-demand events.
On Stage
Many renowned film stars also perform on stage, particularly at the Ahmanson Theatre, where stars such as Jane Fonda and John Lithgow have graced the stage. Visitors can check the Ahmanson website for current performances and purchase tickets directly. If seated in the balcony, consider bringing binoculars for a closer view.
Free memberships with platforms like Goldstar may yield significant discounts on weekday theater seats, making it a valuable resource for theater enthusiasts.
The TMZ Tour
The promotional videos for the TMZ Hollywood Bus Tour suggest an experience filled with celebrity encounters. However, those who share their reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor often indicate that while celebrity sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour guides and overall experience are commendable.
