Monumental costume designer Ruth E. Carter was cemented into history yesterday --quite literally-- by earning her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her impressive list of credits includes work on over 40 films including Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Selma, and Black Panther --the latter mentioned secured her a win for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, making her the first Black person to ever win in that category.
"Nothing was handed to me,” Carter shared during the virtual ceremony. “Every moment, every sacrifice, every effort was hard work inspired by my passion. It's my hope that anyone who sacrifices, who beats these streets of Hollywood carrying their dreams and heavy garment bags full of costumes desiring to be the best, like I did, that when you gaze upon my star, feel my energy, feel the power of your own unique story to realize your dreams so you too can reach your star.”
With Carter rightfully receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we’ve taken a look at some celebrities that would surprise you to know that they don’t have one just yet.
01
Denzel Washington
Washington was honored for the 1993 trial drama Philadelphia co-starring Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett.
02
Whitney Houston
“The Voice” as she’s commonly referred to, has undoubtedly had a legacy worth having a star on the Walk of Fame, but was reportedly never concerned with having one before her untimely passing in 2012.
03
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time but he still doesn't have a star—a fact that baffles most of his adoring fans. Winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls and becoming one of the most influential players ever are reasons beyond measure.
04
Oprah Winfrey
Her self-titled talk show was honored at the 9th annual GLAAD Media Awards four Outstanding Talk Show Episode in 1998. She was awarded the same honor at the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
05
Prince
Fun fact: Prince was actually approached not once, but twice, about receiving his own star before his death in 2016. He reportedly turned it down both times because he stated the “timing just wasn’t right,” according to a representative from the Walk of Fame.
06
Rihanna
The Bajan bombshell has 8 best-selling albums (making her one of the best-selling artists of all time), an incredibly successful lingerie line, and is just an overall mega star, so it is a little absurd we have yet to see her name grace the cement.
07
James Earl Jones
Today he and his thunderous voice have cemented countless characters in our brain including the King savvy enough to throw his own funeral in Coming 2 America.
(Photo by Walter McBride/WireImage)
08
Beyonce
Yes, this is a wild fun fact that is shared between the powerful couple: neither has their own star as of yet. Destiny’s Child as a group was presented with one in 2006, but there isn’t one for Beyonce in her own right. With 24 Grammys, 26 MTV Music Video Awards, and countless other accomplishments, this one is a no-brainer.
09
Jay-Z
The rapper who basically needs no introduction, and is widely considered as one of the greatest of all time, should also have his own star to celebrate his overwhelming success. With the numerous business endeavors and chart-topping albums he’s been able to meet with extreme fanfare, it’s truly shocking there isn’t one for him just yet.
10
Kanye West
Kanye West was awarded for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for 'Jesus Is King'
