Stuff You Should Know – Short Stuff: Hollywood Sign

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the fascinating history and significance of the Hollywood sign. From its origins as a real estate billboard to its status as an iconic symbol of the film industry, the Hollywood sign has a rich and storied past.

Main Takeaways

Hollywood Sign Construction and Restoration

• The Hollywood sign was initially constructed in 1923 as a billboard for a real estate development called Hollywood Land.
• It cost $21,000 to build the original Hollywood sign, which originally said “Hollywood Land.”
• Over the years, the sign fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in the 1940s by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, dropping the “Land” to simply say “Hollywood.”
• In the 1970s, the sign was again in bad shape and was saved through a fundraising party thrown by Hugh Hefner, where rich friends were invited to sponsor a letter for $27,000 each.
• The sign was torn down and rebuilt for durability, using steel on steel.

Significance and Tragic Events

• The Hollywood sign is an iconic symbol of the film industry and Los Angeles.
• Peg Entwistle, a young starlet, tragically jumped off the letter “H” in the Hollywood sign in 1932.
• Betty Davis was inspired by Peg Entwistle’s acting and reportedly gave the advice to aspiring starlets to “take fountain,” referring to a lesser-known street in Hollywood that could be used as a shortcut.

Views and Locations

• There are 14 good views of the Hollywood sign, but the trail ends behind the sign, making it difficult to see up close.
• The Hollywood sign is visible from many places in Hollywood, including apartments and the Playboy Mansion.

Summary

The Hollywood Sign’s History and Restoration

The Hollywood sign, originally constructed as a billboard for the Hollywood Land development, has become an iconic symbol of the film industry and Los Angeles. Over the years, the sign experienced periods of disrepair and restoration. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce played a significant role in rebuilding the sign in the 1940s and dropping the “Land” from its name. In the 1970s, Hugh Hefner organized a fundraising party to save the sign, with rich friends sponsoring letters for $27,000 each. The sign was torn down and rebuilt using durable materials. Its history is a testament to the perseverance and cultural significance of Hollywood.

The Hollywood Sign’s Tragic Events and Cultural Impact

The Hollywood sign has witnessed tragic events, such as the suicide of Peg Entwistle, who jumped off the letter “H” in 1932. This event inspired Betty Davis to advise aspiring starlets to “take fountain,” referring to a lesser-known street in Hollywood. The sign’s association with these events adds to its cultural impact and mystique. Additionally, the sign’s visibility from various locations in Hollywood, including the Playboy Mansion, further solidifies its status as an iconic landmark.

Conclusion

The Hollywood sign stands as a testament to the glamour and allure of the film industry. Its centennial in 2023 will mark a century of captivating stories and cultural significance. Whether viewed from afar or admired from nearby locations, the Hollywood sign continues to captivate the imagination and symbolize the dreams and aspirations associated with the entertainment capital of the world.