John Carpenter Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

LOS ANGELES, CA — John Carpenter, the acclaimed director known for iconic horror films, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 3. The ceremony attracted star power, with Carpenter’s long-time collaborators, Kurt Russell and Keith David, marking a rare public appearance together after 40 years.

Carpenter, celebrated for transformative films such as “Halloween” and “The Thing,” was honored for his significant contributions to the film industry. Director and special effects artist Greg Nicotero, known for his work on Carpenter’s productions, commended the filmmaker in his remarks. “[Carpenter] deserves this day, this praise,” Nicotero said. “He’s altered the way that we watch movies, and today is about recognizing his magnificent and unprecedented contribution to the film industry.”

David humorously added clarity to the longstanding mystery surrounding the ending of “The Thing,” quipping, “First, let me clear this up: it wasn’t me.” He reflected on his first role in the horror classic, saying Carpenter’s films are “both good and important — and, at times, prophetic.” David’s nostalgia shining through, he described working on the film as being “in the presence of something beautiful… it just doesn’t get better than that.”

Kurt Russell, who starred in multiple projects with Carpenter, including “Escape from New York” and “Big Trouble in Little China,” shared a comedic story about his infamous sombrero from “The Thing.” He recounted the moment he first saw the oversized hat assigned to him, expressing his initial reluctance. “If I had a dollar for everybody who’s come up to me and said, ‘You’re Sombrero Man,’ I’d have more money than I made on the movie,” Russell joked.

Photographer Michael Tullberg captured the moment as both Russell and David expressed their gratitude towards Carpenter. Their reunion, seen through a video clip shared by journalist Wynter Mitchell, went viral, eliciting excitement among fans. “Dudes rock,” one supporter remarked, while another declared, “Two absolute icons and legends.”

The event drew attendance from other industry veterans, including PJ Soles from “Halloween,” who shared insights on social media, highlighting the significance of the occasion. “Very honored to have been part of this well-deserved recognition of the MASTER of HORROR JOHN CARPENTER!” she posted.

Carpenter’s ex-wife, actress Adrienne Barbeau, also celebrated the honor, posting a picture with guitarist Slash and reflecting on the joyful recognition of Carpenter’s career. “What a joyful day celebrating John Carpenter getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” Barbeau expressed.

Reflecting on the honor, Carpenter humbly commented, “I was a skinny kid from Bowling Green, Kentucky, walking these streets. I was looking for a career in Hollywood. Well, I found my career… thank you so much to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for this place on this sacred boulevard where people and dogs can pee on me at any time, thank you very much guys, let’s have lunch.”

Carpenter’s star is located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, marking a lasting acknowledgment of his impact on the industry and horror genre.