On Friday, August 3rd, 2007, now officially known in Hollywood as Charles Champlin Day, my grandfather got a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. One of Hollywood's icons received one of Hollywood's icons. In addition to darn near our entire family, Eva Marie Saint, A.C. Lyles ("Mr. Paramount") and Arthur Hiller were among the distinguished guests and speakers at both the Star ceremony and the reception that followed. And I got to be there, with my camera, among all the photographers and t.v. cameramen, soaking up the sun and the awesomeness of what I was witnessing: the most amazing man I know being immortalized in immortal Hollywood.
His star is near the intersection of Hollywood and La Brea and is under the watchful eye of a BofA ATM and an Armed Forces Recruiting office. As a jazz aficionado, my grandfather's star is in good company with the likes of Cole Porter, Etta James and Miles Davis. And as a child of the 70s, I was happy to see that the Osmond Family and KC and the Sunshine Band are nearby as well.
So, while I haven't had the time to look through all of my photos from yesterday (I took nearly 1000 photos - thank GOD for the Digital Age), here is one of the star (taken very early in the morning) and one of the man himself being interviewed at the reception. And since my sweet little fam and I are heading up the coast for a week-long holiday, it's going to be at least a week before I have any more to share.
I love you, grandpa. I'm so proud of you and your lifetime of accomplishments and I'm so proud to be your granddaughter.
wow, you must be very proud. what a fantastic peice of family history you have to share with the kids!
Posted by: stephanie | August 05, 2007 at 06:01 AM
SOOOO incredibly cool!
Posted by: Elisha | August 05, 2007 at 10:54 AM
that is really Awesome!! such a proud time in your grandfathers life you captured on camera!! Congrats to him :-)
Posted by: cindy | August 05, 2007 at 03:41 PM
so so sooooooooo cool!
Posted by: Cheryl | August 05, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Hey there girlie! How are ya? Must get together SOON and ketch up!
SO freakin' cool about your granfather... you must be so proud of him! Congrats to him! :)
Posted by: Christy | August 06, 2007 at 12:32 AM
Great shots of the Star event, Tina...and that's just the first two! Can't wait to see the rest. You can stand with any of those press photographers...
Posted by: Lesley | August 06, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Beautiful photography as always. I've got a question for you but I'll just shoot you an e-mail. Love your blog photos!
Posted by: lisa | August 07, 2007 at 06:42 PM
all I can say is "wow"!
Posted by: candice | August 07, 2007 at 09:17 PM
This gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes! WOW! And how lucky is HE to have a talented granddaughter following in his photographic footprints???
xoxox
Lain
PS Are you going to be up here by me?
Posted by: Lain | August 08, 2007 at 08:23 PM
What a great post. Really heartwarming and touching. Thanks for sharing such an awesome experience and event. He (your grandpa) is very handsome!
Posted by: Aleida Franklin | August 09, 2007 at 07:56 AM
As a fan, I am excited he is getting his due.
I still giggle about the memory upon learning he is your grandfather.
Posted by: Martha | August 14, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Wow, that is very cool. Esp. the part about the Osmonds. LOL!
Hope you had a great vacation.
Posted by: Kristi Smith | August 19, 2007 at 09:22 PM
WOW Tina!
what an amazing man to have as your Grandfather :)
I'm sure you are so proud!
:)
Posted by: Wendy Bretz | August 21, 2007 at 05:37 PM
That is crazy cool!
K.
Posted by: Chookooloonks | September 07, 2007 at 07:29 AM