Billie Jean King, a tennis icon and staunch advocate for gender equality, has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At the age of 81, King becomes the first woman to be awarded a star in the newly created sports entertainment category, a significant moment in both her career and the history of the Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, a prominent landmark along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, has historically recognised individuals from the realms of cinema, television, music, and theatre. King’s star, the 2,807th to be added to the Walk of Fame since its inception in 1960, marks a shift towards celebrating the contributions of athletes and those in sports entertainment.
Speaking about the recognition, King expressed her desire for others to follow in her footsteps. “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” she remarked, highlighting the broader significance of the moment. She added, “My family loved music and movies. My mother would have loved this,” reflecting on how this achievement connects her love of sport with her family’s appreciation for entertainment.
King’s illustrious career in tennis has firmly established her as one of the greatest female players of all time. Over the course of her career, she secured an impressive 39 Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles events. She became a symbol of empowerment for women in sports when she famously triumphed in the 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match against Bobby Riggs, a victory that transcended sports and became a defining moment in the fight for gender equality.
In addition to her sporting success, King has long been an advocate for gender equity and social justice. Her efforts in these areas were instrumental in the establishment of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), ensuring a lasting legacy for female athletes in the sport. In recognition of her lifetime of contributions, she was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Further solidifying her influence, in 2020, the Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup, a tribute to her pioneering work in women’s tennis. This latest honour, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adds to her extensive list of accolades, acknowledging her incredible impact both on and off the court.
King’s star is not just a tribute to her achievements in tennis, but also a recognition of her broader influence in championing social change and equality for women in sports.