Perched high on the hills of Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign is one of the most recognizable symbols of the entertainment industry. Yet, many people don’t know that this iconic sign originally had a very different name—and purpose. Let’s take a journey back in time to explore the history of the Hollywood sign, the story behind the “land,” and why it was eventually removed.
The story of the Hollywood sign began in 1923, not as a tribute to the film industry but as an advertisement for a real estate development. The “Hollywoodland” sign was commissioned by Harry Chandler, a Los Angeles Times publisher, to promote a new upscale housing development in the Hollywood Hills.
The original sign was enormous, with each letter standing 50 feet tall and illuminated by 4,000 light bulbs that flashed “Holly,” “wood,” and “land” in sequence. It was meant to be temporary, expected to stand for about a year and a half, but it quickly became a beloved landmark.
By the 1940s, the Hollywoodland real estate development had faded, and so had the condition of the sign. The Great Depression, World War II, and years of neglect left it in disrepair. One of the “O”s even toppled over, leaving it to spell “HuLLYWOOD.”
In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to take over the maintenance of the sign, recognizing its potential as a symbol of the growing entertainment industry. However, they wanted to repurpose it to represent the area as a whole, not just the defunct real estate project.
The solution? Remove “land” and restore the remaining letters to simply read “Hollywood.” This redesign modernized the sign, transforming it into a beacon for the city’s film, television, and music industries. The sign was fully repaired, with the removed section signaling a new era for the landmark.
Over the years, the Hollywood sign has undergone several restorations to keep it standing tall. By the 1970s, the sign was once again in disrepair, and a campaign led by celebrities such as Hugh Hefner and Alice Cooper helped fund its complete overhaul. The new sign, installed in 1978, featured sturdier letters made of steel.
Today, the Hollywood sign is more than just a geographical marker or a nod to the entertainment industry. It has become a global symbol of ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams. Tourists flock from all over the world to see it up close, and it continues to inspire millions.
The Hollywood sign’s evolution from “Hollywoodland” to its current form is a testament to the changing identity of Los Angeles itself. What began as an advertisement for a housing development has grown into an enduring emblem of dreams, reinvention, and cultural impact.
The removal of “land” in 1949 was more than a cosmetic change—it marked the transformation of the Hollywood sign into a symbol that would resonate far beyond its hillside home. Whether you see it in person or on the silver screen, the Hollywood sign continues to inspire us to reach for the stars.
