The first ten honorees on the new Pittsburgh Walk of Fame were formally inducted in a public ceremony on Monday, October 20. Among them was actor Michael Keaton, who was present to accept the honor and offer remarks.
The new visitor attraction, designed to celebrate Southwestern Pennsylvanians who have left their mark on our nation’s cultural heritage, is located on the Smallman Street sidewalk in front of The Terminal, in the heart of the Strip District. It features 10 granite blocks in the sidewalk. Each stone is embedded with a bronze star and plaque honoring one of the inaugural inductees.
Those honorees are jazz master George Benson, journalist Nellie Bly, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, environmentalist and writer Rachel Carson, baseball legend Roberto Clemente, iconic actor Michael Keaton, children’s television host and producer Fred Rogers, medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk, artist Andy Warhol, and playwright August Wilson.
“Honestly, this is one of the greatest days of my life,” said Keaton, whose actual name is Michael Douglas, as he addressed the crowd of nearly a thousand from the podium. “There’s nothing like being recognized by your hometown. Because it’s the place that actually makes you who you are. And to be honored here—and, boy, be included in this group of inaugural honorees, who not just shaped Pittsburgh, but literally shaped the world—this is almost embarrassing. Almost.”
Unable to attend the ceremony in person, George Benson delivered recorded remarks on large screens, and River City Brass was on hand to add its distinctive sound to the festivities. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Rycon Construction were the leading sponsors.
—Nancy Polinsky Johnson
