
Picture Credit: Twitter
Billie Jean King, one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a pioneer for women's rights in sports, has been named in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024, in the sports entertainment category. She will become the first-ever female athlete to receive the coveted star on the world's most famous sidewalk.
King, who won 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, is also known for her historic victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match, which inspired a 2017 film starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell. She also founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973 and campaigned for equal prize money for women and men.
King expressed her excitement and gratitude for the honor in a video message posted on Twitter. "I'm so thrilled to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a native of Southern California, it is a dream come true," she said. "I was fortunate to join Holly Hunter when her star was revealed—and now, it is an honor to join her and all of the other legends in Hollywood."
King will join former football player and actor Carl Weathers as the other honoree in the Sports Entertainment category, which was introduced in 2023 to recognize athletes who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Other members of the 2024 class include actors such as the late Chadwick Boseman, Gal Gadot and Michelle Yeoh, and musicians like Gwen Stefani and Dr. Dre.
The date and details of King's star ceremony have not been announced yet. According to the Walk of Fame, recipients have up to two years to schedule their ceremony from their date of selection before the opportunity expires.