Putting some razzle-dazzle on Hennepin

Hennepin Avenue stars: Minnesota to get its own Walk of Fame

By ROHAN PRESTON, Star Tribune

Last update: July 17, 2008 - 11:58 PM

Minnesota is about to get its own "Walk of Fame."

Minnesota-born screen stars Marion Ross from TV's "Happy Days," Loni Anderson from TV's "WKRP in Cincinnati," and Tippi Hedren, best known for Alfred Hitchcock's classic "The Birds," will be honored with stars in the sidewalks of Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

They are the first in a roster of actors, directors and others in show business who will be celebrated with artist-designed terrazzo stars that look like blue snowflakes. The stars, which have a map of Minnesota, will probably be embedded outside the State Theatre in "late summer or early fall," said Karen Nelson of the Hennepin Theatre Trust, which is sponsoring this walk of fame.

The project was initiated by film buff Robert Roessel, executive director of Mexico's Puerto Vallarta Film Festival and a Minnesota native.

The three actresses will return to Minnesota for upcoming events. Ross, who grew up in Albert Lea, will be honored July 28 at the MacPhail Center for Music, where she studied drama in her youth.

New Ulm-born Hedren will be feted Aug. 12 at Edina Cinema's Landmark Theatres.

The event honoring St. Paul native Anderson will be Aug. 18 at the St Paul Hotel.

"We're excited to recognize all those accomplished stars of stage and screen, both in front of and behind the camera," said Tom Hoch, president of the theatre trust. "We look forward to filling the sidewalk with their stars and invite everyone to take pride in the accomplishments of their fellow Minnesotans."

Later this year, a handful of additional stars will be inducted into the walk of fame.

Tickets to these events are free. Call 952-472-2703 for more information, or visit www. hennepintheatredistrict.org.

Rohan Preston • 612-673-4390