A Star for ERB

Great news!

 

Edgar Rice Burroughs has been awarded a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars!

 

Dubbed “the most influential writer of the twentieth century” by author Ray Bradbury, Burroughs is known as the creator of Tarzan of the Apes, John Carter of Mars, and many more heroes of literature. Since 1912, Burroughs’ characters have been featured in 80+ novels, 60 authorized films, 7 television series, 2 radio programs, 2 Broadway plays, and thousands of comic books and strips worldwide. Edgar Rice Burroughs’ work has made a significant and widespread contribution to the creative arts, which 110 years after the publishing of his first story, continues to flourish.

 

Founded in 1992, the Walk of the Stars runs through the town’s commercial district along Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, and Museum Drive, and recognizes Palm Springs residents and boosters in several categories: Medal of Honor recipients; U.S. presidents; authors and entertainment industry personalities; and philanthropists and other community leaders.

 

Burroughs joins more than 400 recipients who have been honored over the years, among them Al Jolson, Rudolph Valentino, Harold Lloyd, Shirley Temple, Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, Gene Autry, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Merv Griffin, Liberace, Truman Capote, and President Ronald Reagan. Previously honored performers with a connection to Burroughs’ literary and film legacy include actors James Earl Jones, James MacArthur, Jan Murray, Linda Christian, Yolande Donlan, and Gail Kobe; director Richard Thorpe; producer Jerry Weintraub; and Cheeta the chimpanzee.

 

Burroughs resided in Palm Springs with his second wife, Florence, in 1935-36. They were a regular presence at the Palm Springs Racquet Club, which was founded by the couple’s friends Ralph Bellamy and Charles Farrell (themselves charter honorees on the Walk of Stars.) While in Palm Springs, Burroughs wrote the novel Tarzan the Magnificent, the short story “Elmer,” and a satirical presidential campaign for the ape man’s “Nude Deal Platform,” delivered by his monkey companion Nkima.

 

Edgar Rice Burroughs is being honored on behalf of his living heirs: his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The ceremony will be scheduled in spring 2022, after fees for the installment and ceremony have been paid.

 

The cost is $15,000, which covers all expenses including manufacture, installation, maintenance, dedication ceremony, and publicity. We are asking fans to help defray costs for bringing this historic honor to fruition. Palm Springs is recognized as a major Southern California destination hub that attracts millions of tourists every year (see links that follow). This tribute will place Burroughs’ name and legacy before the public for decades to come.

 

Visit Greater Palm Springs

 

Walk of the Stars Official Site

A statement from Linda, Dejah, and Llana Jane Burroughs--the granddaughter-in-law and great-granddaughters of author Edgar Rice Burroughs:

Dejah, Llana and I want to express our gratitude to the city of Palm Springs for honoring Edgar Rice Burroughs with a star on the Walk of Stars, and the fans for their donations to pay for the installation costs. Everyone’s support and participation means a great deal to us. Thanks to all of you who have already helped fund this well-deserved and long-overdue tribute, which celebrates our family and its legacy, so many years after Ed’s passing. Looking forward to seeing you in Palm Springs in 2022!

Cheeta the Chimp's star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars