Rachel McAdams was honored with a new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, a milestone that celebrates her extensive film career and her recent Oscar nomination.
At a Glance
- McAdams receives her 2,833rd Walk of Fame star, joining 1,558 others since 1961.
- The ceremony was held at 6922 Hollywood Blvd., near the El Capitan Theatre.
- The event precedes the release of her new thriller Send Help.
- Why it matters: The star recognizes her impact on cinema and marks a key moment before her latest film hits theaters.
The ceremony, attended by McAdams’ parents, director Sam Raimi, and actor Domhnall Gleeson, was a quiet celebration of her achievements. She was visibly emotional, thanking her parents for their support. “When I was about 8 years old, growing up in tiny little St. Thomas, Canada, I wrote my parents a very desperate letter, asking them to figure out how to fulfill my greatest dream – to be on Ed McMahon’s Star Search,” she said. “They were of course incredibly supportive. I do want to freeze time for a second because you only get a few of these moments in life to thank you on a stage for everything. All of it. All of it is because of you and the love you gave us and the beautiful childhood you gave us, and for believing in me long before I could grasp how to believe in myself.”
Ceremony Details
The star was unveiled on Tuesday at 6922 Hollywood Blvd., between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive, close to the El Capitan Theatre. The location is a popular spot for film premieres and fan gatherings. The event was attended by:
- Rachel McAdams – actress and honoree
- Sam Raimi – director of Send Help and former collaborator
- Domhnall Gleeson – actor and co-star in About Time
The ceremony took place ten days before the release of Send Help, a psychological thriller directed by Raimi.
Upcoming Film: Send Help
Send Help follows McAdams as an overlooked employee who, along with her dismissive new boss Dylan O’Brien, must survive a plane crash on a deserted island. The film showcases her range as an actress and highlights her collaboration with Raimi, who also directed her in the 2022 Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where she reprised her role as emergency surgeon Christine Palmer.
Background and Early Life
Born Nov. 17, 1978 in London, Ontario, McAdams was raised about 17 miles south in St. Thomas, Ontario. She began acting in local theater and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from York University in Toronto in 2001.
Early Career
- 2001 – Television debut in the unaired MTV pilot Shotgun Love Dolls.
- 2001 – Film debut in the Italian-Canadian comedy My Name Is Tanino.
- 2002 – Hollywood debut in The Hot Chick.
Breakthrough Roles
- 2004 – Portrayed Regina George in Mean Girls.
- 2004 – Played Allie Hamilton in The Notebook.
- 2005 – Starred in Wedding Crashers.
Major Accolades
- 2016 – Best supporting actress Oscar nomination for Spotlight.
- 2024 – Tony Award nomination for Broadway debut in Mary Jane.
Awards and Nominations
McAdams’ career is decorated with nominations and awards across film, television, and theater. Her most notable achievements include:
| Year | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Best Supporting Actress | Spotlight | Nominated |
| 2024 | Best Actress in a Play | Mary Jane | Nominated |
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame began in 1961 with 1,558 stars. McAdams’ star is the 2,833rd to be added, placing her among a prestigious group of entertainers. The Walk of Fame is a symbol of lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- McAdams’ Walk of Fame star is a testament to her enduring influence in film and theater.
- The ceremony underscores her continued relevance, with a new film on the horizon.
- Her career trajectory-from early roles to Oscar-nominated performances-illustrates her versatility and dedication.
The event marks a significant moment for McAdams and her fans, celebrating a career that spans over two decades and continues to evolve with new projects and accolades.
