Calling it a “once in a lifetime moment,” Melba Moore shed tears Thursday as she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The singer and actress was awarded the 2,760th star for her work in live theater and live performance. When she walked to the podium, Moore screamed and hit a high note.
“This was never on my radar. I never had any thoughts or dreams about being on Hollywood and Vine in pavement,” Moore said.
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The Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee was impeccably dressed in an animal print suit. She explained what it meant to have her name permanently etched into the Los Angeles landmark.
“I’m humbled,” she said through tears. “I want you to know that I’m honored. I’m absolutely astonished. I never, ever thought of anything like this.”
Singer-actress Freda Payne, and comedians Luenell and Katt Williams joined Moore at the ceremony, which was hosted by fellow music legend Jimmy Jam.
Moore, 77, made her mark in R&B, pop, jazz and gospel. But her journey to stardom began on Broadway.
The Harlem native made her Broadway debut in the original cast of HAIR in 1968, replacing Diane Keaton and becoming the first African-American woman to step into a lead role previously held by a white actress.
In 1970, Moore won a Tony Award for her role in Purlie, becoming the first Black actress to win in the category of Best Female Supporting Actress.
Her Broadway legacy includes performances in Timbuktu alongside Eartha Kitt, Inacent Black, Ain’t Misbehavin, Chicago, and Les Misérables.
The star for Melba Moore is located at 1645 Vine Street, near the historic corner of Hollywood and Vine, in Los Angeles.
