A car has been awarded a star on the Walk of Fame

Yes, you read that headline correctly. A car has indeed been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Specifically, the Chevrolet Suburban, which is the very first vehicle to earn one.

It seems a little strange, right? Well, that’s until you realise it has featured in films and TV since 1952 - racking up an impressive 1,750+ appearances. To put this in perspective, Christopher Lee has appeared in 276 roles during an illustrious career. And the stalwart actor still doesn’t have a star.

Though, to be fair, he doesn’t get blown up as much as a Chevy…

First gear

What’s interesting is that you wouldn’t necessarily pick the Chevy Suburban out as an iconic vehicle. Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 (1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex) or the DMC DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future, sure. But the Suburban doesn’t have that legendary status.

Maybe that’s the point though. A vehicle that reliably blends into the background of a movie is probably more likely to get the most work.

Hollywood Picture Car Coordinator, Dennis McCarthy, has a different take.

“There’s really nothing else like the Chevrolet Suburban in this business, for two reasons,” McCarthy said. “First, it’s one of the most versatile vehicles in the business, able to fit with any type of character. Second, it can help instantly give a scene added importance. When a convoy of black Suburbans appears on screen, you know that’s not the time to leave your seat to buy popcorn.”