Watch CBS News

Humble Steve Guttenberg Gets 2,455th Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

HOLLYWOOD (CBS) —  A humble Steve Guttenberg received the 2,455th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday, recalling the start of his acting career 35 years ago and thanking his parents for their support.

Guttenberg's star was placed in front of the Hollywood Police Activities League office at 6411 Hollywood Blvd., near Cahuenga Boulevard, in connection with his starring role in four "Police Academy" films from 1984-87.

Guttenberg recalled that in 1976 the building included the office of a casting director that he walked a few blocks to get to because he didn't want to put money in a parking meter.

"I had my audition and she told me never to come back, they couldn't use me here and I should go back home," Guttenberg said.

"I said to myself, `I'm going to give it a little bit more time.' I've been doing this 35 years. I'm going to keep giving it a little more time."

Guttenberg, 53, called his acceptance speech a "love letter" to his parents, Ann and Jerome.

"You let me come out here when I was 17 years old and $300 in my pocket," said Guttenberg, who has appeared in 52 films, including "Three Men and a Baby," "Short Circuit" and "Cocoon" and their sequels.

"For a few months, dad, you and I didn't talk too well because you didn't want me to come out here. I just want you to know you are my king and queen, you're everything to me. To have you here means everything to me."

The ceremony coincided with Guttenberg's starring role on Broadway in "Relatively Speaking."

"I'm proud to honor someone who's also a dear friend," said Tom Sherak, one of the play's producers and the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "I've known him for 25 years and he hasn't changed in 25 years."

Born Aug. 24, 1958, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in North Massapequa on Long Island, Guttenberg began his career in 1977 by appearing in the thriller "Rollercoaster" and the made-for-television movie "Something for Joey," and starring in the high school comedy "The Chicken Chronicles."

Guttenberg's other movie credits include "Diner," "The Boys from Brazil" and "Bedroom Window." He also appeared in the made-for-television movies "The Day After," the most-watched made-for-television movie, "Miracle on Ice" and "To Race the Wind."

Guttenberg also appeared on the spring 2008 season of "Dancing with the Stars."

 (©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.