The Hollywood Sign’s Secret You Can’t Unsee
Ever gazed up at the iconic Hollywood sign and thought, Something’s a bit off here? You’re not alone. There’s a quirky little detail about this world-famous landmark that most people completely miss. But once you spot it, there’s no going back.
Let’s dive into this curious anomaly that’s been hiding in plain sight for decades.
What’s Wrong with the Hollywood Sign?
Jeff Zarrinman, the chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, loves to drop this revelation on unsuspecting visitors. During an interview with News.com.au, he shared the secret: there’s a flaw in the “W” of the sign. Look closely—the gap on the left side of the “W” forms a much narrower “V” than the gap on the right.
“I always get a kick out of telling people this when they’re standing in front of it,” Zarrinman chuckled. “They stare at the sign for hours and never notice. But when I point it out? Bam! It’s all they can see. One of the ‘V’s in the ‘W’ is significantly wider than the other. It’s amazing how something so obvious can be so easily overlooked.”
So, there you have it. The Hollywood sign isn’t as perfect as it seems. And now that you know, good luck unseeing it!
A Hollywood Legacy Built on Curiosity
The Hollywood sign wasn’t always the sleek symbol of stardom we know today. It started in 1923 as a real estate gimmick to promote the Hollywoodland neighborhood. Harry Chandler, a real estate developer and publisher of the Los Angeles Times, wanted a flashy sign that would draw attention to the area. And it worked—people flocked to see the bold letters from miles away.
But the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, and the Hollywoodland development, like much of the country, fell on hard times. Sales slowed, and the once-glowing sign began to fade, literally and figuratively. By 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stepped in, stripping the “land” from the sign and giving us the Hollywood icon we know today.
Saving the Sign
Fast forward to the 1970s, and the sign was in serious trouble again. Neglect had left it in shambles, and something needed to be done. Jeff Zarrinman led a massive fundraising effort, raising $250,000 to rebuild it from scratch.
The campaign gained star-studded support. Hugh Hefner sponsored the “Y,” Alice Cooper pitched in for an “O,” and Warner Brothers threw their weight behind another letter. Thanks to their efforts, the Hollywood sign was reborn, stronger than ever.
A Quirky Imperfection That Endures
Even with its polished makeover, the Hollywood sign kept its peculiar “W.” But maybe that’s part of its charm. After all, even icons aren’t perfect, and sometimes, it’s those little quirks that make them unforgettable.
So, next time you catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, take a moment to appreciate its imperfect perfection. And don’t forget to share this fun tidbit with friends—just be ready for them to say, “Oh no, now I can’t unsee it either!”
