Alice Cooper’s Role in Saving the Hollywood Sign
Alice Cooper’s Impact on the Restoration of the Iconic Hollywood Sign is a captivating story that showcases how a rock legend played a pivotal role in revitalizing one of Los Angeles’ most recognized landmarks. After a devastating windstorm in February 1978 severely damaged the sign, Cooper stepped in to help preserve its legacy. Originally constructed in 1923, the Hollywood sign faced significant deterioration before the storm, with one of the letters completely destroyed and another severely compromised. To honor a close friend who had recently passed away, Cooper spearheaded an initiative, rallying fellow celebrities to contribute generously towards restoring this cultural icon.
In a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Groucho Marx, Cooper led the charge by reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce to inquire about the cost of repairing the letters of the sign. Each letter was priced at $27,000, prompting Cooper to declare, “We want to buy the ‘O’ for Groucho.” His intention was clear: to ensure that the letter representing his friend would be restored with the utmost care and dedication. Cooper’s commitment was not only about the money; it was about honoring a cherished friendship and restoring a piece of Hollywood history that was at risk of being lost forever.
Two weeks after Cooper’s commitment, a lavish benefit party was organized by Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion, which became a turning point for the restoration efforts. During this event, notable figures in the entertainment industry, including singer Andy Williams, generously pledged their support by offering to fund additional letters in the iconic sign. Cooper fondly recalled, “Hugh Hefner bought the H,” while other stars like Gene Autry and Steven Spielberg stepped up as well, motivated by a shared love for Hollywood and the urgency to reverse the sign’s decline.
The newly restored Hollywood sign made its grand debut in November 1978, representing a monumental achievement in preservation efforts. A spokesperson for the project explained the scale of the restoration, stating, “We had to build nine four-story high buildings on the side of a mountain.” This ambitious project was not only about replacing letters but also about ensuring that the sign, which stretches a football field and a half long, would endure for generations to come. The commitment to construction quality was paramount, with the aim that as long as Mount Lee stands, the Hollywood sign would remain a vibrant symbol of the entertainment industry.
Alice Cooper Shares His Journey of Restoring the Hollywood Sign (Starts at 9:05)
Alice Cooper Pays for His Hollywood Sign Letter (Richard Creamer, Getty Images)
Watch NBCLA’s Detailed Report on the Hollywood Sign Restoration Efforts
