The Juanita Moore Star Ceremony and after party was terrific and heartwarming. It was one of the nicest Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies I've been to and well MC'd by Variety's Angelique Jackson one day before what would have been the Imitation of Life Oscar nominated trailblazing Actress's 109th birthday.
It was a beautiful sunny California day and friendship, kindness and camaraderie was rich and in the air. Warm, poignant and humorous speeches were delivered by actresses Debbie Allan, Margaret Avery, Jayne Kennedy, film historian Leonard Maltin, nephew Arnett Moore (who accepted the Star) and Steve Nissen CEO/President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce followed by a very warm and classy afternoon soiree at the recently remodeled luxurious W Hotel nearby hosted by Karen Sharpe Kramer and daughter Kat Kramer. Kat and Karen were instrumental in the Star being realized after 10 years of hard work and dedication with nephew Arnett Moore and the Forget Me Not Juanita Moore Productions committee. Their mission is to honor and recognize Black pioneers in the entertainment and film industry who made sacrifices to improve opportunities for future generations while ensuring their efforts and accomplishments are not forgotten. Kat has a passion to make sure deserving individuals receive their Star and Juanita's (#2793) is located at 6100 Hollywood Blvd close to Kat's father Director producer Stanley Kramer's star. His Star on the southwest corner of Gower and Hollywood was the very first completed Star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame history (1960).
Juanita appeared in 2 of Stanley's movies - "Not as a Stranger" and "A Child is Waiting" which starred Judy Garland. Judy's son Joseph Luft joined us in the VIP area. with Family Affair's Kathy Garver. Thank you Karen and Kat for the lovely invite and thank you also to Sarah Zurell, Ana Martinez, Steve Nissen, publicist Lisa Humphrey and everyone at the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Variety for your warm hospitality.
At one point during the ceremony there was a tremendous gust of wind.... was it Juanita showing her heavenly approval? The theme of the elegant after party was "When You Wish Upon A Star" as it was Juanita's dying wish to have her own Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. Congresswoman Maxine Waters attended the reception and spoke about Juanita being a pioneer. Karen Sharpe Kramer spoke and welcomed guests, musician Cliff Retallick played music and accompanied Kat who beautifully serenaded the crowd with her version of "When You Wish Upon A Star" in honor of Juanita. Many of Juanita's family members and family friends attended the very joyous ceremony and party. The food at The W was delicious and the staff was very attentive and helpful and the beautiful birthday cake was created by Cake Art. Incidentally, Imitation of Life's Lana Turner's Star is nearby on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Juanita's role in that film was one of the most noteworthy of her career.
Concussion health wise I felt pretty good & "normal" with just a bit of difficulty talking normally almost six months since the April 24th accident but the physical trauma continues on other days.
