Hollywood community pays tribute to one of its own

John Ritter mural dedication
Originally uploaded by CD-13

This morning I helped dedicate the addition of the late actor John Ritter to the Portrait of Hollywood mural at Hollywood High School.

John graduated from Hollywood High where he served as student body president for two years (running unopposed for his second term, as his wife Amy says he often reminded his family). He went on to great success as an actor, winning an Emmy and numerous other awards.

Now, John is a permanent fixture overlooking his alma mater and the community where he got his start. I think he would have been pleased that this project in his memory was the result of collaboration between so many Hollywood High School neighbors, including the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency, Legacy Partners, Gatehouse Capital, and Jimmy Kimmel, whose late night talk show films across the street from the school.

Local artist Eloy Torrez painted the original mural as well as the addition.

Drive southbound on Highland between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards and you won't be able to miss John's towering portrait.