The Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, is celebrating its 100th birthday. The sign was originally built in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called Hollywoodland. It was only meant to last for a year and a half, instead, it became a symbol of the movie industry, the city of Los Angeles and a glamorous way of life.
The sign has gone through many changes and challenges over the years, such as losing letters, being vandalized, and facing demolition. Thanks to the efforts of celebrities, fans, and preservationists, the sign has been restored and protected several times. Last year it was repainted in anticipation of its centenary. Today, the sign is a cultural icon that attracts millions of visitors and inspires countless dreams.
Not surprisingly, the sign has featured in countless movies. Some have used it as a backdrop for romance, like Friends with Benefits (2011) or La La Land (2016). Some have used it as a target for destruction, like Independence Day (1996) or San Andreas (2015). And others have used it as a plot device, like The Hollywood Sign (2001) or The Artist (2011).
One of the most famous incidents associated with the iconic sign is not so happy. Peggy Entwistle was a young British actress who dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star. She moved to Los Angeles in 1932, hoping to find fame and fortune in the movie industry. But things did not go as planned. She struggled to get roles, and the only film she appeared in was a flop. She became depressed and disillusioned with her career. One night, she decided to end her life by jumping off the letter H of the Hollywood sign, which was then known as the Hollywoodland sign.
Peggy left a note that said: “I am afraid, I am a coward. I am sorry for everything. If I had done this a long time ago, it would have saved a lot of pain. P.E.”
Her body was found the next day by a hiker, who alerted the police. Her tragic death became a legend in Hollywood; she became known as the “Hollywood sign girl”. Some people claim to have seen her ghost haunting the sign.
She is widely believed to be the only person who ever committed suicide by jumping off the Hollywood sign, although there have been rumors of other attempts.
The legend off Peggy and her haunting only adds to the mystery, drama and glamor of the Hollywood sign.
