Hollywood is more than glamour, red carpets, and blockbuster premieres. Beneath its glittering surface lie amazing stories, unexpected details, and quirky traditions. From odd landmarks to curious industry rules, Hollywood surprises even its biggest fans. Get ready to uncover fascinating bits of history and culture that keep this iconic place so unique.
Hollywood
Hollywood was not built on cinema. The area began as an agricultural community known for growing citrus and barley fields.
The famous Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland” to promote a local housing project in 1923.
The Walk of Fame has over 2,700 stars, but not all belong to people. Even fictional characters like Godzilla and Mickey Mouse earned spots.
The first movie ever shot in Hollywood was produced in 1910. It was a short silent film called In Old California.
Marilyn Monroe’s star on the Walk of Fame is one of the most photographed, drawing thousands of tourists each week.
There is a time capsule buried under the Hollywood sign. It contains letters and memorabilia planned to be opened in 2950.
Despite its fame, film industry unions banned Hollywood actors from wearing branded clothing in early commercials.
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, first took only 15 minutes. Today, the event lasts hours and attracts a global audience.
Charlie Chaplin has one star on the Walk of Fame, but his son and grandson also share the same honor.
Hollywood Boulevard once had a glamorous streetcar system, but it was torn down in favor of car traffic in the 1960s.
The Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars, was designed to perfectly hide television cables during live broadcasts.
There is a secret apartment built above the Dolby Theatre for VIP guests, rarely used by celebrities but maintained constantly.
The first sound stage in Hollywood was so small that directors recorded indoors while actors mouthed lines outdoors.
Not all stars on the Walk of Fame were welcome. Some residents opposed the project, fearing crowds and reduced property values.
The Hollywood sign has strict security. Infrared cameras and motion sensors protect the area because fans often try to climb it.
Maisie Williams captured hearts worldwide as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones. Beyond acting, she’s a creator, activist, and voice for mental health and sustainability.
Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams was born Margaret Constance Williams on April 15, 1997, in Bristol, England.
She rose to fame as Arya Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones, a role she played from 2011 to 2019 starting at age 14.
Maisie was the first child actor in Game of Thrones to portray a character who kills on-screen.
She won multiple awards for her role as Arya, including two Portal Awards and a Saturn Award.
Maisie’s real-life adventurous spirit inspired her character’s fearless nature on the show.
In addition to TV, she has starred in films like The Falling and the superhero movie The New Mutants (2020).
Maisie Williams voiced the character Goona in the 2017 animated film Early Man.
She has a passion for dance, considering it her “first love” before acting took center stage.
Maisie is also a co-founder of the social media platform Daisie that connects young creators.
She had a recurring role on the sci-fi series Doctor Who as Ashildr/Me.
Maisie Williams is known for her bold and eccentric fashion choices, often making headlines on red carpets.
She has publicly spoken about mental health, advocating for openness and awareness.
Maisie has over 9 million followers on Instagram as of 2025, showing her wide popularity.
She actively supports environmental causes and sustainable fashion initiatives.
Despite her fame, Maisie Williams is known to maintain a close circle of friends and family for grounding.
Daniel Craig redefined James Bond with raw action and layered depth. His journey from early roles to global stardom is packed with unique insights and little-known trivia. Dive into rare facts about Daniel Craig and discover what makes this English actor captivating.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is the only James Bond actor who refused to dye his hair black for the role, keeping his natural blond look throughout his tenure.
Craig is the shortest actor to play James Bond, standing at 5’10”.
Before landing his breakthrough, Craig starred as an Afrikaner in his first film appearance in 1992’s “The Power of One.”
He won his big break with the BBC drama “Our Friends in the North” in 1996, despite struggling with the Geordie accent at his audition.
Craig became lifelong friends with Mark Strong during filming of that series and is now godfather to Strong’s sons.
Craig was reportedly offered $150 million to return for two more Bond movies after Spectre.
He had his body insured for $9.5 million between Bond productions, a testament to the physical demands of the role.
In Casino Royale, Craig quit smoking and gained twenty pounds of muscle for the physically intense fight scenes.
He played a crucial role in the casting of the Bond girls, he approved personally all of them.
Daniel Craig made an uncredited cameo in Star Wars: Episode VII as the stormtrooper manipulated by Rey’s Jedi mind trick.
He does not use social media and enjoys a low profile outside the film world.
Craig is a huge fan of science fiction, especially Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the cult series Firefly.
Audiences once didn’t recognize him in a U.S. cinema; asked if he looked like Daniel Craig, he said “no” and walked away.
In 2021, Craig was appointed honorary Royal Navy Commander, commemorating his on-screen role as a Navy Commander.
He is only the second Englishman after Roger Moore to play Bond, and officially became the longest-serving James Bond actor in 2019.
