Freddy Krueger Himself: Robert Englund Snags Hollywood Walk of Fame Star on Halloween!

Talk about perfect timing! Robert Englund, the legendary actor who brought Freddy Krueger to terrifying life, officially received his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame this past Halloween, October 31, 2025. It was a dream come true for fans and for the man himself!

TL;DR

• Horror icon Robert Englund received the 2,826th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Halloween, October 31, 2025.
• The ceremony featured speeches from co-star Heather Langenkamp and filmmaker Eli Roth, celebrating Englund's 40+ year career and the enduring legacy of Freddy Krueger.
• Hundreds of fans, many in costume, gathered to honor Englund, who joked about "haunting this street for a long time."

A Nightmarish Dream Come True on Halloween Boulevard

Could there be a more fitting day for Robert Englund, the maestro of nightmares, to get his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Absolutely not! On October 31, 2025, right on Halloween, the actor who has haunted our dreams (and delighted our horror-loving hearts) for decades finally joined the ranks of Tinseltown's legends. The ceremony, held at a spooky 11:30 AM PT, was a star-studded affair — but instead of glamour, it was all about gore-geous celebration!

Located at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, right in front of Larry Edmunds Bookshop (which, fittingly, is Englund's favorite book haven!), the 2,826th star was unveiled to a crowd of hundreds. And let's be real, many weren't just showing up in their everyday attire. Fans, some decked out in full Freddy Krueger cosplay, complete with razor-gloved hands and striped sweaters, transformed the Walk of Fame into what some playfully dubbed the "Walk of Maim." This wasn't just another Hollywood event; it was a horror convention on the sidewalk!

Celebrating a Lifetime of Iconic Characters and Memorable Performances

Englund's career spans over four decades, boasting more than 80 films and countless TV appearances. But of course, the name "Freddy Krueger" is what etched him into cinematic history. He first terrified audiences in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street, a role that sparked seven sequels, a crossover with Jason Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason, and even a TV anthology series, Freddy's Nightmares. The character became an instant horror icon, recognized globally.

Filmmaker Eli Roth, who spoke at the ceremony, perfectly summed up Freddy's standing: "If you ask any fan around the world today 'Who are the horror icons?' They'll say Freddie, Jason, Michael, Ghostface, Chucky and now Art the Clown, probably in that order. Freddie is always first! Always!" That's some serious street cred, or should we say, Elm Street cred.

The Man Behind the Mask: More Than Just Razor Claws

While Freddy might be his most famous role, Robert Englund's acting journey began long before he donned the fedora and burned visage. Born in Glendale, California, in 1947, he stumbled into his first acting class at just 12 years old and was immediately hooked. He honed his craft studying at Oakland University's Meadow Brook Theater, a branch of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and spent years performing in classic plays on the East Coast.

His early film roles included the 1974 neo-noir Buster and Billie, 1976's Stay Hungry (alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger!), Barbra Streisand's A Star is Born (also 1976), and the cult surfing classic Big Wednesday (1978). Before Freddy, he even became a sci-fi darling, playing the sweet alien Willie in the hit 1983 miniseries V and its subsequent series. It's wild to think that Wes Craven originally envisioned a "bulky stuntman" for Freddy, but took a chance on Englund's theatrical training – and the rest, as they say, is nightmare history!

"I feel I am uniquely qualified to speak about [Robert Englund] because I was there the day Freddy Krueger was born. It set your teeth on edge the minute Robert took on Freddy’s voice. He married that demented sneer with this wonderful portrayal of the most evil character you could think of."

— Heather Langenkamp, co-star in A Nightmare on Elm Street

The Enduring Appeal of a Dream Demon

So, what makes Freddy Krueger, and by extension, Robert Englund's portrayal, so incredibly sticky in our cultural consciousness? Englund himself offered some insights into the character's lasting power. He noted that Freddy represents a "loss of innocence," polluting the dreams of kids who are "dreaming of the future." He's a villain with "no future" who "kills the future," creating a "dark, subconscious poetic feel."

But beyond the psychological depth, Freddy also boasts an "unrepentant, politically incorrect villain with a dose of personality." He's witty, cruel, and often hilarious, making him uniquely engaging despite his monstrous nature. Englund fondly recalled realizing Freddy's global reach during a trip to Italy, where fans mobbed his car shouting, "Freddy! Freddy!"

It's been 41 years since Freddy first slashed his way into theaters, and his popularity is, quite literally, hard to kill. Fans like Adrian Preziado declared, "For the best horror icon of all time, you couldn't write that script any better," perfectly encapsulating the communal love for this dream demon.

A Space for Outsiders: How Freddy Krueger Became a Queer Icon

One fascinating aspect highlighted during the celebration was the unique connection between horror, and Freddy in particular, and the LGBTQ+ community. As one article noted, horror has long been a "safe (if blood-soaked) space for queer folks," with monsters often reflecting "otherness." Freddy Krueger, with his "flamboyant gestures, razor wit, and penchant for dramatic entrances," has even been described as a "drag queen's fever dream" – a character who is "equal parts menace and camp, with a fashion sense that’s pure statement."

This perspective adds another layer to Englund's legacy, acknowledging how his performance resonated deeply with those who find power in being different. Eli Roth even observed this "queer energy" in Freddy's appeal: "Robert Englund didn’t just play a monster—he made Freddy Krueger an icon, someone you root for even as you’re screaming. That’s queer energy, right there."

Englund himself, recognizing the diverse appeal, tweeted last year about being in "great company" with horror greats like Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in the Walk of Fame class of 2025, many of whom also have strong ties to LGBTQ+ fan bases. His star isn't just for an actor; it's a nod to every outsider who found their reflection, or a bit of defiant flair, in the shadows of horror.

Englund's Reflections on This Monumental Honor

During the ceremony, a visibly grateful Englund shared his thoughts with the adoring crowd. He opened his speech with a classic Freddy-esque line, "I love the smell of peanut butter cups in the morning, Happy Halloween," eliciting cheers and laughter. He humbly thanked his dedicated fan base, noting, "I'm on my third generation of fans now... I've just accumulated this great fan base and for an old dog like me, that's really great."

He expressed deep gratitude for the honor, stating, "Today, my dream is coming true. I'm really grateful for being permanently cemented into American popular culture." And in true Englund fashion, he couldn't resist a few playful remarks, joking that he'd visit his star "a couple times a year with a little bottle of Windex and clean it up. I’ll take my claws to scrape the gum off." He also quipped about Hollywood Boulevard being the "street of broken dreams" but adding, "Not for this cowboy. No broken dreams. Maybe a couple of broken nightmares."

While fans might always hope for another big-screen return, Englund, at 78 years old, hinted that he doesn't "see another Freddy Krueger film in his future." But he certainly "made the cut as an actor/slasher" and, as he promised the crowd, "I’ll be haunting this street for a long time."

Dive Deeper into Robert Englund's World

If you're itching to learn more about the incredible career of Robert Englund beyond the striped sweater, you're in luck! The SCREAMBOX Original documentary, Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story, is currently streaming on SCREAMBOX and is also available on Blu-ray. It's a fantastic way to explore his journey inside and outside the horror genre.

And for those looking to revisit Freddy's classic scares in stunning clarity, the A Nightmare on Elm Street 4K box set is also available, letting you experience the franchise like never before.

FAQs About Robert Englund's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

When did Robert Englund receive his Hollywood Walk of Fame star?

Robert Englund received his star on Halloween, October 31, 2025.

Where is Robert Englund's star located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

His star, the 2,826th, is located at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of Larry Edmunds Bookshop.

Who spoke at Robert Englund's Walk of Fame ceremony?

Actress Heather Langenkamp, who played Nancy Thompson in A Nightmare on Elm Street, and filmmaker Eli Roth delivered speeches, with Steve Nissen acting as emcee.

Will Robert Englund play Freddy Krueger again?

At 78 years old, Englund has indicated that he doesn't see another Freddy Krueger film in his future, but he continues to be a prominent figure in the horror community.

Can I watch a replay of the Robert Englund Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony?

Yes, all Walk of Fame ceremonies are streamed live on walkoffame.com and are later available on YouTube.com/@HwdWalkofFame.

Sources

• KABC (Rob Hayes) - "From 'Elm Street' to Hollywood Blvd., actor Robert Englund unveils star on Walk of Fame"
• Variety (Jenelle Riley) - "Robert Englund on the Enduring Appeal of Freddy Kruger: ‘An Unrepentant, Politically Incorrect Villain With a Dose of Personality’"
• Bloody Disgusting (John Squires) - "Robert Englund Finally Receives His Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame"
• Extra - "Robert Englund on Moment He Knew Freddy Krueger Was a Global Superstar (Exclusive)"
• Queerty - "Freddy Krueger Finds His Forever Home: Robert Englund Gets a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame"
• City News Service via CBS News - "A Nightmare on Elm Street' star, Robert Englund, honored with Hollywood star"
• UPI Staff - "Robert Englund honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame"