The legendary actor behind Freddy Krueger, Robert Englund, was officially honored with his Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Halloween, a perfectly spooky and well-deserved tribute to a horror icon.

TL;DR

  • Horror icon Robert Englund, famously known as Freddy Krueger, received the 2,826th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • The star was unveiled on October 31, 2025 (Halloween!), at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, joined by guests Eli Roth and Heather Langenkamp.
  • This honor celebrates Englund's five-decade career and cements his legacy as one of cinema's most enduring and beloved "villains."

Alright, horror hounds and movie buffs, buckle up! Hollywood just got a whole lot spookier, and frankly, a lot cooler. The one and only Robert Englund, the absolute legend who gave us the razor-gloved dream demon Freddy Krueger, has officially been immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! And guess what? It happened on Halloween. Could the timing be any more perfect?

On October 31, 2025, the 2,826th star was unveiled right there on Hollywood Boulevard, specifically at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the iconic Larry Edmunds Bookshop. It was a day filled with screams of delight (the good kind, mostly) and heartwarming tributes for the man who's been haunting our nightmares and delighting us for decades. You know it’s a big deal when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce producer, Ana Martinez, herself says, "I think the timing of having Robert’s star on Halloween is most fitting as his legacy is deeply entwined with the very spirit of Halloween.”

A Star-Studded Celebration for a Horror Icon's Cinematic Legacy

Englund wasn't alone in celebrating this monumental achievement. He was joined by some familiar faces from the horror world and beyond. Director and producer Eli Roth (known for chilling flicks like Hostel and Cabin Fever) and the original scream queen herself, Heather Langenkamp (who famously played Nancy Thompson opposite Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street), were both there to share their admiration and respect for their friend and colleague. The atmosphere was electric, filled with fans, photographers, and, naturally, plenty of "Freddy!" chants.

Eli Roth, a self-proclaimed Freddy superfan, didn't hold back his praise. "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!" he declared, echoing what many of us have thought for years. It's true; Freddy Krueger isn't just a character; he's a phenomenon, and Englund is the heart and soul behind that global recognition.

"He buried himself in the makeup so much so that he took the most monstrous figure of our nightmares and turned him into a beloved icon that warmed our hearts. Robert is not just a horror royalty, he's truly a gem in every way — a cinematic and theatrical treasure, a force of nature, and someone who intuitively finds that part of ourselves in any character, no matter how monstrous."

— Eli Roth, Director and Friend

From Stage Dreams to Elm Street Nightmares: Robert Englund's Journey to Horror Stardom

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Before he donned Freddy's iconic striped sweater and clawed glove, Robert Englund was a theater kid with a serious love for performance. Born in Glendale, California, in 1947, he was just 12 when he stumbled into his first acting class. It sparked a passion that led him to study at the U.S. branch of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at Oakland University in Detroit, honing his craft in classical theatre on the East Coast for years.

His Hollywood break came with his first audition for Buster and Billie in 1974, followed by roles in films like Stay Hungry, A Star Is Born (yes, alongside Barbra Streisand!), and the TV miniseries V, where he played the sweet alien Willie. But Englund, ever the versatile actor, wanted to avoid being typecast. So, when he heard about a low-budget horror film by Wes Craven, he saw an opportunity to showcase a different side. Craven, initially envisioning a bulky stuntman for his burned killer, was ultimately swayed by Englund's intense audition and deep theatrical training. The rest, as they say, is horror history.

Building the House That Freddy Built: The Enduring Impact of a Nightmare Icon

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Englund's debut as Freddy Krueger in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street was nothing short of a career-defining moment. His unique blend of dark humor, menacing charisma, and a terrifyingly playful demeanor transformed Freddy from a simple slasher into an instant pop culture icon. That initial film's success wasn't just big; it exploded, spawning seven sequels, a TV series, crossovers (hello, Freddy vs. Jason!), and a fan following that has spanned generations.

This phenomenal success even earned New Line Cinema the nickname "The House That Freddy Built," a testament to how profoundly Englund's portrayal impacted the studio. Robert himself recalled realizing Freddy's global reach during a trip to Italy. "We were over there and were in the limo pulling up… and I was with my girlfriend, but I opened the door and they were going, ‘Freddy! Freddy!’ That was my first inkling that’s how big it was,” he shared. Freddy, in Englund's own words, struck a chord because he was "an unrepentant, politically incorrect villain with a dose of personality," a symbol for the "loss of innocence" that "kills the future." This thoughtful approach to a monstrous character is precisely what made Freddy, and Englund, so unforgettable.

Still Haunting Screens and Inspiring Generations: Englund's Active Career and Philanthropy

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While Freddy Krueger might be his most famous role, Englund's career stretches far beyond Elm Street. Over five decades, he's amassed an impressive resume of over 80 films and countless television appearances, sharing the screen with legends like Henry Fonda, Jeff Bridges, Sally Field, and James Earl Jones. He's also a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive tones to various animated projects.

Fans recently got to see him in a chilling role in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things Season 4, proving he can still bring the scares. And for those craving more, he's also voiced Jiminy Cricket in the new animated horror film Pinocchio: Unstrung, which dropped on October 26. Plus, to celebrate Freddy's lasting legacy, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released the entire A Nightmare on Elm Street 7-Film 4K UHD Collection, bringing those classic scares to modern home viewing. Outside of his acting work, Englund is also a supporter of meaningful causes, including ScaresThatCare.org and the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship fund.

At 78 years young, Englund's enthusiasm for his fans remains as strong as ever. During the ceremony, he thanked the crowd, saying, "I wouldn't be here without the fans... thanks for coming, and thanks for supporting me, thanks for going down rabbit holes on the internet, finding my old movies." While he doesn't foresee another Freddy Krueger film in his future, he did joke about his new star, promising, "I'll go by 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." A true legend, indeed!

A Star-Studded Celebration: Friends, Fans, and the Future of Horror

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The ceremony itself was a vibrant tapestry of shared memories and heartfelt admiration. Heather Langenkamp spoke fondly of Englund’s distinct voice as Freddy. "Not only did he have this voice. It was gravely. It was sneering. There was a little spittle involved. ... It set your teeth on edge the minute Robert took on Freddy's voice," she recounted, perfectly capturing the chilling essence he brought to the character.

Fans, some even dressed as Freddy, lined Hollywood Boulevard, making it a "Walk of Maim" in tribute. Adrian Preziado, a fan in attendance, summed up the sentiment: "For the best horror icon of all time, you couldn't write that script any better." It’s clear Englund's impact resonates deeply, connecting with multiple generations who have come to love the charismatic villain. Englund himself acknowledged this, 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."

This star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn't just an honor; it's a permanent marker of a remarkable career. It’s a tribute to an actor who thrilled, terrified, and inspired audiences for over five decades, solidifying his legacy as one of cinema’s most enduring figures – and the unforgettable face behind one of its most haunting nightmares. Hollywood’s "street of broken dreams" just gained a star who brought a whole lot of nightmares, but absolutely no broken dreams, as Englund himself quipped: "They call it the street of broken dreams. Not for this cowboy. No broken dreams. Maybe a couple of broken nightmares."

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Englund's Star

Robert Englund, Freddy Krueger Himself, Gets a Star on Halloween! image 7 When did Robert Englund receive his Hollywood Walk of Fame star?

Robert Englund received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Friday, October 31, 2025.

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

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

Who attended Robert Englund's Walk of Fame ceremony?

Special guests included director Eli Roth and actress Heather Langenkamp, who famously co-starred with Englund in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Many fans also gathered for the event.

Will Robert Englund play Freddy Krueger again?

At 78 years old, Robert Englund has stated he does not foresee another Freddy Krueger film in his future, though he continues to act and do voice work in other projects.

Sources

  • MovieNews Nerdtropolis - "The Walk of Fame shines for Robert Englund, the face of Freddy Krueger."
  • CBS News - "A Nightmare on Elm Street" star, Robert Englund, was honored with his Hollywood star, appropriately on this Halloween Friday."
  • KABC Television, LLC - "From 'Elm Street' to Hollywood Blvd., actor Robert Englund unveils star on Walk of Fame"
  • Variety - "Robert Englund on the Enduring Appeal of Freddy Kruger: ‘An Unrepentant, Politically Incorrect Villain With a Dose of Personality’"
  • Extra - "Robert Englund on Moment He Knew Freddy Krueger Was a Global Superstar (Exclusive)"
  • TMZ - "Robert Englund Gets His Walk Of Fame Star ... Sporting Freddy Krueger Glove!"
  • KNX News 97.1 FM - "Freddy Krueger actor Robert Englund to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star"