It’s no secret that the Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol known locally and worldwide. Originally the sign read “HOLLYWOODLAND” to promote new housing development, but it’s since come to represent the entertainment capital and the dreams the city was built on. For some of us, it’s something we see on the horizon every single day — when smog allows, of course. With such a significant landmark that’s stood strong for over 100 years, you can bet that it’s seen some alterations, through pranks and public statements.
We decided to put together a gallery of all these jaw-dropping moments when the Hollywood sign was altered. Scroll on through! For a deeper dive, our very own SLA video producer, Matthew Magnus explored the reasons behind these statements — which you can also watch below:
1. HOLLYWOO — 1973
2. HOLLYWEED — 1976
3. GO NAVY — 1983
4. CALTECH — 1984
5. RAFFEYSOD — 1985
6. HOLYWOOD — 1976 & 1987
7. HOLLYWEED — 2017
8. HOLLYBOOB — 2021
9. RAMS HOUSE – 2022
Bonus Photos:
Although these aren’t exactly changes to the letters of the sign, we still think they’re worth mentioning. (Including animated ones!)
10. Holli Would — 1992
In promotion of the 1992 animated film, Cool World, the Hollywood sign was altered to have the animated character Holli Would sit atop the sign. As a note, locals were not happy about this.
11. HOLLYWOO: BoJack Horseman — 2014
In the animated Netflix show BoJack Horseman, the lead character stole the D in the Hollywood Sign in a drunken state as a present for his lover Diane — leaving the sign to read “HOLLYWOO.”