The Hollywood Sign Error You Can’t Ignore

Spotting the Quirk in the Hollywood Sign

Have you ever gazed at the Hollywood sign and noticed something peculiar about one of its letters? You’re not alone! This article aims to highlight a detail that many overlook. Once you see it, you won’t be able to ignore it.

The Sign’s Unique Flaw

In a conversation with News.com.au, Jeff Zarrinman, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, enjoys pointing out a curious flaw in this iconic landmark. He believes that if you haven’t noticed it yet, it will forever alter your view of the sign. Take a moment to examine the shape of the “W.” Can you spot it? If not, the gap on the left side of the “W” is noticeably narrower than the one on the right.

“I always find it amusing to share this tidbit with visitors standing in front of the sign,” Zarrinman said. “People often stare at it for ages without catching on. When I explain that one side of the ‘V’ in the ‘W’ is significantly wider, they’re usually astonished.”

He added, “This ‘flaw’ remains unnoticed by most, even after long gazes, but once you see it, it’s impossible to unsee.”

A Brief History of the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign was conceived in 1923 by real estate developer Harry Chandler, who also published the Los Angeles Times. His idea was to create a striking sign to attract people from downtown Los Angeles to a new development called Hollywoodland. By crafting a monumental sign visible from afar, Chandler aimed to spark interest among potential homebuyers.
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For years, the Hollywoodland sign effectively drew attention to the area. However, as the 1930s approached, the Great Depression severely impacted property sales, causing the Hollywoodland project to suffer.

Due to economic struggles, the sign fell into disrepair. With insufficient funds for maintenance, the once-vibrant letters began to deteriorate. In 1944, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce assumed responsibility for the sign and decided to drop “land,” transforming it into the iconic “Hollywood” sign we recognize today.

Reviving the Icon

By 1949, the condition of the Hollywood sign had declined. Originally intended as a temporary structure for the Hollywoodland project, it was now in desperate need of upkeep. Recognizing its status as a cultural landmark, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took on its maintenance.

In 1970, they realized a complete renovation was necessary. This entailed dismantling the sign and rebuilding it from the ground up. Zarrinman organized fundraisers to raise the $250,000 required for the restoration. “The sign had passionate supporters, and the community was eager to contribute,” he noted. “In April 1978, the Chamber established a committee to ‘save the sign.’”

Prominent figures, including Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper, and the Warner Brothers, participated in the effort by sponsoring individual letters. Hefner backed the letter “Y,” while Cooper sponsored the letter “O.”
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