Gal Gadot shines so bright: First Israeli honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

In a historic moment for Israel and Hollywood alike, Gal Gadot cemented her status as a global superstar yesterday (Tuesday), becoming the first Israeli to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held in front of the iconic El Capitan Theatre at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, marked the dedication of the 2,804th star on the famed sidewalk, awarded to Gadot in the Motion Pictures category.

The event was a star-studded affair, hosted by Steve Nissen, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and streamed live exclusively at www.walkoffame.com for fans worldwide. Joining Gadot were two of her closest collaborators: director Patty Jenkins, who helmed the blockbuster Wonder Woman, and actor Vin Diesel, her co-star from the Fast & Furious franchise. Gadot arrived with her husband, Jaron Varsano, and their four daughters, visibly moved as she stood before the cheering crowd. The 39-year-old actress, radiant in the Los Angeles sunshine, couldn’t hide her excitement as she unveiled the star that immortalizes her contributions to cinema.

Ana Martinez, the Walk of Fame producer, hailed Gadot’s achievement: “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Gal Gadot to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Being honored with a star is a testament to her incredible talent, dedication, and impact on the entertainment industry. It’s a recognition of her hard work and contributions that will forever be etched on Hollywood’s iconic sidewalk. Gal Gadot is well deserving of this honor.” For Israelis watching from afar—where the event aired in the evening on March 18—the moment was a source of national pride, a testament to Gadot’s trailblazing path.

Gadot’s rise is nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Rosh HaAyin, a modest city east of Tel Aviv, she first gained attention as Miss Israel in 2004 before serving in the IDF, where her poise and discipline took root. Her Hollywood breakthrough came with the Fast & Furious series, but it was her 2017 role as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman that catapulted her to global fame. The film, directed by Jenkins, grossed over $820 million worldwide, becoming the season’s highest earner and earning Gadot a Saturn Award. Since then, she’s starred in hits like Wonder Woman 1984, Justice League, Red Notice, Death on the Nile, and Heart of Stone, showcasing her versatility and magnetic screen presence.

This week, Gadot takes on a new challenge as the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action Snow White, a musical reimagining of the 1937 classic set to open exclusively in theaters on Friday, March 21. Critics are already buzzing about her “dangerous and fun” performance, a stark contrast to her heroic roles. Next, she’ll step into Kevin Macdonald’s The Runner for Amazon International, with production slated to begin soon. Beyond acting, Gadot is a powerhouse producer, developing numerous projects with her husband through their company, Pilot Wave, proving her influence extends far beyond the camera.

Her Hollywood peers showered her with praise during the ceremony. Vin Diesel, who first worked with Gadot in 2009’s Fast & Furious, called her “family,” while Jenkins lauded her as “a singular talent who brings heart to every role.” Their presence underscored Gadot’s ability to forge lasting bonds in an industry known for its transience. At home in Israel, her words—“If a girl from Rosh HaAyin can do it, anything is possible”—resonated deeply, a reminder of her roots amid the glitz of Los Angeles.

Off-screen, Gadot’s impact is just as profound. She’s a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes like Alexandria House, Children’s Hospital LA, and the Jewish Agency for Israel, reflecting her commitment to giving back. As she stood beside her star, flanked by family and friends, Gadot embodied the dream she articulated: proof that determination and talent can break any barrier, from a small Israeli town to the heart of Hollywood.

For fans, the timing couldn’t be sweeter. With Snow White poised to dazzle audiences and her Walk of Fame star now gleaming at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, Gal Gadot’s legacy is etched in both celluloid and concrete—just goes to show what’s possible when a girl dares to dream big.