Michael Jackson's death: Fans gather at wrong Hollywood star
A crowd of about 75 people gathered in front of a Michael Jackson star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this afternoon, but it was actually the wrong star--this one was for the former KABC radio personality of the same name.
Jackson's real star near the front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was covered by scaffolding in preparation for the "Bruno" movie premiere so fans gathered at the other Michael Jackson star to light candles and place purple flowers.
Helene Kress, 43, of Los Angeles described the time her daughter auditioned for a Disney dance troupe to Jackson’s “Rock With You.”
“She got the job because of that,” Kress said, choking back tears. “He was so positive, how could you not love him? There’s never going to be another Michael Jackson.”
Kress said she learned of Jackson's death while her daughter, Cheyenne Haynes, 13, was at an audition and did not tell her until after they left.
“I didn’t want her to know because I didn’t want her to get upset,” Kress said.
Afterward, they headed for the radio personality's star to join a prayer circle and sing “We Are The World.”
“He’s still here. He isn’t going anywhere,” Cheyenne said as she cried.
At the star for “The Jacksons” someone had scrawled “5” on top of the “S.” A helicopter hovered overhead and people gathered on patios nearby, snapping photos. LAPD officers directed passersby to join the circle or keep moving.
-- Gerrick Kennedy in Hollywood
Fans of pop star Michael Jackson sit vigil at talk radio host Michael Jackson's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Use The Times interactive map
to see significant sites in the life and death of Michael Jackson,
including Neverland Ranch and his boyhood home in Gary, Indiana.
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Meat in a box. We're all on the same path.
Posted by: Meat | June 25, 2009 at 07:20 PM
That fits for the idiots that venerate the weird and twisted Jackson.
What a bunch of morons!
Posted by: fyrfyghter | June 25, 2009 at 07:33 PM
wow, his name is michael jackson all of a sudden, was'nt it wacko jacko up to recent times?, comedians...
Posted by: mike | June 25, 2009 at 07:45 PM
Great article Mr. Kennedy! Very insightful!!!
Posted by: Kenton | June 26, 2009 at 03:42 AM
I liked his music but I'm not going to miss this freak show one bit. I wonder how many people had him in their Dead Pool for 2009? Probably quite a few!
Posted by: Matt | June 26, 2009 at 01:44 PM
It's sad when a country mourns the death of a popstar more than for the deaths of the people fighting for our freedom every day. We, as a country, need to get out priorities straight.
Posted by: Shelly | June 26, 2009 at 07:59 PM
...and when all of you heartless bastards who bash the king of pop die, peo. will not stoop as low as you and talk bad about you but, not remember you at all because you are nothing...
Posted by: cam | June 27, 2009 at 10:46 AM
A gem of reporting. Many thanks, Mr Kennedy.
Posted by: Bella | June 27, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Diana!!!
Posted by: Kilroy | July 30, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Micheal Jackson (MJ) will always hold a place in my heart... His heart was so big. He tried to help those in need (black or white it did not matter). Why can't we show him some respect after his death. The bigger picture here (I don't want us to miss this) doctors (new drug dealers) are placing people on medicines that are addicting and making a killing. So, don't be some quick to swallow that pill. And who will benefit the most from the death of MJ? May he rest in peace... words surely can not hurt him now.
Posted by: Anna | November 21, 2009 at 09:50 AM
R.I.P Micheal Jackson (weaping)
Posted by: ghgddggdfdgd | January 09, 2010 at 07:40 PM
R.I.P Michael Jackson (weaping)
Posted by: ghgddggdfdgd | January 09, 2010 at 07:41 PM
michael jackson was amazing! my absaloute favorite singer/dancer/actor in the whole world. i cried when i found out the terrible news. its been almost two years and i still am crushed deep inside of this tragic death. michsel we all miss you and wish you were back
Posted by: Allie Edwards | March 08, 2011 at 12:56 PM