Gadot’s historic new star on the Walk of Fame and the contradictions of Hollywood

Israeli celebrity Gal Gadot was honored with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday. She is the first Israeli actor ever to receive the accolade and, somewhat predictably in the current climate, the unveiling ceremony drew both crowds of fans and haters.

There’s nowhere on earth like Hollywood. The very same sidewalk that lauds the glamorous stars of the big screen also hosts the tents of a multitude of homeless people. It’s home to both squalor and stardom lying in uncomfortable juxtaposition.

In another visceral display of the contradictions of Hollywood, adoring Gadot fans were joined by furious Palestine protesters on the same street.

The sidewalk now has 2,804 stars scattered across it, with Gadot’s being the most recent addition, administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Gadot has received recognition for her work, which began with the “Fast and the Furious” films. She soon rose to fame, being most well-known for her starring role in the 2017 superhero film, "Wonder Woman."

Speaking at the event, “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins said that Gadot always gave 100% on set even in challenging conditions, according to the Times of Israel. 

Jenkins revealed, “Quite often, she’s in a swimsuit, outdoors, in the wet and stormy gales of the English winter, but not a comfortable swimsuit. It’s one made of a rigid armor, squeezing her corset-like, tight, as she runs through knee-deep mud in platform wedges or sand on a sweltering beach or underwater, or suspended in the air, sideways, maybe upside down.” 

“When people think of actors, all they imagine is the glamour, and yet Gal has had the least glamorous job I can imagine, but has never stopped giving powerful performances, and somehow always being the happiest, kindest, most loving, most heroic person on the set,” the director added.

Responding amid the protests with her trademark courage and grace, Gadot told the crowd, “I’m just a girl from a town in Israel,” adding, “To all the young people, especially the young girls, if a girl from Rosh Ha’ayin can get a star on Hollywood Boulevard, anything is possible.”

Looking anything but ordinary, the Israeli superstar was dressed in a striking white outfit, and was cheered by supporters as she spoke. However, the Times of Israel reported that dozens of protesters came to shout anti-Israel slogans at the same time. Moreover, a similarly sized pro-Israel group came in opposition to the protesters.

Gadot gave credit to her children for keeping her feet on the ground, jokingly stating, “Whenever my success grew, I always got pregnant.” She and her husband have four daughters – Alma (13) Maya (8) Daniella (3) and Ori (13 months). She told them, “Being your Imma [Hebrew for mother] is the greatest privilege of anything I have ever done. You inspire me to be a better person, to be strong and brave and kind as you are.”

Gadot delivered a message in Hebrew to her family in Israel, expressing her love despite the distance. She also addressed her husband, Jaron Varsano, saying he is “my rock, my compass, my firefighter.” 

The Hollywood actress and her family have faced multiple challenges in recent years. She made the decision to stand up proudly for Israel after the antisemitic onslaught that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack. For this, she has faced significant criticism.

After recently revealing that she survived a life-threatening blood clot in her brain late in her fourth pregnancy, Gadot remains steadfast, refusing to back down from her vocal support for Israel despite the strong opposition.

The controversy and contradictions have continued with Gadot’s latest film, “Snow White,” which has been decried by anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists calling for a boycott due to her involvement.

Even her co-star Rachel Zegler added a “Free Palestine” hashtag while promoting the film. The remake of the popular Disney movie is set to open in U.S. theaters on April 2.