Billie Jean King, a groundbreaking figure in the world of tennis and LGBTQ+ advocacy, has made history once again. The 81-year-old tennis legend has become the first woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the newly established sports entertainment category. The prestigious honor was unveiled on Monday in a special ceremony attended by King’s close friends, NBA icon Magic Johnson, Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, and her wife, Ilana Kloss.
In a moving speech at the event, King reflected on her journey and the significance of the milestone. “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” King told the crowd, acknowledging both her personal achievement and the ongoing fight for equality in sports and entertainment.
King’s star, the 2,807th to be installed on the Walk of Fame, is located near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, directly across from the Pantages Theatre. To commemorate the occasion, the marquee of the historic theater displayed the message: “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”
A Legendary Career and Advocacy for Equality
Billie Jean King’s journey in sports is nothing short of legendary. Over the course of her career, she amassed an impressive 39 Grand Slam titles, cementing her place as one of tennis’ all-time greats. However, her legacy extends far beyond her achievements on the court. King’s impact on gender equality in sports is profound, and she remains a champion for equal pay and recognition of female athletes.
One of King’s most iconic moments came in 1973 when she defeated Bobby Riggs in a highly publicized match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes.” The match, which drew an audience of approximately 50 million viewers, became a defining moment for women’s sports. It is still considered the most-watched tennis match in history and is often viewed as a pivotal event in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Throughout her career, King was a vocal advocate for equal pay, particularly at major tennis tournaments. In 1972, after winning the U.S. Open, she discovered that the women’s singles champion earned $15,000 less than the men’s winner. King used her influence to push for change, threatening not to compete in the tournament the following year unless the prize money for both genders was equalized. Her efforts led to lasting changes in tennis and inspired future generations of female athletes.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Billie Jean King’s personal life has also been a trailblazing aspect of her legacy. She married Larry King (no relation to the television host) in 1964, but in 1981, she came out as a lesbian after an affair with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett, was threatened to be publicly exposed. King’s decision to publicly embrace her sexuality was a bold move at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility was minimal in the sports world.
Her marriage to Larry King officially ended in 1987, after which she fell in love with Ilana Kloss, her former doubles partner. Despite the end of her marriage, King and Larry King remained close friends. Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss later married in a private ceremony in 2018, and the couple publicly shared the news in 2021.
King’s commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights extended beyond her own personal journey. In 2000, she became the first openly lesbian coach of the United States women’s tennis team. She has also been a champion for women’s sports, founding both the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women’s Sports Foundation, two organizations dedicated to promoting gender equality in athletics.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout her career, Billie Jean King has received numerous accolades for her contributions to sports and society. In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. In 2024, she received the Congressional Gold Medal, further cementing her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports.
King’s recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is yet another testament to her enduring impact on both sports and society. It is also a reflection of the broader cultural shift toward honoring the contributions of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and advocates for equality.
In a post-ceremony interview, Magic Johnson, a longtime friend of King, praised her for being not only a sports legend but also a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community. “Billie Jean changed the game for women in sports, and she’s still making an impact today,” Johnson said. “She’s an inspiration to all of us, and it’s great to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis also spoke to the significance of the moment. “Billie Jean King is not just a tennis icon,” Curtis said. “She’s a symbol of courage, equality, and perseverance. This star represents everything she has given to the world, both on and off the court.”
A Lasting Legacy
Billie Jean King’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is a fitting tribute to her groundbreaking achievements, both as an athlete and as an advocate for change. Her contributions to sports and equality will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, especially women and LGBTQ+ individuals, who strive to break down barriers and make their voices heard.
As King herself said during the ceremony, her hope is that she won’t be the last woman to receive a star in the new sports entertainment category. With her unwavering commitment to equality, it’s clear that Billie Jean King’s legacy will continue to inspire and pave the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Billie Jean King’s story is one of persistence, resilience, and the fight for fairness, making her place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame not just an honor for her career, but a milestone for all those who have been inspired by her trailblazing path.
